-Chapter 4-

Looking out at the ocean waves I sighed. "How much further is it?"

The beast I now road upon was a recreation of the giant manta-ray I had eaten before. Raiding in a bulbus pod atop its back, my nerves connected to it via the throne like chair within. I had recycled the giant knight puppet to make it. After leaving the island of beast-folk I've traveled north island hoping for several days. Another day passes and I finally encounter a small fishing ship. Stopping next to the ship I hop out of the manta and call out to the people on board.

"Hey!"

The people were mostly beast-folk but I also spot a few humans. They were just staring at me in slight confusion. Apparently they never saw some one raiding a giant manta before.

"How much further until I reach the capital?"

They take a moment to glance at each other and decide what to do.

"Just a few dozen kilometers north." one guy replies.

"Thank you." I say hoping back in and departing.

A hours travel later I finally reach my destination. The giant towers and arches of the cities sea walls were the first thing I see. Even from a distance they look like they gigantic appearing to raise two hundred or more feet out of the water. Various defensive towers and battlements visible along their length.

I whistle. "Impressive."

I slowly drift into port with the guards at the gates giving me and my manta a side look as I pass through the giant sea wall gates. Each one several hundred feet wide and high. Looking around the docks I spot a smaller one and pull into it and hop out. A guard walks down the steps into the dock chamber.

"Uh? ma'am were you raiding that manta?" said a surprised beast-folk city guard.

"Yes. I tamed it. What is it illegal or something?"

"No. But uh? Well since your not a citizen you need to register with the cities immigration registry if you don't have one. Everyone who wants to come go or live in the city or do business in our nation requires them. Sorry but its the law."

"Ah! Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I lost all my money in the same storm that destroyed my boat. I was left stranded on the island archipelago and had to island hop my way here."

The guard looked shocked. "Wait!? You came up through the National park!"

"Yeah. Like I just said a storm sank my boat."

The guard pinched his temple giving a sigh. "Ok. Ok. This kind of things happened before. I see. Look if you don't got any money which registering requires then you need to go to the adventures guild and ask some willing party to let you join them."

I tilt my head. "I'm guessing it takes money to register with the adventures guild too then?"

"Yes. But you can join a party as a temporary member and share in the spoils of their dungeon raiding if their nice enough or think your worth it. Or ask them to pay for the ID before hand. Given that fancy armor and weapons your a adventurer from some other nation?"

"Yep. I was traveling the world seeing the sights when that storm showed up out of know where."

I'm going to tell this lie often aren't I?

The beast-folk guard nodded. "Uh, huh. Look. Just go to the main street and you'll find the adventures guild on the left with the big wing above the entrance."

I salute the guard. "Thank you mister?"

"Greg." he said with a tired look.

"Thanks a million Greg."

I leave the docks and wander through town. The cities huge with hundreds of thousands of people all over. This city must have a population of a million or more. Taking in the sights as I walk through a open market place down the length of a long street I admire the architecture of the white washed buildings. Pillars and arches used in the construction of every building reminds me of roman architecture only on a larger scale and with buildings that on average reach up from five stories high to twenty five stories high at most.

Pushing my way through the hustle and bustle of the city's marketplace I eventually reach the central part of the city. Its a giant rectangle shaped open space with buildings on all sides and what looks like a royal palace on the far side. Looking around I spot a building with a large wing above its entrance to my right.

"Bingo."

I saunter over entering the adventurers guild. Inside it's like a office the interior really reminding me of a bank with long counters with multiple people doing business of some kind with the clerks all of whom were woman, some human others beast-folk. But off to the side there's a bar and restaurant with dozens of armored people of various races in fancy gear eating and talking.

The Headache strikes back.

"Ow! I'm really getting some fairy-tail x goblin-slayer vibes from this set up."

A big lug with a spear bumps into me on his way out the door.

"Well excuse you buddy."

He just grunts and leaves.

"Jerk."

Ignoring the rude guy I turn and walk to the registering counter with the well dressed woman.

"Hellos. How's cans Is helps yous todays?" the counter girl said in a odd accent.

The accent throws me off a moment. "Ugh? I'ed like to know if any parties are looking for a extra to join them. I lost my adventurers ID and money in a storm on the way here and need cash quickly so I can register as a visitor to this nation so I don't get kicked out."

The woman look's like she's had to deal with this before. "Ahs wells lets mes thinks? Is believes Rocks partys is lows ons mans powers. Theys shoulds bes overs ats thes restaurants lasts times is saws."

"And what does this Rock look like?" I ask.

"Ohs. Hes a bigs guys withs as spears."

Another clerk interrupted. "Sir you just passed him by just now. He was the man that bumped into you on his way out."

I sigh. "That guy! Thanks for the help. Bye."

Turning around I leave the building, stopping just outside. "Where'd he?" I glance around.

Smelling the air I pick up the faint traces of his scent that got on me when he rudely bumped into me. Following the faint scent trail through the crowds I end up back at the docks at a warehouse.

"Yeah. This totally doesn't look shady."

Placing my hands on my swords just in case I enter sneak mode crouching as I walk in. In the distance I hear people talking, their voices echoing around the metal structure. Leaping and climbing from create to create I reach the top of a wall of crate's. The voices get louder and clearer as I approach. Sneaking around on the wall of crate's I get closer. Eventually coming to a open area at the center of the warehouse.

"Where is she!" shouts Rock.

"Be patient." said a cloaked man. "So long as you provide the gold she'll be unharmed."

Rock clenched his teeth and hands. "Why are you two doing this?"

The cloaked man ignored Rocks words and gestures to another cloaked person who leaves. I follow them keeping to the shadows and using my spider walk ability to climb the walls and crates. From over head I follow the second cloaked person as they moved through the maze like crate walls. They go to a corner of the building where a young girl is tied up.

I'ed really love to help out here but I really don't know what's going on so I 'll just hang back and watch.

The second cloaked person cuts the bindings tying the girl to the chair. Yanking her up by the chained manacles on her wrists he guides her back towards the center of the warehouse. I remain a spectator as the events unfold.

The girl is lead back to the center of the warehouse. The guy I think is Rock looks relieved when he sees her. She looks concerned when she sees him and tries to speak but while her lips move nothing comes out of her mouth.

"Is that dew to a spell?"

The second cloaked person un locks her hands bindings and she runs over to Rock continuing to flap her mouth but making no sound.

Rock embraces her. "A silence spell. Guess that's just a precaution."

Rock glared at the two cloaked people then held a hand out. A portal opened and several medium sized chests appeared.

I made a mental whistle. "Is that dimensional storage? Neat. I really want to learn that one."

The two cloaked people opened the chests. Both filled with gold and jewels. Both cloaked men waved their hands making the chests disappear.

"Pleasure doing business with you." said one of the cloaked men.

