We entered Opidium dungeon's fiftieth floor. Ni was our party member for two and a half years now. She reached level thirty three and became just as efficient dungeon hunter as Trevor and Luara. Nelly was most powerful among us, and, using her spells, she killed more monster than the rest of us together.

  Our current dungeon hunt sted for half a year and was the longest one yet. We already mapped and cleaned forty nine floors and reached floor fifty. Many times we were in mortal danger, but somehow survived and now started exploring floor fifty. Without Ni, our progress would have been slower and harder, but she also gained the most. While Trevor, Nelly and Luara only increased a single level she got ten levels higher. At first I was hesitant about her, but now she was valued member of my party.

  Our finances also greatly improved and during our current dungeon hunt we gathered thousands of magic stones. Among them were even five low ranking magic gems. All I needed was fifteen more. That was a lot, but at least their number in my purse increased.

  Our food and potion supply was running low, and I decided that after current floor we will return, to get some rest and replenish our supplies.

  We entered huge cavern and were surrounded by fog. It was so thick that I could not see anything past my arms length.

  - There is something around us. Many somethings, - said Nelly.

  I also heard something moving around us.

  - Nelly cast Protection from fire on everyone, except me. Fast.

  I hoped that her spell will at least partially protect them. I used Protection from sun on myself and then casted my level four Light magic spell - Burning Sun.

  It created burning ball of energy near the ceiling that gave up heat that could evaporate a ke. Fog around us started to disappear and then we heard screams. Heat increased and we noticed figures around us that burst into fmes. They run into random directions and then fell on the ground with their bodies turning to ash. I casted Protection from sun as fast as I could on my party members. Nelly's spell partially protected them, but their skin already started to get a nasty sunburn and their armor was heating up.

  By the time I finished casting protection spell on them Trevor's face was in pain and Nelly immediately caster Cure spell on him, as soon as I finished with my protection spell.

  I looked around. Cavern was covered with dozens of dying bonfires. In the furthest corner of the cavern there was still one monster. He hissed in anger and looked at us.

  Monster was huge, bigger than any elephant and made of fog. It was a fog dragon. Mid -ranking floor guardian. Almost immune to physical attacks he was made of fog with only his cws and fangs made of steel. Monster roared and run towards us. My sun ball made his body slowly evaporate, but spell was almost over, and my sun ball would disappear soon.

  - Scatter! - I screamed and run to the side.

  Dragon fpped his wings and flew up. That turned out to be a mistake. With its st act my sun ball fshed and disappeared in a small explosion. The explosion took half of the dragon's fog body with it. Dragon roared and fell on the ground. His wings were gone alongside part of his tale and back. Dragon still tried to get up, when Nelly's Inferno spell set the air around him on fire. As soon as the fire died out Ni's and mine Freeze spells froze his front legs and head. Dragon tried to step forward, but his leg broke into ice pieces, and he fell. His jaw hit the ground and also broke into pieces. Nelly's second Inferno spell evaporated the remainder of dragons body and magic gem fell on the ground and rolled to the side.

  I sighed with relief. We got lucky that dragon flew too close to the sun - so to say. I pocketed magic gem and approached the area behind dragon's former ir. I hoped that he was guarding a treasure pile filled with gold coins and artifacts, as a proper dragon should do, but instead found the dungeon core and a chest near it. I destroyed dungeon core with my sword and its mana entered my body. Finally I will be able to level up. I opened the chest with great expectations. Inside it was short red cloak. I pced the cloak inside my magic purse and looked around. Magic circle was shining in front of me. My party members carefully approached it, and I gave them a smile.

  - Our journey came to unexpected end. We conquered the dungeon.

  They looked at me with surprise, but then realized that magic circle would lead us to the dungeons exit and only appeared when someone got his hands on dungeon core. They cheered and congratuted each other.

  - How does it fell to conquer the dungeon? - I asked Ni.

  - Unexpected, - she doubtfully looked at the magic circle.

  - You are not the only one who feels that way. Everyone please step inside the magic circle.

  It was big enough for all of us to stand in it. As soon as we all were inside, if fshed and we found ourselves near the dungeons exit.

  - We can return to the town and celebrate. What do you say?

  Everyone agreed, and we went towards Opidium. Our celebration ended long after midnight. Counting the ale cups that I drunk, I was supposed to have a great headache, but my increased life force always took care of that. My other party members were sleeping, and I went to Adventurers guild.

