38 Slave(1)

Talk - " "

Think + abilities/passives names - [ ]

System - ( )

Author thought - [[ ]]

Action - * *

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

As Alex continued to wait for the arrival of others and experimented with his magic, he discerned four distinct voices emanating from the forest, gradually drawing nearer. Initially dismissing them as potentially random sounds of forest creatures, the increasing volume and distinctiveness of the voices made it evident that they belonged to people.

Choosing to initially ignore the approaching voices, Alex assumed they might just be passing by without any significant interaction. However, as the voices drew nearer and grew louder, he began to discern the content of their conversation. Despite their distance, he could now make out what they were saying, alerting him to the potential for interaction or confrontation.

As the voices approached, the clarity of their conversation increased. One voice, sounding somewhat impatient and assertive, urged the others forward:

"Come on, you dipshits! I know we just came back from a mission, but this quest the guild posted has a valuable reward. It should be quick and easy. Our quest is to examine the cause of a mana spike that was detected out here. Plus, this area is known to be mostly safe for new adventurers. Nothing too strong should be here"

2 other voices were quick to talk back. 

1 of the voices, seemingly belonging to a young man, interjected in response "Come on, we finished wiping a goblin encampment. I still need to restock my stuff. I used most of my potions and items for all of you. Let us head back to rest and restock. Plus we still hand this girl over to the church."

The other voice belongs to a young woman who also agrees with the young man. "Hagen is correct Dain, we are all tired and low on supplies, my clothes are all dirty and I need to repair some of my stuff. Plus the Guild always gets reports on mana spikes, most end up being nothing or just a creature evolving"

While the voices engaged in conversation, Alex discerned the presence of another individual, largely silent but accompanied by the unmistakable sound of chains. The details of their communication eluded him, either due to their subdued volume or the louder conversations of the others. Nevertheless, it became evident that the group was heading directly towards his location.

Preferring to avoid any potential conflict for the time being, Alex chose to unsummon his Tall-Neck. Its absence would reduce the likelihood of drawing attention, especially since the Tall-Neck couldn't enter through the dungeon entrance and was more noticeable due to its bright color scheme and size. 

With the entrance and the wooden archway hidden with a well-crafted illusion visible only to him and his summons, Alex entered his dungeon. The hidden nature of the entrance, coupled with the illusion, should effectively prevent the approaching group from discovering and entering his dungeon. Alex aimed to keep his dungeon hidden for now till he completed his first floor as it was empty.

Back to the group heading his way, the leader of the group was a man named Dain. He was a middle-aged elf of moderate height, with well-defined elven features marked by the passage of time and the scars earned from numerous adventures. His auburn hair was tied back in a loose ponytail. He also had a closely-trimmed beard that added a touch of ruggedness to his age due to some gray hairs that were found.

Dain was wrapped with a heavy set of leather armor, which was worn and had patches in places but still exuded a sense of reliability. The armor is adorned with various pouches, each containing the tools of a seasoned adventurer – potions, a well-used map, and trinkets. While wearing scuffed boots, scarred from treks through his adventures, complete the practical ensemble.

Casually slung across his back is a sword, its hilt intricately carved with symbols and runes. The blade, despite its many nicks and scratches, gleams with a keen edge, a testament to both the craftsmanship and the countless foes it has faced. The elf's hand rests confidently on the weapon, a constant companion on his journey through the diverse landscapes of the land.

The other male was a younger elf man named Hagen who had raven-black hair, left loose and tousled, that framed his face and was adorned with a few freckles on his skin with his skin being a bit tanned due to constantly being in the sun. 

Clad in light leather armor, Hagen's attire is both practical and stylish. The earthy tones of the armor allow him to move through the forest like a shadow, while the intricate patterns etched into the leather reveal a craftsmanship that blends seamlessly with his aesthetics. 

At his sides rest a pair of slender daggers, their hilts adorned with delicate elven filigree. The blades, sharp and meticulously maintained, gleam with a subtle silvery sheen. The young elf's fingers dance lightly over the hilts, a silent testament to the familiarity and comfort he finds in his dual weapons.

Next was a young elf woman named Alya, around the same age as Hagen. Had cascading waves of auburn hair that framed her delicate face, adorned with almond-shaped eyes with piercing green eyes. 

Her attire consists of light leather armor, that was tailored to accentuate both elegance and practicality. The armor is adorned with intricate leaf patterns, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings. A hood drapes over her shoulders, ready to be pulled up for added concealment in the depths of the forest.

In one hand, she cradles a masterfully crafted bow, its wood bearing a polished sheen from years of use. The bowstring, taut and well-maintained, seems to hum with potential energy. At her side, a quiver, adorned with embroidered vines and leaves, houses a collection of arrows with razor-sharp tips, each fletched with feathers from vibrant woodland birds.