A glowing circle appeared below the two cloaked men and a instant later they disappeared.

Rock waved a hand over the girls mouth seemingly undoing the spell. She started crying and hugging Rock who started cursing the two cloaked men as he embraced the girl.

I hummed to my self and returned to the adventurers guild. I sat down and jus waited. Shortly after Rock and the girl got back. Rock still looked pissed and the girl looked depressed.

"The two of you look like you've had a bad day!?" I say as they passed.

Rock glares at me. "You! Shut up and leave us alone if you know what's good for you."

I hop off my chair running in front of them. "Yeah sorry. I've got my own situation. I need cash and one of the counter girls told me a man named Rock with a spear could help me."

Rock sighs. "What do you want?"

"A job. I just got into this city but if I don't pay for a city ID. I'll get kicked out in a few days without one. So I need money and this was the first idea I hand."

Rock gives me a side long look thinking. "Hm? Ok but I'll pay for your ID and registry. In return I want you to work in my party for a year."

"Deal." I said holding my hand out.

Rock took my hand and we shook. "So what's you're name?"

"Don't have one."

The girl raised a eye brow. "No name?"

Rock crossed his arms. "I assume you have a reason for not having one."

"Got amnesia."

"Ah." said Rock with a annoyed eye roll.

Rock wasted no time in paying for my ID registry. After that he also paid for my adventures ID and I got a Porcelain ID tag. The girl who introduced her self as Amanda. Explained about the ranking system for adventurers. In descending order from the top rank it was 1st rank Platinum, 2nd rank Gold, 3rd rank Silver, 4th rank Bronze, 5th rank Ruby, 6th rank Emerald, 7th rank Sapphire, 8th rank Steel, 9th rank Obsidian and then lastly 10th rank Porcelain. Which was the starting rank for new adventurers. Which was my rank. Ranks were named by the material used to make the ID badge's. In my case weak and fragile porcelain just like the newbies that get it.

Well I know better about my own abilities but I'll play for now. Personally I think I should be a much higher ranked but best to play along with the locals for now. As they say. When in Rome.

"Understand?" Amanda said seemingly without a care in the world.

I looked at her remembering that just a short time ago she was at the mercy of those two men for what ever reason.

"You adventurers are made of sterner stuff huh."

Amanda widened her eyes in surprise at that.

I waved my hand. "Never mind that. I get the gist of it. Anyway are we going to a dungeon or do we have another job or something?"

Rock bit into his sandwich crewing a moment before swallowing.

"Well go on a job tomorrow. For now just relax and prepare your self." Rock looked me up and down. "From the looks you already have some nice armor and gear. Especially that black sword?"

I draw the blade examining it. "I won it in a battle to the death. Well, survived really. Another person landed the killing blow on the pirate I got this from. But I did serve as the bait so I deserve it."

Rock stared at the lustrous black surface. "A pirate? There haven't been pirates in these waters for a decade."

Amanda turned towards Rock. "I hear a pirate crew have been raiding the waters just outside the countries borders though!"

Rock hummed to himself. "I see. Well you'll need a name and put down details of your class."

I sigh rolling my eyes. "I know! How about I go by Void for now."

Amanda laughed. "Sorry no. You need a proper name or nick name. If you really can't recall your real name you'll just have to make something up for now. But what about your class?"

Rock snickered. "How about we call your Rookie."

"Rookie?" I said.

Rock glanced at my gear "You have two swords and two pistols. Gunner or Warrior will do."

"How about dark slayer!" I said enthusiastically.

They both stare at me a moment.

"No." said Rock.

"Sorry not applicable." said Amanda.

I groan in annoyance. "Fine warrior it is."

The ID plate glows. Looking down I see that my selections have engraved themselves in the plate by some kind of magic.

Name: Rookie. Class: Warrior.

I look up to Rock and Amanda. "Wait Rookie is a acceptable name? And did it just do that magically on its own?"

Amanda had a smug look on her face. "Yep. It's a one time change enchanted into the plate. If you want to change it you'll have to wait until you rank up and get a new ID plate."

I shrug. "Hmph. Well I guess there's worse names then Rookie."

Looking the ID plate over I notice it has my states and a gear displayed.

Strength: 15/100

Stamina: 20/100

Speed: 14/100

Endurance: 10/100

Resistance's: 15/100

[Weapons: Black sword/Iron long sword. Long Bow]

[Armor: Silk-leather and plated-armor]

[Inventory: log book/Magic Book/Magical Medallion]

"Huh? This actually could be useful."

Rock leaned over to look. Glancing up at him I spot his eye brow raising in surprise.

"So how are my states mister veteran?"

He turns to me, glances back to the ID then leans back in his chair. "Not bad for a rookie. You'll be fine for the first few levels."

Amanda turned to him. "levels of?"

"I'll let it be a surprise. Hey rookie be ready to leave early in the morning. And use that money I lent you to buy some items."

"Sir yes sir. There's plenty of light left in the day so I'll go sight seeing."

I leave them behind exiting the guild hall.

Rock and Amanda watch as the rookie leaves.

"Can't believe I got saddled with a damn rookie just after that whole affair." said Rock. "Those two bastards will pay for betraying us!"

Amanda looked down into her cup. "I still can't believe they went and left us like that? And with all the money the four of us worked so hard to save up over the years."

Rock snorted. "Just goes to show that those bastards only cared about the money."

"What about Rookie?" asked Amanda.

"Meh. Well use her to remake the lost cash and she'll get needed experience. Win, win."

Outside in the city streets I was lost. Had no clue where to go. So I did what any tourist would do. Ask around. After talking with a few people I finally found the items store. Looking in from the main window it looked just as expected. Along the window were rows of bottles of varying sizes and colors. Regeneration potion(2,000). Healing potion(150) Magic scrolls(4,000), ETC.

"Man look at these prices. I'ed love to buy those magic books but I can't use magic yet. I'll just have to wait until I meet a powerful mage and eat them. Hope I can actually gain magic like that?"

"Excuse me." some girl said from behind.

Turning around I spot a woman in a elegant dress staring at me. "Excuse me but can you move."

Glancing around I see that the local foot traffic is blocking the straight entrance to the store so this lady walked along the edge of the street. I stepped back from the window letting the lady through.

"Thank you." she said pulling the door open and entering.

"Right. Got'ta buy some items."

Following after the lady I enter the Item store. The shelves are full of bottled items of varying sizes and colors. Box's hold various strange items and some other products in beautifully etched bottles. I also see plenty of books along the shelves. Glancing at the counter I notice the store clerk , a leopard beast-folk reading through a book.

"Yep. Definitely in a fantasy land now." I say reminding my self.