  I needed some time to take out all of the loot that we gathered in the dungeon, and receptionist needed even more time to count and appraise all magic stones and monster materials that we gathered in our six month dungeon dive time. I also asked her to use her Appraisal skill on the cloak. It turned out to be the artifact that we were looking for. According to the receptionist it was "Iron king's cape of velocity", and it has an ability to increase speed stat by two. I sighed. I wanted to keep the artifact to myself, but I already promised to give all Iron Mountain king's artifacts to Luara.

  While old dy continued to count magic stones, I went to use the leveling crystal. I finally increased my level and had high hopes for my level up. I looked through the numbers and sighed.

  High elf, LV 28 - 29

  Name - Avone;

  Job: Ranger;

  Status:

  Health: 155;

  Mana: 570 - 580 (-100=480);

  Strength: 14;

  Defense: 9 - 10 (+2=12);

  Spell power: 19;

  Luck: 1 (+1=2);

  Speed: 7 (+3=10);

  Morale: Neutral

  Skills:

  Archery (Advanced);

  Night vision (Advanced);

  Mana rapid recovery (Advanced);

  Magic resistance (Advanced);

  Wisdom (Basic);

  Earth magic (Advanced);

  Arcane butchery (Advanced);

  Water magic (Advanced);

  Air magic (Advanced);

  Intelligence (Advanced);

  Fire magic (Novice);

  Life magic (Advanced);

  Swordsmanship (Advanced);

  Increased speed (Basic);

  Throwing (Basic);

  Hunting (Advanced);

  Weapons master (Advanced);

  Primordial magic (Basic);

  Dual wielding (Advanced);

  Demon style martial arts (Advanced);

  Double skill slots;

  Light magic (Master)

  Possible skill acquirement:

  - Fire magic (Basic);

  - Throwing (Advanced);

  Please choose one skill!

  My level did increase, but I was hoping for different skill increase. I chose to increase my Fire magic skill, mostly because I did not like that it said novice. Well, st time I used leveling potion was around two years ago, and I could use now another one. I drunk the potion and went to guilds main room to wait for receptionist to count our income.

  We earned twenty three orichalcum coins and small pile with gold, silver and copper ones. We could have gotten more, but I kept my five low ranking and one middle ranking magic gem. I thanked the receptionist and informed her that my party will be leaving the town. She almost started begging me to stay, and I quickly exited the guild.

  Luara was still dressing herself, when I entered her room. Panther-girl and Nelly shared the room, while Trevor, Ni and me preferred to have rooms just for ourselves.

  - I have something for you. Here, - I handed her the cape: - It is the first artifact. It is called Iron king's cape of velocity and it has ability to increase your speed stat by two. Turns out, the legends were true after all.

  - Really, - Nelly came closer to us and looked at the cloak: - At least it looks good.

  - Well, your belt is not so bad too.

  - Then why don't you were it? All the time.

  - Well. The cloak looks nice, right?

  Nelly sighed, and Luara ughed. She put on the cloak and tried to move in it.

  - I kind of feel faster. And it does not get in a way.

  - Good. If you're ready then let us go downstairs. Trevor and Ni are waiting for us.

  - We are ready, - nodded Nelly.

  Trevor already ordered food for everyone, and we dig into it. After satisfying the hunger, I shared the news.

  - We all earned four orichalcum coins. Rest I will use to buy more potions, but I suggest that we all take a month to rest. Also we will be leaving Opidium after that. Ni, what about you? Are you going back to Tyco, or coming with us?

  - Last night I saw a dream. My goddess wants me to return and gather my own party.

  - I am sorry to hear that. But you were our temporary member from the beginning. When will you be leaving?

  - I am suppose to leave right now. I am sorry. I think that something urgent has happened in Tyco. And now I am strong enough to take care of the problems myself.

  Nelly hugged her, and Ni hugged her back.

  - I am sure that we will meet again, - Ni stroked girls back.

  I handed her the coins.

  - You earned them and if you change your mind you can find us in Kota.

  - I will keep it in mind.

  We all said our goodbyes, and Ni left the table. I looked at her leaving and felt that her absence will create a void in my heart. She was reincarnated person and a danger, but I got used to her. I shook my head and handed everyone the coins.

  - How about we go and take a look if you have increased your levels. Mine increased by one and we spend a lot of time in dungeon. Leveling always could cheer up the adventurers.

  - Fine by me. I bet I will get three levels, - said Trevor and smiled.

  - Then I will get four, - seriously nodded Nelly.

  - I am aiming for five, - smiled Luara, and we all ughed.

