Chapter 9: To the surface
After taking inventory of the loot, having dinner and being pampered for Mei, causing some jealousy, everyone was finally able to get a well-deserved night's rest. But since they had large tents, everyone had to share a bunk. Those who had the "pleasure" of sleeping with Thargar were good at putting up with his snoring. Ekkrit kept watch, hiding in a tree, sleeping with only one eye, an old professional deformation.
On the female side, Vasati the cat-girl had a certain tendency to snore, annoying those who slept with her. Fortunately, being a restless sleeper, Cayope the Amazon ended up snuggling up to her and woke her up by starting to chew on one of her fluffy ears, no doubt dreaming of good food.
As for Mei, she was unashamedly abusing her physical weakness to justify sleeping snuggled up against Ygannea's generous pillow. So when it was time to wake up, some had slept better than others.
The little familia took their time to enjoy a hearty breakfast and pack up their base camp. It was almost noon when they decided it was finally time to go back up, complete their first expedition and find their god. Mei still needed help walking, but they didn't need her help for the last part of the climb.
Of course, taking the path to the 17th floor meant that they were seen by some curious people who were on their way to or living in Rivira. Among the onlookers, two adventurers were chatting, including a certain one-eyed man who had more or less made himself the leader of this colourful little town in the Dungeon.
Hey Bors! Isn't that the new familia they're talking about?
Yeah, the Thor familia, they seem to be coming back from their first expedition.
Now that I think about it, isn't today supposed to be the day that...
Yep, time flies. Well, they look pretty good, there's no reason why it shouldn't be fine for them. He said in a somewhat indifferent tone before going back to his duties.
And as the two regulars had suspected, a final test awaited the familia of the god of thunder. Just as they reached the 17th floor, the wall cracked open to reveal the imposing figure of the colossus known as Goliath. With a defiant roar, the monster blocked their path. This situation deeply angered Thargar, who expressed his displeasure after this new surprise.
What the hell! Is this a joke? What is this? Some kind of crappy promotional offer, like: "For your first expedition, three free monster rexes"?
Everyone agreed with him a little, karma seemed to want to mess with them a little more. A monster party, the Udaeus, the Ophiuchus and now the Goliath.
Well, I'll take care of this problem. said the dwarf, starting to pick up his axes, before being interrupted by Mei.
I'm sorry, old man, but I'd rather you didn't do that.
Why not? And why should only you and Ekkrit be allowed to have fun?
Because you've had enough fun already, I hear. Besides, the Goliath is not a real challenge for you. Let the less experienced ones have a go.
Raaahh! Fine, as you wish! said the dwarf, putting away his axes, he didn't like it, but accepted the order.
Cayope, Vasati, Purhaan, not having been able to do anything these last few days must have been frustrating. So go ahead, this one's yours!
The three young women were indeed motivated, they had only been able to serve as carrier during the descent and as a compass for the rabbit girl, but they too were eager to prove themselves in battle. Even if they weren't sure if they were enough.
Arrauth, Girkas, Viclaer, Brica, Adriel. You also go there to support them.
The five concerned took the news differently, but the most septic was Arrauth the half elf.
Are you sure about this? We don't have the level for this, I've been an adventurer for not even six months, I remind you.
The young man wasn't afraid to face danger, but he also knew where his limits were.
Don't worry, it will be fine. Just try not to get killed. And if things get out of hand, we'll step in. Just create a diversion so that the girls can attack him.
Each of them took the news in their own way. Arrauth was not reassured, Girkas just wanted to smash faces, Viclaer wanted to play the human shield to make herself look good to the ladies, Bricaena was not confident at all and Adriel wondered what she was going to do.
Come on, Children of Thor, it's your turn to have dinner in Helheim!
The three level 2 young women approached first. Vasati and Cayope were in the vanguard. The cat people took her large sword and held it in one hand with a certain ease, despite its weight. This was due to her skill Arm of the God of War. And despite its name, this skill was just used to carry heavy objects easily, but only if they were weapons. This had allowed her to specialise in the use of her large broad sword.