I glance around at the various items comparing quality and prices with what I need. I already have pretty good healing and regeneration abilities as well as adaptive abilities so a potion that heals me or gives me a state boost wouldn't really be all that useful. But I do spot some enchanted potions that say they give the drinker a variety of temporary magical abilities that look interesting and aren't terribly high priced. I grab a few of them and walk around to the books and scrolls section. Most are useless to me since I can't use magic yet. I'm biding my time for some powerful mage to catch my eyes and stomach.

Browsing the books and scrolls I notice the girl that entered before me. She was looking over the magic books like she was looking for something. Then one book caught her eye and she grabbed it walking straight to the cashier. She payed for the book and left.

"Wonder if she's a mage?"

Returning to my browsing I look over the store for anything else of use to me. I do find a bag of holding but its way out of my price range. Not finding much else I take the bottles to the counter and pay for them. Exiting the store with my gains I walk around a bit before finding the Arms and Armory store. The bell rings against the door as I enter. All over the place the walls and counters and shelves are covered in armor sets all made of various materials along with weapons of any and all types. Even a few fancy clothes.

Glancing around I can't really see anything substantially better then the gear I already have. And if there is any thing that catches my eye it's way out of my price range. And the enchanted armor and cloths are in the tens of thousands. With a tear on my cheek I move on to the other areas. Some of the items in the store include arrows. I pick up a few enchanted arrows and move on. Looking through the store I find a few leather satchels for carrying gear and items.

It then hits me and I remember that my silk could be a expensive item and that I could sell it.

"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid."

The man at the checkout counter notices as the customer smacks their own head. "What's her problem?" he wonders.

The customer runs out of the store. Returning shortly after words with a pile of beautiful white silk in her arms.

"Sir. How much can I get for this?" the young lady askes.

The store clerk is taken aback a moment but soon collects him self and examines the pile of silk threads. Using a appraisal skill the clerk reads the quality of the threads. The clerk is surprised as the quality is top notch.

"Ma'am this is high quality spider silk. Only greater spiders produce threads of this size and quality. Where did you get this much?"

I look him straight in the eyes and say. "Killed a greater spider and ripped it from its corps. Carefully." I say trying to look legit.

The clerk blinked. "Oh. Ok. Well then I assume your looking to sell this silk?"

I think. Then a dastardly plane forms in my mind. "Mister may I ask something. Are there any other stores that would give me a better deal for this silk?"

The clerk looks like he put his business hat on. "Yes. There are several other clothing stores in the city that would buy this silk for a high price. They like my store uses this material in the construction of armor and clothes for adventurers as well as other high quality goods. How ever as my goods are to protect adventurers and meet the strict quality requirement I can assure you that my prices will be second to none should you sell to me."

I counter. "Unless some high priced noble pays better because they know they can sell my product to other stores or even to other cities at a even better price."

The man looked stumped. He went through several faces as he thought on how to make a compelling counter offer. "Miss."

"Rook. Call me Rook."

"Miss Rook. You make a compelling argument. And yes there are clothing stores owned by nobles that would love to get their hands on silk of this quality it wouldn't matter if it was one small pile like this. If you sell me this silk you've gathered i'll pay two hundred silver coins right now."

I smile closing my trap. "What if I can supply you with a continues supply."

The mans eyes twitched. "That. Can't possibly be. Where would you even find a large number of giant spiders to harvest?"

I stare him in the eyes. "The how and why aren't important. Just that I can. Wait here."

I leave again. Ducking into the ally way beside the store I spin more silk into a pile twice as large as the first one before returning to the store. Placing the even larger pile of spider silk beside the first the clerks face turns slack jawed for a moment.

"This is. Will all sell at quit the high price." He turns to me. "And you say you can supply me with more continuously?!"

"Yes. In return I want a appropriate compensation as your partner."

The man looks at the two piles of high quality silk thinking. Turning back to me he extends his hand. "It will be a honor to work with you then miss Rook."

I smile innocently. "Why thank you."

He takes the piles of silk to a backroom while I grab a few more leather satchels for all my gear and items. I already have weapons and armor so there's no reason to waste money buying more. The clerk returns paying me back 256 silver coins minus the cost of the satchels. We hammer out a official business deal written in magic paper that disappears after words sealing our deal with magic. Waving goodbye I leave.

With some extra money in the pocket's of my new leather satchels I return to the adventurers guild and ask one of the girls at the counter for the location of a inn I can stay at. With a map and a name I depart. I find the inn in minutes and pay for a room. But since there's still some day light I return to the market place and buy some meat and vegetables. With them in hand I return to the docks and feed the giant manta to maintain its functionality.

Returning to the inn I pass a certain restaurant. Smelling the enticing aroma coming from inside I detour inside and eat my fill. With my own stomach full I return to the inn. Pulling my boots and gloves off I undo my belts and buckles hanging the satchel belts and bags on the head board. Removing my outer clothes I pull the blanket over my bed over my self and get some sleep. Somethings telling me I'll need the energy for tomorrow.

-The Next Day-

The early morning sunlight shown into my bed room. Yawning I stretched, scratching my belly.

"Should have closed the damn blinds."

Groaning I pull my self out of bed and get dressed arming my self and putting on the item satchels before heading out the door. Entering the adventurers guild I glance around spotting Rock and Amanda.

I yawn.

"Good morning."

Amanda laughs at my messy hair. "You look like you could use some extra sleep."

I sit down at the table. "I could use another hour or two."

A waiter walks over placing two cups of coffee on the table.

Rock picks up his cup. "Why not have a cup of coffee to wake your self up."

I yawn again. "Meh? Sure. Oh miss waiter." Minutes later I have a warm cup of coffee in my hands. "Never actually had any coffee before?"

Taking a few sips I down half the cup as Rock and Amanda watch.

"How is it?"

"Eh? Not bad. But not really a fan of the taste. I do feel a little more awake."

"Good." said Rock. "Were moving out shortly. I hope you got those items?"

"Well I did buy some potions yesterday. Didn't get any healing types but the ones I did get grant me some neat temporary abilities."

Rock sighed and Amanda looked disappointed.

"Why didn't you get a few healing potions?" said Rock.

"In a dangerous dungeon healing wounds after a battle can mean the difference between life or death." said Amanda sounding concerned.

I shrug. "I don't really need healing potions. I'll demonstrate why."

Pulling one of my swords I slit my wrist. Blood quickly spills out into my cup as I hold my hand over it. Both Rock and Amanda make shocked expressions that turn into dumbfounded looks as the bleeding stops. Turning my wrist around they see the wound has healed with out a scar.

"See. I can regenerate damage pretty quickly. Don't know about decapitation though. Don't want to find out. But other minor wounds can be healed in moments thanks to my regeneration ability."

Rock and Amanda calm down.

"That's incredible!" said Amanda.

"How did you get a ability like that? Are you a half breed or something?" said Rock.