  Guild receptionist almost cried after seeing us, but she immediately took us to the leveling room.

  - So, Trevor, how about you go first this time and get those three levels then.

  He smiled and put his hand on the leveling crystal. We all peaked at his stats.

  Human, LV 24 - 25

  Name - Trevor;

  Job: Knight;

  Status:

  Health: 21;

  Mana: 240 - 250;

  Strength: 14 (+3=17);

  Defense: 15 - 16 (+1=15);

  Spell power: 6 (+3=9);

  Luck: 1;

  Speed: 5 (+1=6);

  Morale: Neutral Skills:

  Lumberjack (Advanced);

  Herb gathering (Basic);

  Increased strength (Advanced);

  Swordsmanship (Advanced);

  Weapons master (Novice);

  Night vision (Advanced);

  Magic resistance (Advanced);

  Knight (Advanced);

  Increased speed (Basic);

  Armorer (Novice);

  Light magic (Basic);

  Possible skill acquirement:

  - Weapons master (Basic);

  - Armorer (Basic);

  Please choose one skill!

  - Great, you actually leveled up, - shouted surprised Nelly.

  - Yes. And I finally can increase my Weapons master skill.

  His stats were not very impressive, but thanks to his skills and artifacts they did not look so bad. Trevor chose Weapons master skill, and impatient Luara moved past him and pced her hand on the crystal. She looked at the text and nodded with satisfaction.

  - Still have higher level than Trevor.

  I looked at her stats. She was at higher level, but not by much.

  Panther girl, LV 16 - 17

  Name - Luara;

  Job: Scout;

  Status:

  Health: 26;

  Mana: 250 - 260;

  Strength: 5;

  Defense: 4 - 5;

  Spell power: 7;

  Luck: 1;

  Speed: 6 (+2=8);

  Morale: Neutral

  Skills:

  Foresight (Basic);

  Scouting (Advanced);

  Martial arts (Advanced);

  Hunting (Advanced);

  Tracking (Basic);

  Butchery (Basic);

  Trap detection (Advanced);

  Infantryman (Advanced);

  Night vision (Advanced);

  Dual wielding (Advanced)

  Shapeshifting (Advanced)

  Possible skill acquirement:

  - Foresight (Advanced);

  - Tracking (Advanced);

  Please choose one skill!

  Her stats were quit bad, but they were affected by her scout job. But unlike Trevor almost all of her skills were at advance level. And once her skills will get to master level, it will make a lot of difference. Luara chose to increase her Foresight skill and gave way to Nelly.

  - What does your foresight do? - asked Nelly. I was curious about it as well.

  - At novice level I felt tingling in my tail when something important was suppose to happen. At basic level it warned me if something dangerous was about to happen. At advance level it is supposed to let me know from which direction danger is coming. But at master level it will allow me to predict my opponents attacks. Just wait, till I get it to master level.

  - Sounds very impressive, - nodded Nelly. She took a deep breath and then pced her hand on the crystal. She closed her eyes and then peaked with one eye on the text. Then both of her eyes wide opened, and I looked above her shoulder.

  Human, LV 1

  Name - Nelly;

  Job: Sage;

  Status:

  Health: 38;

  Mana: 900 - 1100;

  Strength: 0 (+4=4);

  Defense: 0 (+2=2);

  Spell power: 17 - 25 (+5=30);

  Luck: 1;

  Speed: 9 (+2=11);

  Morale: Neutral

  Skills:

  Earth magic (Master);

  Water magic (Master);

  Air magic (Master);

  Fire magic (Advanced):

  Wisdom (Advanced);

  Mana rapid recovery (Advanced);

  Increased maximum mana points (Advanced);

  Intelligence (Master);

  Lesser mana use (Advanced);

  Staff user (Master);

  All seeing eye (Master)

  Possible skill acquirement:

  - Fire magic (Master);

  - Increased maximum mana points (Master);

  Please choose one skill!

  - I am a sage now! - almost screamed Nelly.

  I could understand her reaction. Sage was one of the most coveted jobs, on par with hero and spellsword. At this point it will not affect her skills, but her stats will grew up fast. Especially the ones that had to do with magic. Even now her mana got past one thousand, which was a lot.

  Nelly was almost jumping from joy.

  - Do you see it? Do you see it?

  - Yes, but do not forget to chose a skill, - I reminded her.

  Nelly nodded and chose Increased maximum mana points skill. That way her mana growth will increase by at least a hundred after every level up. Once she gets all her skills to master level she will be much more powerful mage than I am, even with my higher levels.