The last person was a small girl who was probably around the age of 5, her appearance was marked by disheveled black hair that concealed barely growing horns. Her piercing red eyes conveyed a sense of emptiness, devoid of any discernible emotion as if she had resigned herself to life's challenges. The tattered and dirtied clothes she wore bore signs of small cuts and holes, indicative of a challenging existence.

The somber description of the small girl was completed with the mention of a metal collar around her neck, connected to chains held by Alya. This additional detail painted a distressing picture, suggesting a concerning situation for the young girl within the group.

The evident presence of a metal collar and chains, coupled with the group's nonchalant treatment of the young girl, pointed to a distressing reality – she was being treated as a slave. The disregard shown by the rest of the group toward her further underscored the troubling nature of her situation.

As the group pressed on through the forest, it became apparent that the young girl was struggling to navigate the rugged terrain. Her evident fatigue and hunger indicated a lack of proper care, with the group seemingly neglecting to provide her adequate sustenance or rest. The distressing conditions under which she was forced to travel only heightened no one's concern for her well-being.

Upon reaching the location where Alex had battled the bear elemental, the group immediately sensed the aftermath of the confrontation. Reacting to the visible damage and potential threat, they readied their weapons, preparing for any unexpected trouble that might arise in the wake of the recent encounter.

The group's leader, Dain, swiftly deduced the situation upon arriving at the scene. Recognizing the signs of a fierce battle between two powerful beasts, he surmised that the clash had generated enough magical potency to be detected by devices designed to measure mana levels. Having anticipated the possibility during their journey, Dain had a clear understanding of the likely cause behind the detected mana spikes.

Reflecting on his past experiences at Sapore Academy, Dain recalled the devices designed to detect various magical events. These devices primarily served to identify the formation of newly born dungeons or events causing a rapid increase in mana, prompting evacuation measures if necessary. However, they were also effective in capturing magical clashes that produced significant magical potency, such as a battle between two formidable beasts. The familiarity with such devices allowed Dain to quickly grasp the nature of the situation.

But Dain found the situation perplexing as he scrutinized the aftermath. The extent of the damage observed did not align with the typical indicators that would trigger the detection devices. Normally, a more substantial area would be affected if the magical event was significant enough to be captured by these devices.

Additionally, Dain ruled out the possibility of a new dungeon formation, as the specialized device he possessed, specifically designed to detect dungeons, remained silent. Its lack of reaction indicated that there was no nearby dungeon entrance. The anomaly in the observed damage left Dain questioning the source of the detected mana spike.

Dain remained confident in the functionality of the dungeon-detecting device, as it had responded appropriately to dungeons they encountered earlier. Turning his attention to the possibility of a massive mana build-up triggering the detection, he encountered a perplexing aspect. The device designed to monitor such events typically sent continuous reports during mana accumulations, yet in this case, it had only transmitted a single report. The deviation from the expected behavior deepened the mystery surrounding the detected mana spike, compelling Dain to unravel the enigma further.

Perplexed by the evidence before him, Dain could only speculate on the nature of the detected mana spike, leaning towards the possibility of a battle between beasts or individuals. Recognizing the need for a more thorough examination of the area, the group resolved to conduct a detailed investigation to ensure they did not overlook any crucial details. The mystery surrounding the incident motivated them to meticulously assess the surroundings and compile a comprehensive report of their findings to give to the Guild if they wanted the best reward.

In an attempt to ensure their safety and ascertain if any potential threats lurked nearby, the group decided to use the young girl as bait. Instructing her to venture into the open and sit near a rock wall, they observed from a distance, awaiting any possible reactions or movements from the surroundings. The decision to employ the girl as bait reflected their cautious approach to the investigation, prioritizing their safety while seeking to uncover any hidden dangers.

Fortuitously, the baiting strategy proved successful, as no immediate threats emerged from the surroundings. The presence of Ethan, the Death Angel, and the Tall-Neck, actively hunting the more dangerous beasts in the vicinity for Alex's system, likely contributed to the absence of any potential dangers during the observation period. 

With the girl sitting by the rock wall and experiencing no immediate threats during the waiting period, the group concluded that it was safe to venture into the open. Meanwhile, the young girl contemplated the idea of escape, but each attempt before was met with a painful shock delivered by the collar around her neck, a cruel mechanism under the control of her apparent "owner" that persisted until the tormentor chose to cease it. The oppressive collar served as a grim reminder of the constraints binding her freedom.

Resigned to her circumstances and seizing the opportunity for some rest, the girl chose to lie down beside the rock wall. Fatigue weighed heavily on her, and the prospect of a brief nap seemed like a precious respite. Despite the challenging conditions and the uncertainty of her future, she sought a moment of reprieve to recover some strength and, perhaps, escape into a temporary respite through sleep.