"Don't know. I just can. It was pretty weak at first but after repeated use it's gotten stronger. Or rather faster at healing injuries."

Amanda shrugged with a smile. "You are quite the mystery aren't you Rookie."

I smile. "Guess I am. Also call me Rook."

"Is that the name your going with." said Rock.

"No but its a place holder until I think up a more fitting one. So when are we leaving for this dungeon raid?"

"I've arranged us a place in the Stone tower. We leave in one hour." said Rock.

"It's also called the great sea tower." explained Amanda. "Its a small island with a giant tower that stretches high into the sky. Unlike most dungeons that go down this one goes up."

"Oh!" I said making a semi impressed expression. "So how high does it go?"

"A hundred floors." said Amanda. "Though given how powerful the monsters and deadly traps are in the higher floors over fifty there are almost no one whos reached the top floors ever."

"Except that hero from several hundred years ago." said Rock.

"Yeah." said Amanda. "These days most people only go as high as floor fifty. A few people had reached as high as floor seventy. But I don't know of anyone in recent memory that's reached farther then that and not died."

Rock made a sorrowful expression crossing his arms. "There have been a lot of fools that's gotten themselves and their parties killed pushing themselves like that."

"So how far have the two of you gotten?"

Rock sighed. "Twenty nine."

I was un-impressed. "Really. Just floor twenty nine! Does the difficulty curve increase that much per level?"

Amanda smiled with a semi depressed look on her face. "Well we never really needed to go higher. Farming the monsters and chests in the levels up to twenty nine has worked out for us so far."

"Farming? What does the gold and treasures regrow or something like fruit on a tree?" I asked somewhat confused.

Amanda looks surprised. "Oh. That's right you probably don't know how dungeons work because of your amnesia?"

I shrug shaking my head slowly.

"Well then allow me to explain." said Amanda.

I sat there listening to the long winded story of how the God of Chaos created the Dungeons to test the mortal races and to provide the gods with entertainment. And for those who succeed great riches and glory are gained. When the first dungeons were created it created mass confusion and disorder among the nations of the time. Monsters normally stay in or around a dungeon but if they are left unattended or not cleared for too long then the monsters will start traveling beyond the dungeons borders.

That happened to the nations bordering dungeons as many were assaulted by monsters of all kinds. Monsters and animals are differentiated by their behavior. Animals attack other animal and some times people for food and to drive off or kill intruders into their territory, to protect themselves and their family or packs. But if they encounter a enemy that's too strong they will often runaway if their in danger but only if they aren't protecting their young.

But monsters, or to be more specific, summoned beasts, will only attack people of any sentient race ignoring animals unless they are Familiars or if they attack the monsters. And while a animal will eventually try to run a way if out matched all monsters will always fight to the death.

Amanda also explained that all dungeons have a core. This core connects with the planets lay-lines through which vast rivers of magical energy flow. Using this source of power the Dungeon cores manufacture vast quantities of materials and monsters to populate a dungeon with. Or at least that's the current theory. There have even been cases of rare individuals finding and becoming contracted to the dungeon core making them Dungeon Lords. Dungeon Lords can control alter and change the dungeon in any way they wish as well as summon specific types of monsters. But they must follow certain rules as per the Dungeon cores programing by the god of chaos. So these Dungeon lords cant just do something like make the dungeon unbeatable or unreachable, because of their intrinsic nature of being tests for mortals.

"Wow." I say drinking the rest of my now bloody coffee.

"You got some blood on your lips." Rock said looking uncomfortable.

Wiping the blood off with a napkin I think a moment. I remember that structure at the bottom of the cave on the island I woke up on.

"Can there be things like hidden or lost dungeons?"

At my words Amanda thinks. "Well so long as the entrance can be reached and can be opened I guess. As for lost dungeons I don't know. Out of the thousand recorded dungeons that have been found around the world I guess a few could have remained undiscovered or lost."

Rock turned to Amanda. "I'm no expert on their history but it's possible for a dungeon to have been submerged during a battle between powerful creatures or during a cataclysmic war or natural disaster where the land is submerged or covered over by lava, water or shifting land."

Amanda turned to him. "There have been a few wars like that if I recall. Battles so intense that whole land masses are created and destroyed." Amanda turned to Rookie. "Why the sudden interest in this subject?"

I nervously scratch my cheek. "Well some time after I first woke up I found a structure in a underground cave. I also found a book of magic and a medallion in another part of that same cave system. The structure was solid stone and looked older then the cave around it."

Amanda looked more interested. "Can I see this medallion and book?"

Pulling the book and medallion out of my leather satchel I place both on the table. "I can't make heads or tails from the book and the medallion looks magical given its fancy design."

Rock picks up the medallion while Amanda looks through the book.

"And you found these in a cave?" said Rock.

"I was ship wrecked on a island in the southern part of the archipelago for a while and found a cave with a nasty giant spider in it. I found the door in that main chamber and these items in a side cave that lead back out into the ocean from the bottom of the cave."

Rock examined the medallion a moment before putting it back down. Amanda kept her eyes glued to that book slowly reading its contents page by page. After a whole thirty minutes she had finally read the book cover to cover and closed it with a look of joy on her face.

"You ok?" asked Rock.

"It's a Vox Arcana!"

"A what?" I asked.

"A Vox Arcana. A long time ago a famous traveling arch-mage called Vox Remore lived and traveled the world writing all about everything he saw. He wrote ten volumes of books detailing his travels. This book is one of them. I can tell by the signature and number on the index page." Amanda said hugging the book like it was a beloved lover.

I just stared at her blissful face. "You really like books huh Amanda?"

"Yep. Can I keep this. I mean its written a arcane text, so anyone who can't use magic will be unable to read. And even then its encrypted."

I lean back. "If its encrypted how did you read it so fast?"

"Oh I actually have a decryption spell for this kind of encryption. There have been other volumes of Vox Remore's books and copies of them have been found all over the world or left in museums for study. But this volume has never been seen before. Its also unnumbered. All the other copies I've seen have have had a number on their cover? This may be a unpublished volume!"

Rock leaned over. "How much money are we talking about?"

Amanda kicked Rocks leg. "This is a priceless artifact and you just want to sell it to the highest bidder! I know were doing bad financially but were not that desperate!"

Rock raised his hand defensively. "Ok Jeez. I was only asking?"

Amanda stood up staring at Rookie. "Can I keep this book for a while?"

Amanda had a desperate but fiery look of interest in her eyes as I stared into them. "Sure. I can't read it. Just tell me what its all about when your done."

"Yay!" shouted Amanda sitting down with a big smile.

She instantly started flipping through the book mumbling as as she read. After a hour passed we departed for the Stone tower dungeon. It was located several dozen miles away so we needed to take a boat. But boats cost fare so we took my manta.

At the docks Rock and Amanda stared down at the giant manta in the single separate dock port.