  - Congratutions Nelly, - I smiled satisfied: - I knew that you will became the most powerful mage in Ashgrin one day.

  - You really think so?

  - By the time we conquer all four ancient dungeons of Rashasar we all will be much more powerful and on the level of B rank adventurers. But you should probably conceal your new job.

  - But I wanted to become a B rank adventurer.

  - How about you become a true master magician instead, and let only master Mesmer know about your job. Master magician sounds like an A rank adventurer. Besides, did you not register as an adventurer just so you could get an adventurer tag?

  - Well, I did. Fine, I will do as you suggest, - sighed Nelly.

  - Do not worry, - I patted her head: - We all know how great you are, and are proud of you.

  - Thanks, - she smiled, and Luara and Trevor also congratuted her.

  - So how are you pnning to use your vacation? - I asked everyone, once we exited Adventurer guild.

  - I want to learn new spells, - said Nelly.

  - Me as well, - admitted Trevor: - My Light magic skill is at basic level, so I want to learn some level two Light magic spells.

  - I want to rest and also I think I'll hunt in the dungeon. Want to try out my cloak and increase my levels and stats, as fast as possible.

  - Sounds like more work, not a vacation, but good ideas. Luara be careful and do not be reckless. Dungeon will slowly star disappearing and there will be no more new monsters, but even first floor is very dangerous.

  - I will keep it in mind. What about you?

  - I want to spend some time in the forest. It's an elf thing. Don't work all the time and do not forget to rest as well, - I reminded my party members. With that we separated, and I returned to Adventurer guild to buy some potions. Guild master invited me to his chamber and personally got me all the potions, that I ordered, and six elixirs.

  - Ordered elixirs specially for your party, - he sighed: - I am sad to hear that you are leaving.

  - No more reason to stay. Also, I want you to spread the word that adventurer queen Ni conquered Opidium dungeon, but make sure to keep my name and names of my party members out of it. That alone should improve your standing in Opidium.

  - Is that really true? Is the ancient dungeon conquered?

  - Yes. It will start slowly to disappear. As far as I know ancient dungeons completely disappear after a year or so, but first signs will appear in a month, - I demonstrated him fog dragons magic gem: - This should convince you. It belonged to the st guardian.

  - I have never seen such a big magic gem. Thank you, I will do as you say.

  - Good. Do not forget that Ni was the one who did it, and forget about us.

  - Everything will be done as you say. And thank you adventurer Avone, for everything that you did for us.

  I spend the rest of the day buying food and other supplies for my sves in Bcksmith cave. I needed to attend to my second job. The vacation was just an excuse for me to run away and visit the dungeon in the Iron Mountains.

  After spending all of my remaining coins, I went to the forest and summoned king simurgh.

  - It has been a while since you summoned me adventurer, - said dog headed bird and looked at me disapprovingly.

  - Not that long. And I have my own life, just so you know.

  - Monsters are still infesting Iron Mountains, and dungeon is creating more of them.

  - Well unless you know a way for me to increase my levels and learn level five spells, I cannot help you more than I already am.

  - No, I do not know.

  - Not very useful are you?

  - How dare you mortal. I am king simurgh...

  - And you need me to solve your problems, - this bird was starting to annoy me: - So, be a good bird and take me to the Iron mountains, since it is most useful thing that you can do.

  - How dare you mortal to insult me?

  - Are you refusing to follow the terms of our contract? - I grinned.

  - No, I do not, - he lowered his wing, and I got on simurgh's back.

  I got a feeling that king simurgh flew even faster that before, and I got hard time to hold on. We did got to the ke, were we first met, in three days, with four stops on the way. I jumped of his back. My legs were stiff and barely moved.

  - Be sure to kill many monsters, - said the bird before leaving. He did get the st word after all. I went to my castle and entered it through the secret door. Castle felt empty, but that was nothing strange, since only bunny-girl was allowed to go past second floor, unless they needed to repair something.

  Bunny-girl was cleaning my room when I came inside. Her clothes were torn and barely covered her slender body. I was gd that I remembered to by new clothes for my sves, and also some pieces of cloth that could be used to repair damaged or make new clothes.

  - You are looking good, but your clothes have seen better days.

  Bunny-girl jumped up and turned around.

  - Master! When did you arrive. No one told me that you are coming.

  - They did not know, yet. Is every one alive.

  - I am afraid that farmer was killed by monsters one month ago. Also carpenter was wounded and died soon after you left. Others are alive and well. As well as they could be, - she lowered her eyes.

