Dungeons (2)

Finally arriving in front of the checkpoint, Ellis looked at the blue gate not far away. The surrounding soldiers, with guns at their shoulders, and numerous tents making him wonder if all the gates were this heavily defended.

As he was pondering to himself, one of the soldiers approached them, likely someone of high rank. Seeing how he greeted his sister with a polite demeanor, took him by surprise a bit. But noticing the caution and vigilant look he was giving them, made him ponder even more.

"What about Father? Has he returned yet?"

"No, Colonel Nikolay entered the gate late yesterday. It is expected that he will require additional time before he returns."

"hmm, just tell him that we passed by when he returns,"

Observing the flow of the conversation and noticing how she simply referred to "Father" rather than using his full name, Ellis thought to himself, "She really has become famous." Despite this, his attention shifted to the recent promotion of his father. When did this happen? It seems that even the old man is working hard, not considering his age.

While feeling regretful that he couldn't talk with his father immediately, he still didn't comment at the situation and the attitude of the soldiers for now, and went with his sister toward their destination.

After waking for some time, Ellis finally couldn't hold himself back anymore and asked,

"Is all the gates heavily guarded?"

"No, but that gate is special. It's an F-rank dungeon, the only one out there, and it can hold up to 200 people at once. It's mainly used by the military because it's a great place for leveling up quickly."

"Do you really believe what you said? And what about Denis; he is not from the military but is still there. Then what about Father; how did he raise up in rank so quickly?" Ellis asked back immediately, not buying these excuses at all. And after a moment of silence, he added.

"It doesn't make sense you know; the soldiers were even being weary and vigilant of us."

"Actually, I too felt something was wrong, but Father didn't tell me, and I didn't care much. And Denis enlisted in the military after what the Awakening and works under Father. But Father's raising up in rank is also a mystery for me."

Hearing what his sister said after pondering, Ellis started to feel something was wrong even more.

"Did you see the basic information of that gate yourself? And when did Father raise up in rank; before he entered that gate or after?"

"I did see the basic information myself, and it was then that I stopped going with Father to dungeons because he chose a low-rank one. And Father...raised up in rank after he entered there." Seeing how his sister stopped a little when she was talking, she also likely caught on what was going on; Ellis was sure there was a secret there, and a very important one at that.

"What about the maximum level?"

"It's fifty."

Seeing how it's really low-rank and with low-level restriction, Ellis tried to think of other possibilities; what could be inside that made it valuable? Because they are trying to hide it, Ellis now felt even more curious.

"What about the name of the gate; I mean what about the monsters inside?"

"Goblin's Den; so just like its name, there should be just goblins inside."

The answer made Ellis even more bewildered; it's impossible to be just goblins, so there should be something he missed.

'Should I kill them and enter it forcibly?' while this thought came to his mind, his sister interrupted him.

"Ellis, you're overthinking it. Actually, does it really matter what's inside? The most important thing now is strength, and we are standing at the front line."

"So, you're giving what's happening there more weight than it's worth."

Ellis couldn't help but be stunned. His sister was right; there was really no need for any petty tricks. As long as he put his mind to it, he could take care of all of them. They could do whatever they wanted, and nothing would change. Maybe he was arrogant, and there were stronger people out there, but he was also improving. His new system, which might seem simple, still gave him confidence, and the blessing from his mother also fortified it.

"You are right, sister,"

Saying so, he continued walking. And while he stopped thinking about the previous dungeon, he grew more curious about that dungeon they are entering.

"What about the dungeon we are entering; what monster are there?"

"What a coincidence; actually it's hobgoblin. And they are among the most difficult to deal hobgoblins; or so I heard."

Surprised a little, he asked. "Why?"

"They are somewhat intelligent; and they use poison. So you will need to be careful."

"Hmm" upon hearing about poison, all Ellis could think about was if he could get poison resistance or not.

After some time, Ellis was finally able to see the gate they were about to enter. With just three soldiers on watch duty and a small tent nearby, he commented.

"The difference is really big," and felt this was the normal case.

"Obviously who would come here anyway, the poison injuries are some of the most difficult to heal, and it's not like the rewards are that different. It's just when monsters are stronger, the people will gain experience faster, but is there a need to risk your life for a couple of levels."

"While some would still risk it; but they are minority"

As he considered her explanation, they approached the soldiers who upon seeing his sister with a man of mysterious presence immediately saluted her respectfully; treating her as if she were a person of very high rank; not comparable at all to previous gates.

"Good work,"

"Thank you, ma'am,"

"Is there anyone challenging the dungeon at the moment?"

"No; there's no one inside."

"In that case, I'm entering with my brother,"

Seeing his sister motion for him to come in and then how she entered the gate without any hesitation before him, Ellis thought she appeared very cool at this moment. However, he was still reminded of the gray gate a little. But hardening his resolve, he followed her.