"Is that a giant manta?" said Amanda.

I hopped down on its back opening the control pod. "Yes and no. I created it."

"What!" said Rock and Amanda.

-Later-

The ocean waves lapped at the rocky base of the island. The massive stone tower loomed high reaching into the sky like a mountain. I was in awe of the scale and size of the structure.

"That's a big building. I really hope it has some kind of magical elevator or teleportation system?" I mused.

Glancing back I see Rock and Amanda getting off the Manta-ray. Apparently they don't have their sea legs.

"Are you two ok?" I ask.

"Fine. I'm fine." said Rock looking a little green under the gills.

"Raiding a giant manta! Not the worst way to travel." said Amanda.

"Come on you two it barely even rocked the whole trip."

Amanda sighed taking a few steps closer. "That's not the problem. It was too smooth. When we ride ships they normally bob up and down because of the waves. Not dive through them and surge up to the surface at a vertical angle and fly through the air and then dive in again over and over."

I scratch my head. "Guess we have differing ideas of smooth raid?"

After a few minutes rest both of them are better and we move on. Walking up from the beach we quickly reach the massive front door. The engraved stone door slowly swung open as if to greet us.

"Does it normally do that?" I asked.

"Yeah." replied Amanda. "The dungeon opens on its own when anyone approaches."

We enter the first floor. Clang!. And the doors slam shut behind us.

"The doors closed!" I said with considerable concern.

Rock pulled his spear out. "Don't worry rookie. It'll reopen once we clear the first three floors."

I un-sheath my steel long sword and fire-breath pistol. "Good to know."

Amanda raised her hand in a gesture making a array of magical circles appear. A dozen fire balls formed around her in a halo like ring. "Get ready. Here they come."

"Rarrragh!"

"Rarrah!"

"Raaaaagh!"

The hungry roars echo from all sides as illuminating lamps turn ignite along the walls. The whole floor is wide open with five large raised areas surrounding a central pool. From the pool leap several short humanoid fish monsters with scales, fines, big teeth and claws.

"Oh! That's not to bad." I say as ten more leap out. And I get a headache. "Shit! Don't tell me this is a timed survival thing?"

Amanda launched a rapid fire barrage of fireballs killing half the fish creatures. "Don't let the water goblins scare you. Their weak individually and in small groups. Just don't let them flank you or get too large in numbers!"

"Goblins! These things are Goblins!"

"What afraid rookie?" said Rock impaling two charging water goblins.

Mentally triggering my killer instinct I raised my pistol holding the trigger down. A fire ball formed at the barrels tip growing and growing until it was the size of a basketball. "Afraid? Hell no!"

Releasing the trigger launched the fireball just as a second wave of ten more water goblins leapt out of the water. The fire ball impacts the first creature detonating in a fiery explosion. All the goblins were enveloped by the blast and reduced to charcoal.

Amanda and Rock glance over at me with raised eye brows.

"What. It has a overcharge ability. Uses up a large amount of the stored mana energy but worth it to kill large groups of enemies."

Rock laughs. "Nice. Just keep track of your energy levels."

Amanda formed another ring of fireballs around herself. "If it runs out I'm not charging it up for you. You got'ta take care of your own gear."

I aim at a freshly arriving goblins and pull the trigger sending a finger sized fireball slamming into ones chest. "I know how it works."

We burn and skewer the goblins as they rush out of the pool in groups of ten every minute or so. During a brief pause in the goblins appearances we run up onto the nearest platform. After a minute we greet wave two. The goblins now continuously leap out of the pool at us. Drawing my armor piercing pistol I aim and pull the trigger gut shooting one and hitting two more behind it in the chest. The condensed round of mana pierced through them like a high caliber rifle round.

Both my pistols are magic based but have different effects. Fire-breath can shoot small but strong fireballs and when the triggers held down it can charge up and fire a larger explosive fireball. It's more draining but useful in situations like this. The black armor-piercing pistol fires a spell called Ruin. Essentially it's a solid bullet of magical energy that's given mass by a spell and shaped like a rifle round for armor piercing. In this case the piercing allows me to hit multiple targets when they are lined up. Both pistols can recharge their energy so long as there's mana in the environment. Lucky me since I cant make mana. Yet.

Me and Amanda hammer the goblins at range as they try to rush us. Rock handles the odd few that manage to get close with his deadly spear skills. The battle reminds me of a tower defense/survival games. After ten minutes the goblins stop appearing and we catch a break. I check the pistols energy levels seeing both are down to about half. The next wave starts and this time there's a lot more of them.

-One Hour Later-

Cleaning my blades with a flick the goblin blood splatters along the floor. Rocks spear is covered in blood and a pile of blackened corpses surround Amanda.

"That was fun!" I said having enjoyed the fight.

Amanda stretches. "Ow just you wait until be get higher up."

Rock walks towards the back of the room. "This way. The next level awaits rookie."

With a shrug I sheath my blades and follow. In back of the room we find a staircase leading up. Walking up we reach a new floor with a large number of large tresure chests scattered around the room.

"Ok is this a puzzle or a trap?" I wonder.

"Both." answered Amanda.

She castes a spell sending a faintly visible energy wave out across the room. Ten of the treasure chests begin to shutter and shake before sprouting long gangly arms and legs. They stand up and start towards us hanging their slimy tongues out of their giant mouths.

"Fucking Mimics!" I yell drawing both pistols.

I fire a barrage of shots into the closest two dropping them quickly. Knowing my pistols are low after that I swap them, out for my two swords. Amanda fires three fire balls killing another. Rock dodges a Mimics sweeping grasp impaling the creature from below. Another Mimic gets in range of me and reaches out with its long skinny arms. I side step slashing its hands with spinning slashing attacks.

Several of the creatures fingers drop off as it pulls back roaring in pain. I charge in slashing at its legs cutting tendons on the back of its knee and ankle. The Mimic drops to its knees crippled. I impale it in the box shaped body until it falls. Turning around I face the next enemy.

A half hour later the Mimics all lay dead.

I glance around seeing Rock prying open a Mimics treasure chest shaped head and reaching in. Walking over I ask.

"What are you doing?"

With a push and a yank Rock pulls a small dull crystal out of the body. "Its a mana crystal. All monsters have them. It's like the magical heart of the beast."

I get a odd idea. "Do people have them?"

Rock glances back at me. "Yeah. But those are different. We collect monsters mana crystals to sell them. In addition to certain parts of the monsters bodies the mana crystal is the most valuable part."

"Wait then why didn't we pull the mana crystals from those goblins bodies?"

"Unfortunately those are pretty small and not vary valuable. Besides you know how long it would take to carve the mana crystals out of all those corpses. There may be a lot of them but its not really worth the cost to waist time when we could be collecting more valuable gems from the upper floors."

"I see."

