Deserve It

''After the lock is broken there will be no need to take all the elements with us...''

''Just because it's in the theory...''

A few were busy explaining their ideas and arguments while others were listening but my focus was long lost. Hermes hated demons. His family and village were destroyed by demons and I was lying to him about what I'm.

''Well, it's actually not lying. It is just hiding the truth intentionally...'' the fox was speaking into my mind.

''They are the same thing!'' I took a long breath to stop my mind from whirling on the same idea that is making me feel guilty.

Straightening my posture, I freed myself from Ender's grip on my leg. The fact that what he said was true didn't change the fact that he said it to make me feel guilty and stay away from Hermes.

He didn't try to reach out and hold me, under or over the table.

''Fuck that,'' I said to myself. ''I have nothing whit what happened to his family. I'm just trying to survive. If sharing some passion with a guy who is also interested in crime, there is nothing I can do.''

The fox licked his paw and ran its front paw behind its ear to scratch. ''Are you going to confess to him what you are?''

''No!'' That nearly made me said it out loud. ''I'm not suicidal,'' I said to the fox.

''Whatever. I know you've been busy lately but you should check notifications from time to time.''

Such a rookie mistake, not checking your situation after a fight, made me blush. ''I... I will. Right after the meeting.''

''What is the point?'' The fox asked. ''You're not even listening to what they're talking about.''

Instead of denying what the fox just said, I focused on what they are talking about now.

''I agree that all this caution is required for the unknown, but there is a high chance the legendary dungeon can be at any degree from low-level dungeon to advanced level dungeon. In the end, we can have loot that isn't worth dividing,'' said one of the high ranked soldiers.

''Let me handle this problem, Captain.'' Everyone turned to see who is speaking.

A lady in black stepped into the meeting room. Her eyes were pieces of starry night and her skin was in the color of dark chocolate. Her hair was her most colorful part with the different gems and feathers in her locks.

''I have met some of you already and this is the right time to meet the rest of you. I'll represent the time element at the upcoming occasion. Also, I was able to decipher nearly all of the text onto the relics we have found scattered around the gate, so I think that you'd be interested in what I'm going to say.''

The hall was in absolute silence. Her presence and voice had something... something unique. It was as if they were reaching us from ancient times and the future, yes, at the same time.

Smiling, she chuckled. ''Now, we all know about dungeons but let me repeat to avoid any confusion. Low level dungeons include the dungeons that a party of a few ordinary adventurers can clear in a few days time or by a squad formed by a few parties.''

Nobody kept her from talking and there were murmurs and voices of confirmation. I looked at Ender to see what was his reaction. Regardless of my anger, I was curious.

Sadly, his face was like a stone sculpture that I couldn't see through even with my skill on.

''He has lifted his emotional shields,'' the fox sighed.

Glad that she has the crowd's attention, the woman continued, ''Intermediate level dungeons often require the cooperation of the entire guild and when an intermediate level dungeon shows signs of evolving into an advanced level dungeon, several guilds cooperate to prevent that from happening.''

Captain coughed and put his hands on the table. ''That's the way we need a way to evacuate if the dungeon we're going to face is an advanced level dungeon.''

''Not a feminist, huh, the captain or whoever is not happy a woman leading the conversation,'' said the fox.

The woman didn't pay attention to how she was interrupted. ''That's the reason why I asked for help from... Lieutenant En, dear?''

Ender straightened his spine and put on a professional smile. ''Yes, Pam.''

Pam?

''I've been working on a disposable device to teleport anyone to the camp back. If the dungeon obstructs the teleportation from inside the outside or from outside the inside, it will teleport to the gate. The lock only works one way so there won't be a problem coming back for a single person,'' said Ender.

The soldier who spoke before sighed. ''I trust my own abilities to keep myself alive, mister. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. My concern is the dungeon that everyone makes a huge fuss about is not actually worth it and we're wasting our times and sources.''

''About that,'' said the beautiful time element user, ''I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. The dungeon is created by elements themselves to save what worths saving from a collapsing world. The loot will be the most precious objects that a world can offer. However, of course, they first need to test you to see if you are worth them.''

A satisfied smile appeared on the soldier's face.

''...oh, and the gates are scattered all over the dimensions in the universe so the reward can go to someone who truly deserves it.''