A Risky Ask

"What is a dungeon?" Of course, I knew what it was, but every game has its mechanics for dungeons.

"Dungeons are the links between the world of mortals and the world of gods; they are ever-evolving and grow endlessly. They are places filled with immense power. This power accumulates in different areas, giving birth to life forms or items. The creatures we categorize and broadly refer to as Monsters. The items we refer to as Ethereal Items and Artifacts. Artifacts are the most sought-after items in dungeons and are impossible to buy. You must find one or trade something equally valuable to get your hand on one. The last one sold went for 500 million Platinum and four pureblood dragon eggs."

I am starting to get excited now. Dungeons are a staple in all fantasy settings; I can't wait to see what they are like in Avalon! "What is the minimum requirement to enter most dungeons?"

"A partnership between the local ruling body and the Adventurers Guild manages the dungeons. You would need to be at least a Silver-rank adventurer to enter a dungeon or get permission from the local power. It can be annoying when you are travelling, so most people who seek to enter dungeons sign up to be adventurers. It takes more time to climb to that rank, but it keeps the rabble out."

I silently reviewed my knowledge about dungeons from other games I've played; the monsters, traps, items, layouts and other mechanics. I also did some rough planning of the gear I would need to bring. it would vary based on the theme of the dungeon, but some basics are always the same.

I must have taken quite some time because the manager interrupted my planning with a question. "Are you finished looking around? I do have other things to do today."

I guess I had spent more time in my head than I realized. I awkwardly apologized before asking a question. I had an idea, and if it worked then I would end up with quite a pretty penny.

"Does slavery exist in Avalon?"

He gave me a strange look. "Why do you ask?"

I just stayed silent, waiting for his answer. He is definitely stronger than me, to the point any comparison is utterly pointless, but being big and tall has its advantages too. He sighed after we stood in silence for a few seconds.

"Yes, it does. Those who commit crimes, those who cannot afford to live some unfortunate souls can end up as slaves as collateral from debts. Now, will you answer my question?"

I thought for a few seconds before going for it. "I want to make a bet with you. I have nothing worthwhile for someone like you other than myself; an Immortal Player. I want to see if you can break my weapon. If you can, I will serve you eternally."

The manager shook his head with a small smile on his face. "That is very reckless of you. But say I agree to your foolish request and take your bet. What happens if you win it? You don't expect anything from this floor, do you?"

I smiled slightly, it seemed like he wasn't going to shut me down right away. "No, no, no, no. These items are far too precious. I will take whatever you feel is equal to the difficulty of the task. If it is easy then give me a slap for my arrogance, if it's not then I request a proportional reward. I don't think that is too much to ask."

"So what I have to gain is a slave if I win the bet, but if I lose then am I not on the hook for anything? What if I give you nothing, what will you do then?"

The friendly demeanor of the man was gone. What stood before me was a killer, and a master of his craft.

I felt cold sweat start to form on my back, but I didn't have anything nefarious planned so I had nothing to be afraid of.

"If that is the case, then I would thank you for your generosity in allowing me to visit the second floor. I will see you again when I have the coin to purchase an item from the floor properly."

I looked him in the eyes as I spoke. If he could sense lies with a skill then it wouldn't matter. But if he didn't then this simple action could make a big difference in his opinion of me.

The pressure radiating off of him increased sharply but I held steady. I wanted to take something from this floor a few times but it would be much better and far less painful to get it with a coin instead. After a full minute the pressure abruptly disappeared.

"It is a fool's errand but I will play your little game. It will be good to see how much a god's artifact can withstand."

He extended his hand towards me and I passed him the sword. He grasped the handle and tossed it in the air a few times.

"This truly is a wonderful weapon, I look forward to its true form. Come close, I can't cast my spells here."

I walked closer to him and he placed a hand on my shoulder before a blinding light enveloped us and a horrible wave of nausea hit me.

When the light disappeared my knees buckled and I fell to the ground and emptied my stomach. When I finished dry heaving and the nausea ended I looked around and unsteadily got to my feet.

"Ugh, that was f&%king horrible. Where did we teleport to?"

He looked at me with mild surprise. It seems that he didn't expect me to recognize teleportation.

"This is my training ground. It is sturdy enough that I can't scratch anything in the room even with my strongest spells. It may be a fool's errand to break the weapon but it is worth the try for an immortal slave."

I gave the boring room a second look now that I knew how incredible it was. It was a square room without any furniture or targets. Without being told that it was nearly indestructible I would have thought it was some kind of poorly designed psychiatric isolation room. Instead of having no hard surfaces it is completely without soft surfaces.

As I was looking around he had placed the sword in one corner of the room and walked back to my side. "Before we begin, what is your name?"

He paused, and then gave me a smile and extended his hand. "I am Ethereal Sage Dicaprion, It is a pleasure doing business with you young Player."

"HEran, bronze rank adventurer. I hope you can break it, it seems like you would be a good master." 

Dicaprion just laughed while shaking my hand. His grip was enough to break my hand if he wanted, it was crystal clear that I was making friends with a dragon in human form. One wrong move and I was toast.