Turning to the Mimics I killed I reach in and start harvesting my own mana crystals placing them in one of my leather satchel bags. After collecting the Mimics mana crystals we move on to the third floor. On arrival I notice the runes carved into the floor and walls. The four large bowls in the rooms four corners ignite into a blue fire. Amanda caste's several buff and protective spells on all three of us. The moment her last spell is cast the floor glows and all three of us are transported away. Opening my eyes a rocky stormy ocean environment has replaced the stony towers confining space. The next thing I hear is a odd shrieking.

The noise catches my attention as writhing slimy tentacles raise up from the sea wrapping around the large rocks ringing around the small island we were on.

"Oh no. Don't tell me. Its a giant Octopus Boss!"

The main body of the roughly three story building sized Octopus raised out of the water blinking its oddly shaped eyes at us.

I turn to my seniors. "So how do we deal with this thing? Were surrounded by water?"

Rock smiled. "Like this! Wind spear!"

As I watch a dense powerful wind spins around Rocks spear. He then casts fire magic igniting the compressed air making it twice as hot and intense. Launching it at the Giant Octopus the orb explodes sending a wave of hot air washing over me. The creature screams and roars taking significant damage. The spell reminds me of Bennett casting that lightning spell before with the sword. Raising the sword towards the sky I think lightning and swing.

Nothing.

"Damn it. I really need to get fixed!"

The Octopus rolled up one of its tentacles flicking it outwards. The impact hits so hard I flying across the island into the water. Coughing up salty water I pull my self out of the turbulent ocean.

"I'm going to kill that bastard!"

Amanda keeps up her fire-ball offensive aiming at the tentacles around the creature. The giant Octopus screams and roars counter attacking with a lashing from its damaged tentacles. Climbing out of the water I charge the beast both blades at the ready. Rushing towards the closest tentacle I slash and hack it to pieces severing it. I dash over to another hacking it off and dash over to yet another and repeat the process. Roaring and writhing in pain the giant Octopus started desperately slamming its tentacles up and down. Two handing my black sword I slice the annoying tentacles in half as they try crushing down on me.

"I'm starting to get the hang of this!"

The battle drags on but as the octopus loses more of its appendages it changes tactics. With a loud roar the sea beast retreats back into the water

"What now?" I say turning to Rock.

"Just wait and be ready to dodge."

Turning my attention to the stormy ocean I keep my head on a swivel. A full minute passes. Then another roar from the sea. The octopus erupts out of the sea flying at us. All three of us dodge out of the way as the beast slams onto the center of the small island. Separated on the extreme far edges of the island I have just a small ten food wide area between the Giant octopus and the sea. Rock and Amanda are on the opposite side of the boss from me.

"Well this ain't good." I muse to my self noticing the octopuses tentacles had regenerated.

One of the tentacles raises over me.

"Not going to happen!" I roar leaping at the base of the tentacle. With a single slice I sever the appendage. It flops down twitching as it rolls into the sea.

On the other side of the battle-field Rock and Amanda hit the boss with everything they got. High temperature blasts and fire balls bombard the creature over and over. While in back I slice and hack at the tentacles on my side. Soon half the creatures limbs are gone and it struggles to balance its upper body. Taking the opportunity I leap onto its slimy soft body stabbing my blades into it as I climb up its body.

Reaching the top I jump down towards its eyes impaling one. Roaring again the beast thrashes about in pain. A tentacle wiped around sending me flying off into the water again. Rock and Amanda stand surprised at the damage the Rookie had landed.

"She's crazy!" said Rock.

"She's opened a opportunity for us. Lets finish this fight ok!" said Amanda.

Amanda and Rock directed their attacks on the boss monsters remaining eye landing a critical blow. Blinded the beast shrieks in pain using its remaining tentacle's to try and push it's self off the island. Pulling my self out of the water I spot the beast trying to flee again. Brandishing both my swords I charge leaping at the last few tentacles. With a flash of my black blade the limb drops to the ground writhing as its nerves fire.

I continue slashing and hacking severing three more tentacles. The last few limbs reach around grasping me in their large frames. Moments later bolts of fire pierce and detonate inside them. The explosions send a wave of gore and hot bodily fluids flying in all directions. Dropping to the ground I push my way out of the severed limb. The now crippled giant octopus weakly moans in pain as it flops and twitches.

Finishing the boss creature off we pull the mana crystal from its body. Holding the fist sized gem in my hand a light envelops me. The next thing I know were back in the previous room. With a echoing creak the massive doors open revealing a stair case.

"Are all the bosses that easy?"

Rock raises a eye brow at me. "You considered that easy?"

I shrug. "Well none of us were seriously injured or killed so yeah."

"That giant Octopus boss was quit easy compared to the later bosses." said Amanda.

Rock shrugs. "True. I remember back when we first fought that thing. We almost died. Twice."

Amanda laughed. "But then we started using fire magic and it fell much more quickly."

I tucked the mana crystal into my bags. "It was a water elemental type so of course fire would do more damage to it."

"Hindsight's twenty twenty." Rock said with a sigh. He walked away.

We take the stairs up to the next level. There we or rather I encounter a surprising sight. A make shift town. A small town complete with a few inns, blacksmiths shops, Item shops and general stores. Dozens of people all armed adventurers went about their daily business as we approached.

"What's all this?"

"Some dungeons have safe zones after a boss room like this." said Amanda. "They regularly become make shift towns like this one if the dungeons frequented often. It more efficient then constantly going back and forth from the city or nearest settlement."

Turning back to the town I feel the logic fits. "So I guess people live here for a long time while they fight through the dungeon. Wonder is the shops got any interesting stuff."

"First we need to get a place to sleep." said Amanda. "Rock please secure a pair of rooms for us please."

"Uh huh. I'm on it." he grunted walking off.

Amanda turned to me. "Lets get you cleaned off. I know of a bath house here that's great for relaxing."

I glance down at my slimy wet body. "Sure. I could use a bath."

Following Amanda through town we arrive at a bathhouse. Amanda paid the clerk at the counter and we entered the woman's side of the bath. In the changing room we placed our gear in a basket and weapons in a weapons case. With a cheery look on her face Amanda hoped into the steaming bath. Following I dipped a toe in then my whole leg then slid into the piping hot bath. A moan of pleasure escaped my mouth as the prefect temperature of the bathwater made me feel so much better.

"Enjoying your self!" asked Amanda.

"Yeah! This is the first warm bath I had since waking up on that island."

Amanda chocked her head. "Can you tell me more about it?"

Sliding deeper into the water I felt content and at peace. "Not much to tell really. The most interesting thing is that ruin in the cave. Though looking back I got the impression it wasn't always underground. Maybe some powerful magic sank it down in there? Not that I would know."

Amanda slid over sitting beside me. "There are mages that powerful. From what I've been able to tell reading that book the medallion is the key to the door you found down there."

