Core of Knowledge

Pos Opalhand was not a happy dwarf.

His report of a new dungeon caused as much of an uproar as he had expected, but the dwarf had thought his job would be over the moment he reported the presence of the new dungeon.

It was not.

The Master of the local Adventurer Guild all but demanded that Pos guide the exploration team to the dungeon. The dwarf tried to explain that he usually works as a guard for the caravans passing through the town, and was not a professional dungeon delver, but the Guild Master ignored his protest. The fact that Pos could just point the location of the dungeon on a map was also ignored.

Pos was the one who found it, so he needed to personally guide the team to the dungeon. Pos has the distinct impression the Guild do not quite believe his news even after passing the Truth Spell. He was certain the exploration team had orders to teach him a lesson if his report was untrue. Pos wondered if that’s what usually happens to adventurers who falsely report the presence of dungeons.

So, after one night of preparation, he and the other adventurers were on their way to the new dungeon. As he had been there before, Pos easily guided the exploration team to the dungeon. Only the entrance had been much changed since the last time Pos was there.

The entrance of the dungeon was no longer a hole in the ground, but a stone archway. The large tunnel leading underground was still there, but the dungeon core had built steps for adventurers going into the dungeon. The exploration team immediately spread out to inspect the dungeon entrance. The stone archway and the large tunnel leading underground was inspected from top to bottom, and several drawings and measurements were made. As he was not a member of the exploration team, Pos was not required to do anything, and he leaned against a nearby tree to watch.

After an hour, the team leader approached the archway and called for everyone's attention. Pos pushed off the tree and walked over to listen along with the members of the exploration team. The team leader was a veteran [Dragoon] named Bazel. An old human well past his fiftieth year of life, Bazel was the most experienced adventurer in Viaggia and has the scars on his body to prove it. Bazel's eyes scanned the small team before speaking.

“Alright everyone, you know why we are here but let me say this one more time. This is an official exploration of a new dungeon. That means we are going to enter this dungeon and see what's inside. I want everyone to keep in mind that we are here to explore and report, not to challenge. That means we will be respectful to the dungeon and will not be attacking the core. In fact, unless I say otherwise, we will not be attacking anything, and we will only kill if we are attacked first. The moment anyone steps out of line, I will tie you up and carry you back out myself. Do I make myself clear?”

There was a chorus of 'yes, boss' and Bazel nodded in satisfaction.

“Good. Now, we know that this dungeon is new so it should not be too deep, but it is a Trick Dungeon. So, be careful. Trick Dungeons are dangerous. A team of adventurers had entered already, and only one of them managed to exit.” The adventurers turned to look at Pos, who tried his best not to wince at the attention. Bazel ignored the dwarf’s discomfort and continued.

“According to the dungeon survivor, the first level is filled with a poisonous fog, but the core is fair. There is a way to navigate through the fog. You have all been briefed on how to do it, so I won’t repeat myself but have your health potion and Recall Stone ready. I don't want anyone dying because of the fog. If you start feeling lightheaded or unwell, activate the Recall Stone and it will teleport you back to the Adventurer Guild. If you fall in the fog, chances are we will not be able to help you. So, do not take any chances. The same goes for injuries. We have a healer, but you will be on your own when you are in the fog, so be prepared to use the health potion given to you by the Guild. Now, the Guild won’t demand the potions back, so I know some of you intend to keep the potion as an additional reward for this quest. Rewards are useless to the dead, so don’t take chances. Use them if you need to.”

Bazel glanced at a nearby priest who nodded his head. Pos followed his gaze and recognized the priest as Father Raul, a [Wandering Healer] from the Harbingers of Homos. The priest had a great reputation in adventuring circles, but Pos had to wonder about his presence in the team.

Father Raul was a tall, lean man with dark skin, but his hair was whitened with age and his left eye was clouded. Pos knew the priest was older than Bazel by at least two decades. Even with Father Raul’s experience and connection with the divine, Pos would have preferred a younger man as the team’s healer.

“I think that's all for now. Unless something comes up, we will be entering the dungeon soon. Take the last few moments to get yourself ready.” Bazel informed the team.

Pos returned to the tree he was leaning against and made sure everything was in order. His axe was sharp, his backpack was secure, and Pos made sure he had enough rations. The first floor was relatively small, but no one knows if that will be the case for the lower floors. It would be embarrassing to turn back due to hunger. Satisfied, Pos moved to join the line of explorers when he felt a hand clamped down on his shoulder.

“We are outside the dungeon. We need to see the skill.”

Pos turned to find Bazel standing behind him, arms crossed alongside another member of the exploration team. Fabiana was a [Sage] and Pos had no doubts about why the Guild put her on the exploration team. The dwarf frowned.

“Right now? Just when we are about to enter the dungeon? I might need it inside.”

“You survived it once without the skill, and you have the Recall Stone if you get in trouble inside. Come on dwarf, let’s get it over with.” The [Dragoon] said with a shake of his head.

Pos huffed but did not object. He may have informed the Guild of the ‘technique’ he picked up from the dungeon under a Truth Spell, but he knew there are ways to trick the spell. The Guild would have doubts and Pos knew seeing is believing. Pos turned from the two members of the exploration team and activated his technique. Pos had tried it once before after leaving the dungeon and felt the power gathering at his feet. He took a step and easily traverse five metre away from where he was standing. The dwarf turned and jogged back to Bazel who was deep in discussion with Fabiana.

“There seem to be no visible difference between it and a normal skill from the System,” the [Sage] said with a grimace. “Dwarf, do you feel any difference when using the skill?”

“Nope. Felt like a normal skill.” Pos immediately said.

“How do you feel when you are outside the distance requirement of the Skill? How do you know if you are outside or inside the zone of the dungeon?” Fabiana asked.

“I just do,” Pos answered. “It’s like how I feel when I enter a sanctified temple. There would be a presence, and I just know if the patron of the temple like or dislikes me. Nothing special”

“So, it is like an Aura skill.” Bazel said.

“I believe the System called it ‘within the influence of the dungeon’, whatever that means. So, I do not know if it should be called an Aura. It is more like a Location.” Pos said.

“Doesn’t matter what it is called, it should not be possible.” Fabiana complained.

“Well, we all saw it. The skill- “

“Technique,” Pos corrected Bazel, “the System state it is a Dungeon Technique, whatever that means. Again.”

“Whatever it is called, it works.” Bazel barely paused as he addressed Fabiana. “Write that down.”

“But that makes no sense! Dungeon can’t grant Skills.” The [Sage] whined.

“Technique,” Pos corrected, this time earning a glare from Fabiana, and a chuckle from Bazel.

“If nothing else, this proves that this dungeon is an abnormality. Don’t frown Fabi, think about all the papers you will be able to write about this dungeon. You are going to be famous.”

Bazel teasing caused the [Sage] to give him the stink eye but Pos could see the beginning of a smile on her face. The town of Viaggia will not be the only thing that will change once the presence of the dungeon is known.

This dungeon will change everything.

“Alright, enough talk.” Bazel said before turning to the team. “Everyone form up. Let’s get going.”