Cayope the Amazon had unwound the long chain she usually wore on her belt and began to twirl the part containing the double sickle. Behind them, Purhaan had taken her spear in hand and began to advance to the side. Their tactics were relatively simple, the first two would attack from the front while the hume Bunny would look for an opening.
Behind them, the others were also starting to prepare while the rest of the familia were looking for a quiet place to watch, though Ekkrit found a corner from which he could easily intervene. However, he agreed with Mei that the designated members needed to face real trials in order to grow up.
Vasati charged first, hoping to take advantage of the Goliath's size, she attempted a horizontal strike on the ankle to try and throw it off balance. But, her greatsword was slow and the monster, faster than expected, raised his foot to dodge and tried to flatten her, but her cat-like reflexes allowed her to leap and dodge.
Cayope, continuing to spin her chain, released some loose to increase its range and tried to strike the giant's head. Unfortunately, he interposed his arm and the chain wrapped around it. Having more strength than the amazoness, he pulled on it and the tanned lady took off from the ground. Fortunately, she had the reflex to let go of a little more loose, taking advantage of the length of her chain, so that the inertia allowed her to reach the wall where she could regain a quick, but solid support, from which she could make a wrist movement to make her chain free from the monster's arm.
Thinking the monster was busy, Purhaan snuck up behind it, but even though it was the weakest of the monster rexes, it was still a floor boss and wouldn't be caught so easily. He turned and planted his colossal fist in the ground, causing the rabbit to leap to avoid the blow.
Finally, the others gathered their courage and took their turn. Viclaer, the chienthrope in heavy armour and wearing a large steel bulwark, picked up his weapon mace and began to strike his shield with it.
Hey, fatso! Come at me! he challenged him with another blow. Despite his level 1 status, his defensive warrior orientation had allowed him to develop a skill called Squeaky Resonance, which allowed him to make an unpleasant sound to monsters when he hit his shield. If he did it right, it made them target him, even if it wasn't absolute.
However, it undoubtedly attracted the attention of the Goliath, who turned to him with a threatening expression. Girkas the werewolf then sprang up from behind his teammate and leant on one of his shoulders for a jump. With all the power of his determination, he attempted to strike the Goliath's knee, no doubt hoping to shatter his kneecap. However, he had underestimated the monster's endurance and probably overestimated his own strength. He only managed to hurt his hand and fall backwards onto his companion.
The monster rex took advantage of this to kick the duo and send them away like a soccer player. The poor Arrauth, beast's new target, dodged as best he could with the very sought-after "guy panicking all-out" technique.
Haaaaaaa! I knew it was a bad ideaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
In the back, while Bricaena was nursing the two who had taken a very big kick, Adriel was beginning to rant as she saw the half elf coming back at her. Still silent, she finally undid her tight bun to loosen her hair and pulled a whip from her bag before starting to yell at her companions.
Stop crying, you pigs! And get back to work, you insignificant worms!" she said, spanking all three of their behinds, which motivated them to get back to the fight, under the slightly panicked eye of the prum, who would never get used to seeing the human do that.
Meiiiiiiii! There's Adriel doing weird stuff again!
Deal with it! replied her captain in the distance.
The other human had developed a strange support skill, skill called Domination, which allowed her to give a little boost to anyone she was whiping. However, the boost only worked on people with a level equal to or lower than her own, so for the time being it only worked on level 1s and it also had the effect of temporarily turning her into some sort of BDSM queen. And after Thor explained that skills were largely born of the unconscious, desires and will, many wondered about their comrade.
However, despite all their good will, and Adriel's whips, the three warriors couldn't do much except dodge and pray to survive the fight.
Taking advantage of their diversion, however, Vasati emerged, her great sword in hand, and struck with the broad flat of the latter, turning it into a mace. The metal struck the Goliath's ankle with enough force to throw him off balance. Taking advantage of his staggering, Cayope passed behind him and wrapped her chain around his neck to pull back. The monster was forced to kneel down, face pulled back.