I exhaled enjoying the soak. "Think its really a dungeon?"

Amanda extended both arms in front stretching, pressing her breasts together. "Maybe. Or it could be a ancient ruin. In the past few thousand years there have been wars and upheaval all over the world. Large scale tactical and strategic magic are often used to destroy whole cities or reshape the land. The world map had changed quit a lot in the past few thousand years because of all that."

"Tactical and strategic magic?" I ask.

Amanda turned to me. "Tactical magic is on the scale of buildings or individuals. Strategic magic is more on the scale of natural disasters like a flood or land slide."

"Or a volcano erupting?"

Amanda laughed. "Exactly. Though these days most major nations have signed international agreements forbidding the use of such large scale magic unless under certain situations or needs."

I stared at the ceiling. "I can see why. If everyone starts throwing volcanoes and meteors at each other casually the whole worlds fucked."

Amanda laughed. "Crude. But your correct."

Me and Amanda soaked in the steaming bath for awhile, just talking and enjoying ourselves. After words we left the bath and put our now clean and dry clothes back on after they had been washed while we bathed. Leaving the baths we meet up with Rock in the lobby after he got done with his own bath. We left next going to the local restaurant and enjoyed some food. After filling our bellies we went to a local bartering store and sold off our collected mana crystals. Splitting the money we headed to the items, weapons and armor shops. I saw a armor and weapons shop and turned to enter.

"Where are you going?" asked Amanda.

"Just some business matters to attend to. I'll meet up with you later."

While Amanda and Rock entered the items shop I ran into a alleyway spinning more silk. After creating a arm full I carried it into the armor and weapons shop. The lay out was quite different then the shop in the city but the intention and function was the same.

"Hello?" I said laying the pile of silk on the counter.

"Yeah yeah coming." said a grouchy sounding shop owner from a back room.

I stood at the counter eyeing the large forge in back of the building. Then my eye caught the form of a short man covered in muscles wearing a thick leather apron and matching gloves.

"Your a Dwarf!" I said.

The ill tempered pile of muscles glared at me with his steely eyes. "Yeah what's it too yeah?"

"Oh sorry. My apologies. I meant no disrespect. It's just your the first Dwarf I've meet."

The Dwarf choked out a single laugh. "Hah! What are yah. A country bumpkin or a ignorant nobleman's brat?"

"Don't know. I just have amnesia. Woke up on a island one day with no idea who or what I was. And no knowledge of the world."

The dwarf rubbed his chin under that thick beard. "Amnesia aye? Wonder if some psionic messed with yer mind yeah?"

"What's a Psionic?"

"There like a mage but use their minds to pull tricks pile mind reading moving things and messing with peoples minds and memories."

Sounds like these Psionic type people are what I'm looking for.

"Huh? Can they communicate mind to mind?"

"Yeah. Me thinks." the dwarf replied.

"Interesting. Anyway I'ed like to sell this pile of silk. Will you buy it?"

The dwarf lumbered over to the counter and examined the silk. He pulled a small magnifying glass from his head-wrapping and looked the threads over.

"Ah! This here's top quality? How did yah get your hands on so much?"

"Hunted giant spiders and harvested their silk. I've stock piled a bit. I'm currently selling it off here and there."

The dwarf shot me a look. "Heh. Quit the entrepreneur then aye?"

Headache time!

"Ow! Uh not that much. I just happen to be able to supply this product and know various people would pay lots for it. If your not interested in buying it I'll see if one of the other shops are interested."

The dwarf snorted eyeing me a moment before going back to examining the silk. He examined a large portion of it before turning to me. "For none magical silk this is in pretty good condition and quality. Crystal spiders silk is a lot better but them are rare."

"Crystal spiders?" I say with interest as my stomach grumbles with desire for new strong essence.

"Crystal spiders are a rare variant of giant spiders in the stone tower. Though they only appear on levels over fifty. The last time some adventurer brought me some crystal spider silk was twenty years ago. And that was only a few pounds of the stuff."

"Really. Well facts aside are you willing to pay for this silk?"

"Meh? I'll pay yah 80 silver for this bunch."

I cross my arms. "Oh really 80 silver. I brought the same amount to a shop in the city and they paid a lot more then that. Over 200 in fact."

The dwarf grumbled.

"Fine. A 150 silver. That's my final offer. Don't have any more then that on me at the moment."

"Deal!"

We shook hands and the dwarf took the silk into the storage room in back. Not a moment later Rock and Amanda entered the shop.

"There you are!" said Rock. "Been looking for new gear?"

"You're armor and weapons are already pretty decent." said Amanda.

I turned on my heel. "Oh I was just browsing."

The dwarf returned with a money bag. "Here you go. This should cover it."

Spinning around I snatched the clattering bag of coins up. "Thanks. Nice doing business with you. Bye."

Amanda and Rock stared at me as I walked out the door looking stiff. They turned to the dwarf.

"Hey Lundim did Rookie sell you something?" asked Amanda.

Lundim crossed his arms shrugging. "That would be confidential."

Rock stared at the dwarf. "Uh huh? Well what business you and Rookie has is between you two. I need you to sharpen my spear and give it a good bit of TLC."

Rock handed Lundim his spear.

"Hmm. Yes, it need a good bit o'll work. The shaft looks like its got a might few tiny fractures and the blade needs reforging." Lundim looked up to Amanda. "And will you bee needing anything?"

"I've been thinking about getting a catalyst staff and some new armor."

Lundim raised a eye brow. "Aw in that case your in luck. I've just procured a bit of new material for high grade light armor. It'll take me a few days to complete it however."

"That will be fine." said Amanda.

Lundim thought to ask something. "So are you going to meet up with those other two?"

Rock and Amanda gave the dwarf a look of surprise.

"What?" said Rock.

Lundim cocked a eye brow. "I'm mean your other party members, Cline and William. They came through here yesterday."

Amanda looked away. Rock clenched his teeth and fists.

"Were not? No." Rock looked Lundim straight in the eyes. "Did they say where they were going?"

Feeling the atmosphere was getting awkward Lundim hesitated.

"They uh, mentioned meeting up with their party on the 40th floor. I assumed they meant you two?"

"Thanks old man. But if you see them again don't mention us to them." said Rock as he pulled several gold coins placing them on the counter.

"Uh thanks?" Lundim said in confusion taking the coins.

Amanda and Rock left the armor and weapons shop. As they walked Amanda held her arm tightly.

Rock glanced over seeing her state of mind. "You ok?"

"Yeah. I just thought they would have left the country after they betrayed us!"

Rock placed a arm around Amanda's shoulder. "They should have. But since they decided to be greedy they've given us a chance to get revenge on them."

