12 Down in the Dungeon Pt. 6 The Undead Archers

The group moved behind the nearest trees just as the arrows rained down from above.

"Spaste Itona."

Another wave of arrows came raining down on the heroes.

"Spaste Firsta."

The next volley of arrows was sent raining down and the group noticed something. The creatures had lit this volley of arrows on fire! They started running back towards the gate but made a hard right deep into the forest.

"What the hell are those things?!"

"I don't know, but I don't plan to find out. We need to find some place where they can't burn us out."

The group kept running for a while before Zoe spotted something.

"Hey, look. I think I see a cave up ahead."

Ian looked at Zoe, "As much as I love that idea, it's also a bad idea because even if they can't burn us out, they can smoke us out."

"Oh, I didn't really think of that."

"It's ok Zoe, most people are more concerned by the fire burning them than the smoke suffocating them. We'll keep it as plan B."

Zoe began to feel a sense of warmth in her heart. Ian had always tried to show her some kindness, but she always felt that he was just doing it to keep up his image. Now, she understands that was just how he was. He cared about everyone out there and would only belittle them if they said something idiotic.

Zoe now saw Ian in a different light, but it was almost like the same light that Rose and Alice had seen Ian. Little did the girls know that the light had a time limit and that limit was running out quickly.

The heroes continued through the forest until they came across a rocky overhang. It was brought out to a point with a wall that curved around. There appeared to be signs of a campfire in the past, so there was a good chance that groups in the past as shelter from those weird monsters.

The group sat down beneath the overhang and began setting up a plan to combat the weird archers.

"Well guys, got any ideas on what we're dealing with."

The boys looked at each other, "the dungeon is supposed to be focused on undead creatures, but with the knight on the second floor we could be facing anything. The monsters are probably some type of intelligent undead that don't speak English. They language is unfamiliar so it's probably some kind of dialect from a different land."

"Wow Markus, look at you are putting your big muscle brain to work."

"Shut up Zoe, I was in the top ten in grades for the school. We all were, even Derek so no more shit talking about we are just a couple of dumb jocks."

"Ok, I'm sorry. I wouldn't peg you guys for the studious type."

"Enough you two!! We need to focus on combating those archers. They have some way to light their arrows on fire, so they either have magic or are smart enough to make a source of fire and carry it around."

Alice chimed into the conversation at the mention of magic.

"I got a good look at them from my position and they don't seem to have magic. I saw a small orb made from maybe stone or something that they put the arrows into so they could light them."

"Good job, Alice. If we can get those things to drop the orbs, then we can prevent them from roasting us alive."

After about an hour of discussing, the group now had a solid plan to deal with the archers.

*Snap*

"That sounded like a tree branch. Everyone, gear up."

They all stood up and grabbed their gear. That was when a small pup came out from behind the tree line and it looked like it was really injured. It had to have been no more than a few weeks old and appeared to be alone.

"Awwwwww, look at the little thing. It looks hurt, should we help it?"

"Yeah, it could help us find the archers' hideout and maybe we can launch a surprise attack. Rose, can you spare some mana and heal it?"

"Wait, never mind. I apologize for asking a stupid question. I almost forgot what you did back in our world."

"Don't worry, I'll look after the little guy. Come here poochy. I'm gonna take good care of you."

The pup moved towards the group, slowly and cautiously. It seemed to have an injured foreleg and a small gash on its side.

Rose walked up to the pup and used some of her healing magic to help the small pup. After Rose was done healing it, the pup seemed to be more energetic and more friendly. However, something peculiar happened as it approached Ian. Ian reached down to touch the pup when a bright light came out of nowhere and a sound was heard.

*Ding*

New Skill Acquired: Voice of the Forest (Level 1) The user could communicate with young animals and seedlings of various plants. Communication has a limited range of 10 yards (1 yard = 3 feet).

Class reveal: The hero must acquire three more skills and the hidden object to gain access to their class.

'What kind of bullshit is this? I must unlock skills to use my class. Fuck this world man.'

"Hey Ian, are you ok?"

"Yeah, I just got a skill. It seems like I need a few more skills to unlock my class."

"What, that's some bullshit!"

"That's what I thought. Anyway, let's get this little pup to show us the way."

Ian looked at the pup and thought he might as well try out his new skill.

'Voice of the Forest'

'Master, Master. Can you hear me?

'What is this?'

'Yay, you can hear me. Do you need me to take you somewhere?'

'Yes, little one. We need you to take us to the hideout of some scary looking archers. Can you do that for us?'

'Yes, I can, but you have to do something first. You must give me a name to seal our bond.'

'A name huh. How about.... Rahska?'

'Rahska? I like it. Well master, please call me Rahska. Allow me to show you to the hideout.'

'Lead the way, Rahska.'

Zoe walked up to Ian and kept pace with him as she talked about their new friend.

"So, Ian who is your new little friend here?"

"This is Rahska, it seems like I am his new master. I can communicate with him telepathically."

"Oh, ok then. I guess you have a new companion then. I wonder what it might have to do with your class."

'Zoe looks awfully chipper. What could be going on in that head of hers?'

'I think I can answer that master. I believe the three females all wish to mate with you.'

'Rahska, we never speak of this again. Also, I need you to watch my back in case you're right.'

'But master, wouldn't it be a good thing if you mated with the females?'

'Life is a bit more complicated than that Rahska.'

'Ok, I can provide some insight if you ever need it.'

'Much appreciated.'

The group, joined by their new pupper, continued walking through the forest until they reached a clearing with what almost looked like a ring of mushrooms.

'Here we are master. The faerie ring will take you to the spot where those archers are. Good luck.'

'Rahska, you aren't coming with us?'

'You don't need me anymore; I am merely a guide to help people find their destination. After that, I am tossed aside until the next group comes along.'

'That's terrible Rahska. Why don't you come with us? We could use someone like you.'

'If you will have me master, then I would be overjoyed to accompany you.'

"Alright everyone, you know the plan."

'I want to protect my friends. I really do.'

Ian's thoughts brought forth the strange light that had enveloped his stick before and he was able to bring out the shield that he had used to defend.

"Wow Ian, you were able to do it again. You are gonna be our shield at this point."

"Enough talk, let's kick some ass."

Derek, being Derek, charged headfirst into the ring of mushrooms and disappeared. Then he stuck his head back out.

"You guys need to see this."

The others all walked through the ring and saw what Derek had seen, the massive trees in the forest were dwarfed compared to the trees that they were looking at now. There were at least 4 dozen huts that covered the tall trunks of the trees. Then one of those monstrous archers exited one of the nearby huts and screamed at the top of its lungs.

"Sparte Firsta!!!!!!"

The very familiar sight of raining fire came, but Ian was prepared. He held up his shield and some of the arrows just bounced from it. The shield had proved to be a life saver once again.

'Oh shield, what would I do without you.'

'Die master, you would definitely die.'

'Thanks, Rahska, I really needed to hear that right now.'

Derek stepped forward after the volley had ended and he was grinning from ear to ear.

"Let's bust some heads!!!!"