Purhaan! the amazoness waved to the rabbit. The latter was running on the wall, small golden glows appearing under her feet. Although her mapping ability was very useful, it was still useless in battle, she had a second skill, Moon Rabbit Step, which allowed her to move on walls and ceilings, but only if she was running. If she slowed down or stopped, she fell immediately.
While her allies turned the Goliath away and immobilised it, she ran up the wall until she reached the ceiling above the giant. Once in a good position, she dived with momentum, using gravity to gain speed. With the tip of her spear forward, she became an arrow of steel, the point of which violently sank into the monster rex's right eye.
Obviously, he did not like this treatment at all and let it be known. He roared with fury and began to shake his head in all directions to get rid of this pest that was bothering him.
Purhaan! Get out of here!
The rabbit quickly dislodged her spear and jumped up, before the Goliath's hand came to try and pull her out. Fortunately she was able to avoid it, but he then grabbed the chain around her neck and kicked the one on the other side away.
In anger he then began to strike everywhere around him, whether it was smashing his fists into the ground or trying to flatten his enemies with his foot. Everyone was forced back and they understood what it meant to face a Dungeon monster rex. Knowing that Mei and Ekkrit had each faced one alone, and more powerful ones at that, commanded respect. Moreover, it was their captain who gave them an encouragement.
Come on! I know You can do better!
In the fight, two young women realised that they would indeed have to roll up their sleeves to get through it. The amazoness then approached the cat people and spoke to her.
OK kitty, ready to go all out?
Anytime you want, exhibitionist girl.
The relationship between Vasati and Cayope, both of whom were as gruff as they were outspoken, was a succession of friendly jibes and teasing little provocations. Some people would even tease them about it. If Cayope didn't shout loudly her wish to find a cute man to pamper her, some would end up believing that they would end up together.
Shall we do like always, you sing and I dance?
Here we go! said the cat-girl, taking her sword in both hands.
But this time, they didn't run straight ahead, each one started to chant
Sing for me
Sing, Thunder Scalde
Sing through my blade
Sing, the song of destruction
Breaker Blade!
Plasma spheres appeared and struck Vasati's sword, charging it with energy before it began to hum. A careful observer would see that her blade was slightly blurred, due to the fact that it was vibrating very quickly. She had never really understood how her spell worked. Thor had tried to explain to her, something about vibration and frequency, that everything could break apart if you make it vibrate the right way. She didn't understand anything and just remembered that with this spell, her sword was able to break things much more easily, hence her nickname Bryter, the breaker.
Dance for me
Dance with me
Dance, serpent of steel
Let them know your bite
Steel Snake's Dance!
Cayope's chain suddenly began to move, as if of its own accord. In reality, it was a spell that gave her a form of telekinetic control over her chain and allowed her to move it by will, making it perform unexpected movements.
The amazoness stepped forward first and threw her chain straight at the monster's face. The Goliath tried to intercept it with his fist, but the latter, animated by magic, shifted like a steel snake and hit him in the face. Enhanced by magic, the impact was violent enough to push him back a step. The dark-skinned warrior followed up, seeming to dance, as if her movements were controlling her weapon. The double sickle flew in the air, taking improbable trajectories, suddenly changing direction in mid-air, and this, several times, preventing the monster from anticipating its blows. At this, Cayope took advantage of the monster's missing eye to attack him in his new blind spot and hit him several times in the face.
Enraged, the Goliath décider to attack the one controlling the chain. Ignoring the metal snake that harassed him, he sent his huge fist towards the amazoness, who did not move. Vasati stepped in and struck with the full power of her great sword. However, when she met the Goliath's fist, the vibrations suddenly intensified, and then the monster's hand seemed to literally break apart and explode on contact, leaving him with a stump of splintered flesh above his wrist.
