The Tower in the Shadows

Both men had shed the outer winter layers they wore and now sat at a table in the back room of the Shadow's Rest tavern. Drinks had been supplied. The tavern owner, Jontar, would keep the curious away.

The room was rough in construction but warmed with a large fireplace. Ranus knew that the Ostrul envoy would not openly or even hint at judging the location of the meeting. Their city trained them too well to make such a simple error. Such envoys adapted to any situation they found themselves in. They were known to be some of the most dangerous envoys from any nation.

This Halor Vac was sitting and looking around at the room in polite interest, sipping from the tankard supplied. He was dressed in fine silks, had shoulder-length oiled ringlet hair, and had a trimmed short beard. The Goldwing family had dealings with Ostrul, with Ranus's father leading them. Like his grandfather, he avoided dealing with this city-state like the pox.

Through these dealings, Ranus learned many things. Ostrul always led the way, not with blades but with words, which is why they were so dangerous. Their envoys could charm almost anyone into doing what the city wanted. If they did not get it, they would unleash their attack hounds, the Devnear.

"Tell me, envoy Halor. What brings Ostrul to my humble town?" Ranus began, entirely focusing on the other man. Ranus learned that in Ostrul, people always addressed themselves and others by position and first name.

"Thank you, Lord Goldwind, for this prompt meeting. The sublime city has come to your burgeoning community with the open hand of friendship and to honour your discovery of the first Dungeon on Kyber in many centuries."

His voice and mannerisms reflected an open friendship. Ostrul never went anywhere without learning all they could before making their move. To this end, Ranus knew they would not try to bribe him with gifts to get what they wanted but with another track.

"I thank you for your kind words. I, however, wish to know what Ostrul seeks this day." Ranus decided to cut through all the fine words and get to the meat of the matter. Halor did not react to this, most likely expecting it.

"We of the sublime city have had many dealings with your family over the years." Ranus cursed his father in his mind for this. "We seek a fruitful relationship with you and your new town."

Now, things were going to get interesting.

"In what way, envoy Halor?"

"The sublime city wishes to access the Dungeon within your territory."

And there it was.

"I allow access to all who wish entry. Ostrul may test themselves against it but for one small issue."

"The sublime city is aware of your issue with it. We are willing to listen to your requirements."

Ranus knew he had to tread carefully now. He could not endanger his position here with foolish action. His position was approved by divine law, but that would not stop an assassin's blade or military force from coming and killing him.

History had taught Ranus much about Ostrul. The city was founded in a natural harbour on a peninsula south of the river lands. It was difficult to attack due to the desert that covered the northern land route and having a well-fortified harbour and city. The city was one of the oldest in all of Kyber.

The old empire never conquered Ostrul but absorbed it after a lengthy campaign. Ostrul relies on hidden blades, gold and vice to protect itself. The Devnear are their attack dogs, used to raid and pillage anyone foolish enough to enrage Ostrul.

Human slavery was banned under the old empire, but Ostrul had kept it alive but very well hidden. As soon as the old empire waned and fell, it resumed business as usual. The Nescan city-states publicly did not allow the trading of slaves, but owners could move through the lands without issue with them. Most of the population feared what would happen if the Devnear were unleashed with Ostrul's full backing.

This led to the problem facing Ranus.

"Slaves may not be transported through or sold within my lands. Owners may keep theirs but not openly mistreat them. Any may enter the Dungeon, but you offer your fate to the Gods if you do and all taxes related to it are paid."

He felt dirty for saying it, but at the moment, it was the only thing he could do. Offending Ostrul was something he could not afford at this time. Halor smiled toothily at Ranus's words. The Nescan city-states used the same rules, with the addition of the Dungeon and Ostrul was happy to work with them.

"This is most acceptable to the sublime city. We are grateful for your wisdom on this. A scion of one of the great families travels with this humble servant and would like to test himself against the Dungeon as soon as can be arranged."

This was a surprise to Ranus, but he kept his face controlled. As they were known in Ostrul, the great families were the city's slave lords- the surviving descendants of those who founded the city. They were wealthy, powerful and vindictive. Some appearance was always going to happen, but not so soon. He hoped for more time.

"He is welcome to speak with the Adventure's Guild leader as she handles the entry order for those wishing to test themselves against the Dungeon." Halor nodded with his eyes closed at this, expecting the answer.

"I will make my way to see the Guild Leader as soon as we have finished." Ranus knew the main purpose of the conversation was over, but he had to be careful, knowing that Halor would seek any advantage.

## ## ## ## ##

"Mana stones are the only thing I can think of to help with the shortage that can happen."

I was talking to Larry. He was ignoring me as usual, as he was trying to sleep in the rafters. I could speak to Queen, but she questioned my ideas too much.

"I will start making them tonight when the last group is gone."

I feel this was the best resolution to the problem outside of levelling. In the last few days, not one adventuring group has risked the fourth floor, which was a letdown, but I saw the growing looks of greed as many stared at the stairwell going down. It was only a matter of time.

Larry and Puck had wandered down to the new floor to see what all the fuss was about. Puck was first and upon seeing all the webbing, I got the distinct feeling of "Hell No!" from him as he retreated from the floor back to the third. Larry had entered, but the webbing stuck to his fur, making him retreat and spend a few hours cleaning himself.

Neither had returned.

The front door opened and a group walked in—a new group at that.

"Better hide, Larry."

He quickly scampered away at my prodding.