Amanda closed her eyes in a moment of regret and worry. Opening them her eyes were full of hatred. "Can we kill them? Lundim said they were joining another party?"

Rock thought. "There's us. And Rookie. We could hire two more as we ascend the tower. No teleportation magic can work in the tower so they would have to descend level by level. We would run into them sooner or later. We just have to keep going up."

"But we've never gone higher then the twenty eighth floor? We've never fought anything higher then that!"

Rock sighed. "Then we better get information on the enemies on the higher floors and some strong recruits on our way up. If I know those two they'll stay on the 45th floor and grind and farm on the levels between there and the 50th floor. They've always talked about getting stronger and becoming rich. Hah! You can achieve both in a dungeon if you can survive its dangers and harvest its riches long enough."

"Why did they betray us though? Was it just for the money?" said Amanda.

"I don't know. Maybe they needed the money to get better gear or pay strong merc's to join them as party members. I've heard that some mercenaries provide their swords to nobles and adventurers that want to raise their levels and win where they can't do it alone."

Amanda placed a hand on her chin as she thought. "Maybe they payed another high ranked party to join them in the higher levels?"

"Maybe? Guess well get our answers when we meet them again. Until then we should level grind on our way up and get stronger, because I know they will."

-Later-

Yawning I blink. "Guess its morning?"

Hopping out of bed I got dressed and armed my self. I met up with Rock and Amanda at the inn's first floor and we got some food. The Inn was like a bed and breakfast but for travelers moving up and down the tower.

After having a filling meal The three of us departed making our way to the exit gate to the next level.

"Woh!" I stood gob'smacked staring out across a field of flowers and open plains. "Is this normal?"

Amanda giggled at Rookies expression. "Some of the floors of this tower are pocket dimensions. There bigger on the inside and contain vast open areas like this. This is the flower garden. There are many plant type enemies here."

Rock snorted. "Yeah and watch out they all have poison attacks."

I snapped out of my stupor. "Poison? What kinds?"

Amanda glanced at me. "Well there's the normal lethal kind. The kind that weakens you. Paralyzing poison. Necrotic gas that rots your lungs and skin and blinds."

Rock put a grin on, thinking the Rookie would be scared. "Yeah so you need to be... what the!"

Amanda looked at Rookie who was drooling like a starving animal. "Uh! Rookie are you ok?"

Oh the strong essence. My mouth was watering just thinking about them all. "Uh yeah I'm fine." I said wiping my drool away.

Rock and Amanda gave each other a look of surprise as Rookie jogged off over the hill.

"Hey wait for us!"

"Yeah its dangerous!"

Shortly after a plant monster burst out from the ground. Its spiked stinging tentacles wiped about.

"Oh! What are you?"

Amanda and Rock rushed over.

"That's a Rafflesia !" shouted Amanda multicasting fire ball.

The orbs of thermal energy impacted the upper pod of the monster. Giving a ear splittingly shriek the monsters upper pod split open revealing its circular fanged mouth surrounded my beautifully colored flower petals.

I turned to them. "Don't interfere. It's mine!"

As Rookie dashed towards the Rafflesia Rock sighed. "Should we really stay back?"

Amanda shrugged. "Lets let her fight on her own for a bit. If she gets stung we'll help out. I bought a few antidots for just a occupation. Plus I learned Esuna last week so I can cure poison status."

Rock and Amanda watched as Rookie battled the plant beast on her own. She dodged between the enemies lashing strikes methodically cutting its thorned tentacles off one at a time until the main body was left exposed. Dashing forwards she stabbed and slashed and hacked at the main body until it was a chopped salad, withered and died. Then Rock and Amanda witnessed something that shocked them. Rookie stood over the dead Rafflesia lifting one of the barbed tentacles to her mouth.

My mouth was watering. I could sense the strong essence. I wanted it. Biting into the thorn covered tentacle I felt a rush of pain as the poison ran down my throat and thorns pierced my skin. The pain only lasted for a moment but was followed by extreme nausea. But that too passed after a few moments. My body adapted to the poison only becoming stronger. After my body had adapted I munched on the tentacles one after the other. I felt like I was in my own world as I devoured the creature. It was tough fibrous and mostly tasteless. But.

I ate and ate and ate until.

[Gained Poison gas mid]

[You can now produce various types of poison gas in your lungs and expel it.]

Wiping my mouth I gave a malicious grin. "Why thank you Announcer-chan. This will be useful."

Standing up I turned around to see Rock and Amanda staring. "What?"

"Why did you eat that thing? It produces a deadly poison! You could have died!" shouted Amanda with concern.

I shrug walking up to her and Rock. "Sorry for not mentioning this before but I'm immune to most poisons."

Rock looked shocked. "What! Really?"

I nodded. "Yep. Well to be more accurate I can rapidly adapt to any damaging stimulation that hurts me. It's one of my base abilities I guess. Am I a freak?"

"Kind of!" they both shoot back.

"That's rude you know."

Not a moment later I hear the distant pounding of feet. Turning to the incoming threat I spot a dozen dog sized white rabbits on a nearby hill rushing towards us.

"Rrrrar!" they growled charging baring their large fang like teeth.

"Were-rabbits!" yelled Amanda.

We got into a defensive formation as the killer bunnies rushed at us. One leaped at Amanda only to get speared end to end by Rock. Another leaped at me. Swinging my steel long sword cutting right between its upper and lower jaws cleaving its upper head off. More and more of the furry murders rushed us only to be curt down and skewered. By the forth ones death Amanda completed a incantation instantly creating a tall stone wall all around us.

"There. That should keep them off us a moment." said Amanda.

I turned to the mage. "So Amanda how many elements can you use?"

"Fire is my primary element but I can use earth and water magic too."

I get a light bulb and a evil grin. "Say Amanda could you control the walls you make to a fin degree?"

She looked at me awkwardly. "Yes, if I have enough time to focus. Why?"

The murderous fluff bags dashed around the circular stone wall leaping at it. Their skulls smashed against the rock wall only to hurt themselves instead of the thick solid wall. Then a hole opened up. The creatures were cautious at first sniffing at the opening. But then they smelled blood and their instincts for slaughter took over and they ran in pushing and shoving each other. Inside the wall they found nothing but a thick pillar. Soon after the hole they had entered through closed again and many smaller holes opened along the pillars surface. Out from the holes spewed a dark gas. Soon after the were-rabbits started coughing and hacking feeling dizzy and fainting.

As Rock and Amanda stood atop the pillar they watched as the pack of were-rabbits slowly died one by one. Each trying to escape by slamming their thick skulls against the stone wall but to no avail.

"How's she making that poison gas?" asked Rock?

Amanda just stared down at the dying monster rabbits. She had been bitten by them during her first time on this level and never got over a mild fear of them.

"I don't know? But its useful."

Rock shrugged. "Can't argue with that."

-Chapter End-