The experience had not been pleasant and the creature roared in pain. Taking advantage of his distress, Cayope passed behind him, accompanied by the three men who were providing a diversion. Controlling her chain, she wrapped it around the Goliath's neck and with the help of the other three, they grabbed the weapon, two at each end, and pulled back with all their might, supported by the amazoness' magic.
Vasati charged again and struck one last time before her magic reached its limit, shattering the Goliath's ankle and causing it to lose its balance and fall backwards, lying on its back.
Finish him off Purhaan! the amazoness shouted. The hume-bunny had climbed to the ceiling again and repeated her previous tactic, charging straight at the monster's chest. She then thrust her spear into its heart.
The Goliath roared in pain, but the rabbit did not stop there. She drew her spear, whirled it over her head and thrust it again, putting all her strength and anger into it, as if the adrenaline and fury of the fight had made her lose her usual restraint.
She drew her spear again and thrust it again, and again, and again... Until with a last gasp, the monster finally stopped moving and vanished in black smoke, leaving only its magic stone behind.
It would have been easier to aim at the latter from the beginning, but the intact magic stone of a monster rex was worth a lot. And there were good reasons for the familia to want to earn money. And as his main messenger, Purhaan was well aware of her god's plans, so she took the risk of aiming for the heart of the Goliath rather than its magic stone. But her gamble paid off.
The whole group gave a shout of victory as the retreating members approached them. Although still held by Ygannea, Mei spoke a few words to them.
Well done everyone. You see, it wasn't that hard.
I almost died! yelled the young half elf who hadn't done much except almost die a few times and stupidly pull a chain at the end. Arrauth wasn't a bad guy, but he could get emotional. Further on, there was Adriel, crouched down, seemingly brooding in her corner.
Are you okay, Adriel? Mei asked.
I don't want to talk about it...
You know, one day you're really going to have to assume that skill.
Never! she shouted, hiding her face behind her hands. No, she was not at all ready to assume the fact of behaving like a dominatrix in front of everyone.
Well, enough laughing, get the Goiath's magic stone and maybe we can finally go back up.
And fortunately, this time, there were no more nasty surprises, their little group being big and powerful enough to repel most of the monsters. In fact, the monsters were not specifically attacking them. But the reverse was not true, and during the climb, some adventurers were surprised to see whole groups of monsters of all kinds fleeing in panic, pursued by an enraged dwarf who needed to let off steam. The advantage was that it allowed them to grab a little more loot.
And finally, they went up the great spiral staircase that separated the Dungeon from the ground floor of Babel, making them arrive in the early afternoon in the great entrance.
Haaaaaa! Finally some fresh air! said Mei, happy to have some natural light and to get out of this den of death.
Of course, their return attracted the attention of many curious onlookers, who did not fail to notice that all of Thor's familia had returned, relatively unscathed, and that they seemed to have some loot whit them. But they did not care and Mei gave her orders.
Well, Purhaan, go home and tell Lord Thor that we have returned, I'm sure he's eager to hear about our little adventures.
On my way! replied the rabbit before leaving the place at a run.
Adriel, go tell Miss Eina that we're back and that we'll submit our expedition report to her as soon as our god is here. And also that she will make the necessary preparations for the exchange of our loot.
Right away. The human simply said before heading towards the Guild's counters. Then, the shivati could not say anything else, because it was the elf who took the initiative.
And you, I'm taking you to Dian Cecht's right now, your condition is too strange.
Mei knew very well that she wouldn't have the last word with Ygannea when she went into her 'big sister' mode, so she sighed, but kept her words.
As you wish, it will give you time to prepare everything. The rest of you, sit in a corner and keep an eye on the loot. Ekkrit, I entrust you with the lead.
The nezu merely nodded and Mei was quickly dragged along by her magician friend.
Luckily for them, Dian Cecht's clinic was not far away and was not crowded, Mei was even lucky enough to be entrusted directly to the care of Airmid, the captain of the familia and incidentally, one of the best healers there is. Airmid examined Mei and seemed rather puzzled.
Well? What's wrong with me?