The first three through the door were warriors and men. They were all equipped with the same matching armour: long-scale mail coats, large oval shields, and helmets with large plumes of what I think are dyed blue horse hair. The helmets covered the whole head, barring a T-shaped section for their faces. They were all armed with well-made long swords. Each shield carried a coat of arms or crest of some kind. It was of a series of blue wavy lines with the silhouette of a black crescent moon surrounded by a gold-coloured chain in a circle on a white background.

Next came a woman dressed in form-fitting leather armour that was dark grey in colour. A hood obscured her features, but I could see pale skin and black hair. By now, I could spot a custom job when it came to equipment. All the other women who wore armour looked similar to the men, favouring protection over style. This was not the case with this one. While not an anime or fantasy pin-up, she was flaunting what she had. She was armed with a bow and more than a few knives.

The following two made me pay far more attention to their differences. A man dressed in similar armour to the other warriors but without the shield entered my Dungeon. His gear was of even higher quality, which was a bet I was willing to make. He had his sword still in its sheath, but the handle guard was decorated with a fair amount of gold.

The final one to enter was a woman. She was dressed in a linen tunic, with exposed arms and most of her legs. She wore sandals on her feet and the same crest on her tunic. She was unarmed and was carrying a large pack. Around her ankles, wrists, and neck were large leather straps. The neck strap had a metal ring on it. She was shivering from the cold and was turning blue. Her olive-coloured skin and light brown hair had a light dusting of snow that was melting.

"Mana Sight. Activate."

Everyone in the new group lit up to different degrees. The warriors had magical-infused armour. The woman in leather was glowing, showing the armour, bow and several of her magical knives. The leather was shadow-infused; I could tell as I recognised the mana signature. The other woman's pack gave off an intense glow like I had never seen before. The final man had several magical auras from his armour, sword, helmet and gloves.

"Mana Sight. Deactivate."

My sight returned to normal. The group was looking around the room. The warriors were tense and ready for trouble. The armoured woman was holding her bow loosely at her side. The "Rich Guy", as I thought of him, was removing his helmet.

"Not liking the look of this lot."

## ## ## ## ##

Myma watched her employer's fourth son take his helmet off. Modus Seamoon was, at first appearance, a handsome man. He had dark olive-coloured skin and a finely manicured beard and hair. His dark eyes hinted at the cruelty within him. With his helmet off, he looked around, and his face twisted into an ugly sneer.

"Is this it?"

"It is the entrance."

He looked at her. She feared him not but was wary of his father.

"What have you learned of this "Dungeon" from the locals?" He might not be impressed, but Ostrul quickly weeded out the foolish amongst its children. As a son of Ostrul, he had learned that lesson early but not completely.

"It is a young Dungeon. Four floors rated at high-grade Iron." She started to give him what she had learned. He had been sent to test himself and this place by his family. He nodded as she spoke, looking around again, a frown replacing his sneer.

"Mana affinity?" A good question, she thought. He had been paying attention to his lessons.

"Apparently. Multiple." That got his attention. He focused on her again, losing his frown.

"Explain that?"

"Shadow, Wind, Water and Earth types have all been found in this Dungeon."

"That explains much. I wondered why I have been sent here."

She remained silent. He was thinking that this was a test from his family and a way to progress along his Path. She could read him so easily. This was, in part, true. He had been sent here to get him out of the city for a period of time. Modus was confident, skilled with a blade and even more arrogant as any noble can be. He had caused some issues with the other families and had been shipped off here to be out of the way. His father had told her to test him in this new Dungeon to learn some sense or die.

Ostrul did not suffer fools, especially amongst the families.

"What sort of rewards can be claimed?"

"Mainly coinage of the old empire. Other rewards can be gained in addition." This again interested him. The old empire coins were sought after for their purity and weight. Ostrul's coins mirrored the old empires.

"Let us start then." He donned his helmet and drew his sword. "Slave, stay close to me at all times." The slave girl he had brought with him spoke.

"This one understands and obeys, great one." She was shivering and turning blue from the cold. The envoy had told them to get the slave to the Dungeon quickly so as not to stir the displeasure of the local "Lord". Modus had sneered at this but had been reminded that his father's instructions were clear: "Do not sour the locals to Ostrul". He was arrogant but feared his father and relented.

They gathered themselves and began exploring the Dungeon. They had to wait two days before a spot opened in the Adventures roster and this only happened because the envoy bribed the group into giving up their place. Myma had used that time to investigate the local Dungeon by talking with the Adventures. What she had learned confused and intrigued her in equal measure.

They entered the tower base and found three more doors and a stairwell going down.

"We descend. The floor has traps and a local insect called a grey-striped wasp," she told the group. She led, followed by the lifeguards, Modus and the slave.

Reaching the first floor was easy, with no traps or ambushes. Myma activated her passive skill [Improve Trap Sensing]. It would tax her stamina, but it should allow her to identify any traps before triggering them.

## ## ## ## ##

"Well, well, well. This is interesting. What to do!"

Larry had hidden himself away and was not noticed. Listening in on the conversation, I was conflicted about what to do. To be honest, I wanted to kill the "Rich Guy" in an as violent/painful way as possible.

Why?

Well, I am a Dungeon Core and I wanted his gear and the whole idea of owning a slave thing.

They were moving across the first floor and the wasps were not presenting as much of a challenge as I had expected. The woman whom I decided to call "Rogue Hotty" was spotting my traps. I thought more about what I needed to do to get them to venture to the fourth. Hopefully, they would go down of their own accord, but I had to make sure.

"Where's Puck?"

I quickly found him and began planning what would happen to this group. Queen was soon brought in as I would get nasty with them.