  - That is bad, but at least you are still alive. Could you gather them downstairs.

  - Of course, master.

  She run away, and I looked around. Room was clean and window was freshly made. At least they took care of my room and slowly repaired the castle.

  Bunny-girl gathered everyone downstairs, and I went to great them and to distribute the stuff that I brought them. They formed a line, and I looked at my sves.

  - Oh, gdiator you are here, too.

  - Did you not expect me to reach this pces? - sighed Maximus.

  - She probably forget that she send you here, - grinned dwarf.

  Well, he was right. But that was a honest mistake. Not like I pnned to buy him or send him to Bcksmith cave in the first pce.

  I looked over them and counted the sves just to be sure.

  - So what's with the girl? - I looked at unfamiliar face. I did forget about Maximus, but I was sure that I did not see the woman, who was standing next to him. She was tall, and reminded me a female gdiator. Especially dressed in leather armor and with the short sword on her belt.

  - Her name is Elena, - Maximus averted his eyes and lowered his head: - Well, you did tell me to buy anything that I will need to get here. And I had some artifacts that you did not take. And Elena can use Cure spell and has some magic skills, so I went back to Gdricius and traded her for the artifacts.

  - Did I not say to buy things?

  - Well, gdiators are sves and sves are considered to be things.

  Titan silently ughed and covered his mouth pretending that he did not do that.

  - If she is a sve then were is her colr?

  - She does not have one. Could not buy one.

  - Did not want to buy it, more likely.

  I looked at titan.

  - Is she of any use?

  - Yes, master, - he nodded: - Like Maximus said, she can use Cure spell, which was very useful to us. Monster numbers increased, and she and Maximus killed several of those, who attacked us.

  I used Appraisal spell on the new girl. She was level nine warrior and had Water magic and Wisdom skills, as well as three warrior skills. She looked strong, and I did lose several sves already.

  - Fine. But if she tries to run away, you will kill her personally, Maximus. Is that clear?

  - Yes, master, - he grimaced, but could not disobey the order.

  Elena paled, but stayed silent.

  - Fine. Titan, I brought you some supplies including clothes and also more tools and some weapons.

  - How about iron and steel? - asked dwarf.

  - Yes, that too. But no iron bars, bought as much old things made of iron as I could find. You will need to melt them down, and use the iron to make what you need.

  I needed half an hour to empty my magic purse and impressed sves divided everything according to titan's orders. I left them at work and went to inspect my castle. It still looked like partially rebuild ruins, but some of the holes were repaired. There were windows with new shutters and the field around the castle was covered with wheat and corn. Fruit trees were growing nicely, and there were fresh oak saplings. Goat numbers have also increased, and several rooms in the castle have been repurposed for them.

  Water in the pond has been used up, which means that I will need to use my magic to fill it up again. Also I will need to cast spells on surrounding nds and pnts. That is a lot of work, but also excellent practice for the use of mana.

  I visited the Mithra chapel and checked hiding pce. Crown of Unity was still there, safe and away from wrong and right hands.

  I went back to my room and checked my potions. I had enough to visit the dungeon and not to worry that I will run out of them. Someone knocked at my door, and I invited them inside. It was bunny-girl.

  - We have finished sorting through supplies that you brought us. Will you need anything else?

  - No. I will be staying here for a week or so, before I leave. You are free to leave for now. Wait, before you leave, bring me that girl Elena, I wish to talk to her.

  - Yes master, - bunny-girl bowed and soon returned with the former gdiator.

  - You wanted to see me master? - she clumsily bowed and nervously massaged her palms.

  - Yes. I wanted to talk to you. Did not expect Maximus to bring any strays. So, what am I supposed to do with you?

  - If you allow me that, I would like to stay here, with Maximus.

  - How cute. Fine. But you must prove your worth first. You lived here for a while. So, what do you think would improve the chances of my sves survival here? Every time I come here, one of them is dead. At that rate your numbers will became too low, for you to be of any use to me.

  - Perhaps some magic. I know only few spells, and kid mage too. If you could bring us some scrolls, which we could use to learn new spells, that would increase our abilities to successfully defeat monsters.

  - I will think about it. For now you may stay here, but do not leave Iron Mountains. You heard my orders to Maximus. You may go.

  - Yes, master, - she quickly bowed and exited the room. I did liked her idea. Did not consider that people could learn spells on their own. But I did it, by using Book of light. I could buy scrolls in Mage guild and bring them to my sves, so they could learn new spell circles and new spells. I will need to consider that idea once I return to Opidium.