The Dea Saint came out of her reflection and answered.
I don't know, physically you're fine, the potions have healed your wounds, even the internal damage. On the magical level, your mental energy is totally chaotic, as if your body could no longer contain your power. As a result, it prevents you from recovering.
She's been pushing her magic a little bit during a tough fight. The elf completed to help Airmid.
Nothing to do with a Mind Down. It could be linked to a disturbance in the falna, it's very rare, I've never seen one, but I've read about it. Well, if that's the case, only your god can help you. In the meantime, I'll give you a remedy that should reduce the symptoms by temporarily curbing your mental energy, and a tonic to give you strength, but no fighting until your god has had a look at your back.
While the healer went to get what was needed, Mei said nothing, lost in thought. Was something wrong with her falna? It would be the first time it had ever happened to her. Airmid had the reputation of being Orario's best healer, so if she told her that the problem was not physical, she would trust her. And if the problem was purely magical, Ygannea, with her knowledge, would have seen it straight away. So a problem with her falna was the best explanation.
So Mei was treated to an absolutely atrocious drink with a pungent smell that would ruin her appetite for the day. But if that's what it took. At least, between that and the tonic she was given, she recovered enough strength to walk and act normally. After paying for Airmid's care, the two women returned to the Guild.
There they found their familia, as well as Thor, who was waiting for them and came to greet them with a big hug, as he was used to.
My daughters! How happy I am to see you again! I was worried when I was told that Mei needed treatment, is everything all right?
The two women summarized what he had said at the clinic and the colossal deusdea remained thoughtful for a moment.
A problem with the falna? Um... I see. Well, if there's no rush for the moment, we'll look into it later, when we do your status updates. In the meantime, we're expected.
Indeed, inside the premises, the little familia was gathered together with several members of the Guild, including a certain brown half elf.
Eina! Nice to see you again! Mei greeted her with a smile, as the employee responded just as warmly.
Likewise, I'm glad to see you all back in one piece. It's time for your expedition report, would you like us to go and do it in private?
Ha! Certainly not! replied the god of thunder in a cheerful tone. My children have nothing to be ashamed of.
Reporting in public meant that all the onlookers could hear, it was risky, but it was also a good way to assert oneself for a new familia. And there were quite a few onlookers, adventurers, but also other gods. And among them, a certain small goddess, accompanied by her familia led by a certain young man with white hair.
Very well, I am listening. Said the young woman, holding what she needed to take notes. Mei cleared her throat and began her story.
We first went down to the 18th floor where we set up our base camp. For safety, we left our level one members there.
So far, this seemed logical to many people, to take Level 1s lower without a large group would be dangerous.
The rest of the expeditionary group continued their descent without any worries, fighting, exploring, nothing special. We then reached the safe area of the 34th floor where we set up our forward camp.
The half elf was taking notes as Mei spoke. The onlookers said nothing, for the moment there was nothing special.
We decided to push our expedition to the 37th floor, in order to establish a complete route to the Deep Floors.
Some in the audience thought that for a first time, this was not too bad, especially considering the small size of the familia.
Unfortunately, just as we were about to turn back, we got caught up in a monster party that left us with no way to get back up.
The audience was getting more attentive, because now it was getting interesting.
For several hours we fought, forced to retreat deeper into the floor, until we reached the boss room. To make matters worse, the monster rex Udaeus appeared.
Has it been three months already?
Time flies. replied another.
Did you fight him? Thor asked, curious to know if these children had engaged in such a fight despite the unfavourable situation.
No... to save our strength, I decided to fight him alone...
Suddenly there were several reactions of surprise in the surroundings, but the final blow would come next.
...and I defeated him.
Several cries of exclamation rang out at this statement. Mortals could not lie to the gods, so Thor and the few divine spectators present knew that the young woman was not lying.
She defeated Udaeus solo?
On level 5?
The Sword Princess did it herself.