But a sudden and unexpected turn of events unfolded as the girl attempted to lie down on the rock wall, only to pass through it. A startled yelp escaped her lips, echoing through the surroundings and catching the attention of the entire group. Witnessing the sight of her body partially disappearing through the rock wall, fear seized her, evident in the visible tremors that shook her frame. The startling occurrence left both the girl and the group bewildered, prompting further investigation into the mysterious phenomenon.

Reacting swiftly to the perplexing situation, Dain, the group's leader, regained his composure and forcefully pulled on the chain connected to the collar around the demon girl's neck. The abrupt action succeeded in retracting her from the partially solid surface, but not without consequences; the forceful yank resulted in visible bleeding around her neck. 

Despite the visible signs of distress and injury exhibited by the demon girl, the group remained resolute in their focus on the mysterious rock wall. The enigma surrounding the wall seemed to take precedence over immediate concerns for the girl's well-being. The bleeding and pain she endured became secondary to the urgency of understanding the peculiar nature of the solid surface that had seemingly allowed her passage. 

"Dain, what just happened?" Alya found herself caught in a wave of confusion, grappling with the inexplicable turn of events. The sight of the demon girl, whom they had recently captured, passing through a solid wall, really made her confused.

Dain maintained a contemplative silence, his thoughts swirling with the implications of the extraordinary event. After a brief pause, he addressed the demon girl, conveying a message that held potential danger to the girl. 

"Go through the rock, and see what's inside." In an attempt to further investigate the mysterious rock wall, Dain chose to employ the demon girl once more as bait. Holding onto the chain with one hand while holding his sword with the other, he compelled the tearful girl to traverse the solid surface once again. 

With tears streaming down her face, the demon girl gradually phased through the rocky barrier, fading away into nothingness. The group anxiously lingered outside, anticipating any unforeseen developments. However, as time passed without incident, they prepared to enter. Just then, an unexpected turn of events unfolded, Dain who was gripping the chain, felt a sudden force as it tightened, propelling him towards the rock wall.

Releasing the chain hastily, Dain observed as it vanished into thin air. The abrupt occurrence left everyone astounded, yet they maintained their positions, unwavering in their formation. Hagen and Alya stood ready for instructions with their weapons drawn, deferring to Dain as their leader.

Dain let out a heavy sigh and spoke, "We're faced with two options," Dain deliberated. "First, we could backtrack and report all the details to the guild. Alternatively, our second choice is to make an attempt at retrieving the girl and completing the quest we've undertaken."

A brief silence enveloped the group as Hagen and Alya contemplated the choices. Eventually, both nodded in agreement with the second option.

"Let's go get the girl," Hagen declared decisively. "The reward for handing demons to the church is too substantial for us to simply pass up." 

Alya nodded in agreement with Hagen, and together they ventured through the rock wall, finding themselves in utter darkness. Fortunately, Hagen, always prepared, produced a mana lantern that he always carried and infused it with his mana. The surroundings illuminated instantly, revealing a cavernous space. Dain observed his dungeon detector, noting that it indicated they were in an H-rank dungeon, one of the lowest difficulty. Meaning that they were in a dungeon that hardly held magic in it. 

Dain's device, designed for dungeon exploration, boasted the capability to not only detect nearby dungeons but also determine their rank upon entry. Operating on a unique mechanism, it absorbed the ambient mana within the dungeon, gauging the strength based on the quantity and purity of mana present in the air. Through intricate calculations and processes unknown to Dain, the device provided accurate insights into the dungeon's strength and even made educated guesses about the number of floors that were accurate. 

Despite the device proving its worth, having saved them from numerous life-threatening dungeons that were too strong for them, Dain remained vigilant. The entrance into a seemingly weak-ranked dungeon with only two floors didn't lull him into complacency. He understood that his device gauged the magical strength of the dungeon, leaving the physical challenges unaccounted for. Thus, he and his group proceeded cautiously and slowly. 

In a mere 30 minutes, they traversed the entirety of the cave. While the journey would typically be swifter under normal circumstances, their cautious progress, marked by the constant search for traps or concealed creatures lurking in the shadows, prolonged the expedition. Surprisingly, no threats materialized along the way. The absence of any challenges on the first floor of the dungeon struck them as peculiar, as it contradicted their expectations based on previous dungeon encounters.

Persisting in their advance, the group entered a cavernous space devoid of any presence, except for a solitary staircase leading to the second floor. Despite the emptiness, the conspicuous trail of blood caught their attention, winding its way toward the stairs. An unsettling sign, yet they pressed on, determined to find the demon girl.

Descending the stairs with focused intent, the group remained oblivious to the subtle transition as they unwittingly traversed another portal, seamlessly teleporting them to the base of the staircase leading to the second floor. The transition went unnoticed, and before long, they found themselves at the bottom, ready to confront whatever awaited them on the next floor of the dungeon.

------

Yo thanks for reading, I'll post a picture of the wheel I use to determine the stuff Alex gets when using the tokens.

Comment any mistakes

Thanks for reading.