There were many comments in the room, marking curiosity, amazement, jealousy or respect. Some praised Mei for her success, others felt that she had merely copied Aiz's feat. But none could have shouted as loudly as Thor.
HA! That's my girl! A fight worthy of the song of the scaldes! You're a credit to the Great Hall and to your title of Asgard Jenta! When we get home, you can tell me all about it!
However, another person was about to shout at her and it was not for the same reasons nor in the same way.
Mei, that was dangerous and completely foolish! said Eina, whose reckless behaviour worried her. Be more careful, otherwise this kind of action will lead to your downfall.
The half elf had always favoured caution over heroism, and her credo was that adventurers should not go on adventures. A principle that few of those under her supervision applied, Bell the first, which often annoyed her.
I'm sorry I worried you, Eina. I'll buy you a drink sometime to make up for it. She approached the counsellor and supported her second sentence with a teasing smile and a knowing wink.
Eina immediately blushed, but managed to keep a professional attitude. It wasn't the first time she had been hit on by adventurers, but on reflection, she thought it was the first time another woman had tried to seduce her. It was almost refreshing, but it also reminded her that the only one she would accept was not trying to seduce her, probably because he was as good with women as a brick.
What happened next?
After that intense fight, I passed out. Yga, if you please.
The elf approached and took up the story where Mei had left off.
After that we managed to make our way back up. After another break on the 34th floor, we continued our ascent, making our way through many waves of monsters.
Well, I guess you could say it wasn't all smooth sailing. Said their god. But I have a feeling that it doesn't end there.
Indeed, as we reached the 24th floor, we were attacked by the monster rex Ophiuchus.
Again, there was noise in the crowd, due to the elf's statement.
The Ophiuchus?
Has it returned?
We hadn't heard anything about it for a long time.
However, one of the most curious was a young man with white hair, who spoke to a young prum at his side.
What monster are they talking about Lili?
Oh, I sometimes forget that you haven't been in town very long, Master Bell. The monster rex they are talking about is called the Ophiuchus, or the acid snake. It's a weird monster rex that sometimes appears on the 24th floor. What makes it special is that unlike the other floor bosses, it respawn randomly. Sometimes up to two times in one week. But this was the first time anyone had seen it in almost two years.
Oh, I see. Thanks Lili.
However, on the side of the principals involved, the story continued as Thor asked his magician for details.
And then? How did the fight go?
Well, given the situation, it turns out that Ekkrit decided to duel him. And I'll give you a thousand words, he won.
Ha! Well done, my son! shouted the god of thunder, patting his shadow on the shoulder.
In the crowd, there were again several stunned reactions, because everyone understood that it was the truth.
Damn it! The rat kill the acid snake!
At level 4 solo, it's playable, but very complicated.
This one is really strong.
However, Eina didn't take this statement so well, especially after having lectured Mei five minutes earlier. Her hand clenched so tightly that the pen she was holding shattered and her smile was just as tight.
Tell me, is this a plot to give me grey hair before my time?
Strangely enough, faced with her aura of anger, even the nezu instinctively apologised. Eina Tulle was not to be messed with. But the latter could only sigh in spite and after replacing her pen, she made them resume their story.
Once the creature was defeated, we were able to return to the 18th floor, find the others and heal Mei.
The shivati spoke again from then on.
And today we are back up, although we also ran into the Goliath as soon as we arrived on the 17th floor.
Once again, there were several round eyes in the audience.
Three monster rexes in one expedition.
I don't know if that's bad or good luck right there.
Please tell me it didn't end in a duel yet. Asked a completely jaded Eina.
No, not this time. We preferred to let our less experienced members get their hands on it. It was our level 1s and 2s who defeated him. Cayope, Vasati and Purhaan led the attack, with a diversion from Viclaer, Girkas and Arrauth. Bricanea and Adriel provided some support too, but he fell.
More murmurs arose in the assembly. Even if the Goliath was the weakest of the monster rexes, defeating it with such a small team was no easy task.
Hardly better in terms of temerity. Said the half elf with spite in her voice. This familia was obviously going to cause her as much stress as Bell did during his heroic episodes.
And then, here we are, just like that. The human concluded.
I see. However, we heard a funny story earlier, about a rabid dwarf who was playing tag with the monsters on the upper levels, does that ring a bell?
Eina's gaze became more accusatory and Mei's more evasive, combined with a slightly tense smile. Fortunately, Thor understood the situation and came to her aid.
Don't worry about it, Thargar is just a little bloody... and a little teasing, nothing really bad.
"We don't agree on that!" several adventurers shouted inwardly. The poor buggers had almost been trampled by the dwarf's improvised playmates. The poor half elf heaved her umpteenth sigh of the day, why did she always have to supervise the crazy ones?
Well, I suppose that's it for your expedition report? Just a moment, please.
The young woman walked away and joined several other Guild employees, including her superior. The small group discussed for a while, then finally agreed. Eina then returned to the adventurers, smiling.
The Guild is more than satisfied with the Thor familia's first official expedition to the Dungeon and therefore considers it a success.
I had no doubt about that. The colossal god simply said, his smile clearly showing his satisfaction.
If you'll follow me, my colleagues at the exchange counter should be ready for the evaluation of your loot.
Ha! The money! I feel like I'm going to enjoy this too! And he wasn't the only one, even the less materialistic members of the familia were curious to know how their work had paid off.
Even if some of the curious had left after the summary of the expedition, there were still a number of them who were watching the rest, curious to see how much money Thor's children would manage to get from their adventures. Going down into the Dungeon was one thing, but killing the monsters without bringing back their magic stones or other drop items was not worth it.
But that didn't seem to be the case, as the familia was dragging several large, full bags. The counter wouldn't be enough for this, so they had brought in little carts with several empty bins on them.
Come on, my childrens! Show us what you have brought back.
It started with the magic stones, which were emptied into several bins. They came in all sizes and qualities, from the small ones from the weak monsters on the upper floors to the much bigger and shinier ones from the deeper floors. Then they brought out two more, bigger and brighter.
The magic stones of the Goliath and the Ophiuchus, intact. Mei said with some pride. These were great catches and everyone knew it. These two stones alone were going to be worth a lot of money. Three more pieces of crystal were taken out and displayed together.
The Udaeus magic stone, unfortunately broken into three pieces.
Several Guild employees hovered around and examined it from every angle and one of them spoke up.
Broken, but not destroyed. It's still very valuable. It will take us a little while to assess its exact price.
So they took it all away and the group moved on to the exchange of the various drop items. Here too, there were quite a few and very varied. Fangs, claws, furs, horns, appendages of all kinds, strange organs, etc.
Ygannea then took out a large bottle containing a red liquid and presented it in turn, which immediately caught the eye of the employees.
Oh, Mermaid blood! A rare ingredient, would you like to sell it to the Guild too?
The elf turned his head towards his god, who nodded and gave his consent. The elf then took out a small box and opened it in front of the employees.
And best of all, a venom gland from the Ophiuchus.
There were several small cries of surprise in the room. Not only had Thor's familia fought a monster rex that hadn't been seen in nearly two years, but they were lucky enough to get a very rare drop item from it.
Would you like to sell it to the Guild too? asked the clerk in front of this choice piece. Only Thor arrived and closed the box.
No, I'm sorry, I'll sell it on my own. But I would be very grateful if you could give me an estimation of its current market price.
Of course, let us look into it and we'll give you that.
The rest of the item drops were taken away as the staff began to sort out the price assessments, forcing the small familia to wait. Valuing the broken magic stone wasn't too hard, the Guild had procedures for that. For the venom gland, however, it was necessary to look in the archives to see the various prices that had been awarded to it. It was a highly prized component in alchemy and with the law of the market, the more rare it became, the more its price increased. And since the monster from which it came had not been seen for almost two years, its price had skyrocket.
After a good hour of examination, a Guild employee finally came to give them the total of their winnings and even without having sold the venom gland, they had won a very nice sum, which amounted to more than a hundred million varis, which shocked many people and made a certain brown prum, who was desperate to win so much on a single descent, die of jealousy. Thor then arranged with the Guild for all the money to be delivered to their home, and then ordered Mei, Ygannea and Adriel to follow him, as he already knew where to sell the last remaining item.
To the surprise of the two humans and the elf, their god lead them to for Dian Cecht's clinic, which drew an amused retort from the familia's captain.
If I'd known we'd be back so soon, we would have waited.
No, you wouldn't. replied the elf who would never joke about her health. Although she was her captain, Mei was a little sister to her, and she made it her duty to take care of her. Their god then saw the person he wanted to see and called out in his loud voice.
Hey, Dian! It's been a long time, man!
The person he had just addressed was a man who looked old, but still very fit. He had grey hair and beard, and was wearing a white robe with gold patterns.
Please more lower Thor, this is still a clinic here. What brings you here, big guy? I heard that one of your children was treated, no problem at least?
After all, he had to maintain a good image and therefore provide impeccable customer service.
No, don't worry, this time I'm here on business. He said, surprising his interlocutor.
Ho? I'm listening.
Well, it so happens that I have a small object here that might interest you. At his words, he opened the box containing the Ophiuchus venom gland and presented it to the god of medicine, who swallowed and looked at the object as the precious treasure it was to him. The drop item was an extremely valuable alchemical component, once prepared, the resulting substrate would allow the creation of a large quantity of potions of all kinds, very powerful and selling for a high price. Even at its current market value, this gland would make a handsome profit, especially since he had alchemists among his children who were gifted enough to take full advantage of it.
It's very kind of you to have thought of me, but given the current market price for this kind of item, I'm not sure I have the enough money. Because Dian Cecht wouldn't be Dian Cecht if he didn't try to bargain a little. Thor closed the box and then put an arm around the doctor's neck, talking to him as if he were an old friend.
Spare me the haggling, old man, I'll make you a much better offer. I'll give you this pretty gland for half its current value.
The other god opened his eyes wide in surprise. Even at half price, it was worth a lot, but the benefits were immense.
A most generous offer. In exchange for what?
Two small, simple services.
Let's hear it. With such a basic offer, he was more than open to proposals.
Well, first of all, my familia has every intention of settling in town for good, so we're going to regularly face the Dungeon and the risks inherent in this activity. Long-term health risks for my children you guess.
I see, the other god simply replied. Of course, I would be more than happy to apply our special prices for our most privileged clients to your familia.
And when you remembered what a tightwad Dian Cecht was, you could see how giving long-term discounts spoke volumes about the value he placed on drop items.
Then, let's say... I'd be grateful if you'd forget about Miach's debt.
The god of medicine said nothing, but had an embarrassed reaction. Technically, Miach still owed him quite a bit of money and it was always a pleasure to collect his drafts. But what he owed him was still less than what he would earn from getting the venom gland at half price. For Thor, it was not so much Miach's debt that mattered to him as the humiliation that Dian Cecht kept putting him through. The god of medicine understood that Thor's offer was a way of politely putting him in his place.
The doctor thought silently for a few moments. Preferential rates for a familia of modest size and accepting the small humiliation of giving a gift to a rival he hated in exchange for a reduced price on a component that would make a large profit in the process. Given his taste for money, he felt he could forget about his self-esteem for a while. After disengaging himself from Thor's arm, he held out his hand.
That's fine for me.
We have a deal! Thor replied, shaking his hand.
For a so-called gruff warrior, I didn't expect you to have any bargaining skills.
I could say the same thing about the so-called doctor, who seems to like money a lot.
In spite of the little jabs, the two gods agreed and signed the exchange agreement to do it by the book. Dian Cecht's alchemists were able to get their hands on the precious venom gland and Miach would soon receive a letter telling him that his debt was no more. Thor and his children were able to return home after all this and the three women were dying to get back to a shower and a real bed.