Theodoric entered the throne room and approached the queen. He should have thought about his test mission and report, but instead he was thinking about Avone. When elf adventurer refused the king's invitation, he was surprised and did not fully understand her reasons. Later his friends find out that in the past her party lived in Ashgrin. But they were accused of stealing and were summoned to noble court. The accusation was proved wrong, but the retionship between adventurers and kingdoms representatives worsened. Avone demanded repatriations, but was refused. The man who brought forth the charges was archduke's son, which made him the son of the most powerful noble in the kingdom. As a result Avone and her party left Ashgrin. High ranking adventurers were proud people. And unless they were bound by their nd property, they could leave any kingdom and transfer to another one. High ranking adventurers were always welcome.

  Theodoric decided that one of the reasons why Avone refused to meet the king was also the presence of Milligan's fiancée, who was the sister of the man who accused Avone of theft.

  Theodoric did not know, how he would react in simir circumstances. He probably would not have left Holy Griffin Empire. He owed the queen too much, and liked his life in the Empire. But without queen's support and with the rank of adventurer and not the hero, he might have ended up in simir circumstances.

  Deep in thought Theodoric approached the throne and felt immense power. He raised his eyes and noticed an archangel. It was Michael - leader of all angel's. Even standing on the same elevation, archangel towered over him. The amount of magic power, that came off of him, created an illusion that Michael was a giant, towering over an ant. Theodoric swallowed and bowed to Michael, which was a breach of a protocol, since he was supposed to bow to queen first.

  Elizabeth pretended that she did not noticed it, and Theodoric quickly bowed to her as well.

  - Hero Theodoric, we were saddened to hear that you did not managed to retrieve stolen artifact. But we received high praise about you from Rakshasar. Also, you managed to ensure our continued alliance with Ashgrin, for which you have our thanks.

  Queen Elizabeth was supposed to be more than a hundred years old. But her voice was clear, and without knowing her age Theodoric would swear that she is in her te thirties.- I am sorry for failing you my queen, - answered Theodoric and bowed: - I will do my best, not to fail you in the future.

  - Under the circumstances, I am sure that you did what you could. But loss of the crown, will weaken us. And if demons will get their hands on it, it will mean another war. We will need to prepare for it.

  - Is there anything that I could do?

  - Yes, - answered Michael: - You must prepare yourself for a journey. Long ago, after queen Elizabeth returned from the war with dark continent and forced demons to sign peace treaty, lord Uleg left with one of the artifacts, that helped brave heroes to defeat demons. Artifact was too dangerous and powerful, and we decided to separate the sword and the crown. Lord Uleg took the sword to Uninhibited nds, where he hid it, and stayed there to protect the sword. A while ago, one of my brothers went to retrieve the sword, but he did not return. I am afraid that he died during his journey.

  - Do you wish for me and my friends to retrieve the artifact?

  - No. At your level you will not succeed. If archangel failed, then you will not stand a chance. But you need to prepare. Time may come when we will need you to take this mission.

  - I understand.

  - In the meantime, I wanted to ask you to do something else, - continued Michael: - You may not know that, but we received some interesting news from Rakshasar. Apparently Ni Adventurer queen conquered one of the ancient dungeons. Also according to an official report one of the gdiator owners provided healing, powerful enough to restore lost limbs to people of Rakshasar and surrounding nds. They used two artifacts that they were able to use only for a single day, before those artifacts stopped working. What you do not know is that such artifacts does not exist. Which means that this girl, used her magic to regenerate creatures extremities. That would make her a master magician. As far as I managed to find out, that girl is archmage. She is a member of adventurer party, that has four members. A human warrior, elf and panther-girl. But such great talent is wasted in that adventurer party. I would like you to recruit this archmage and convince her to work for us.

  - I am sorry, but I do not think that it will be possible.

  - Why not? - asked queen Elizabeth, before Michael had a chance to say something.

  - I know the girl that lord Michael spoke of. During my stay in Opidium, we lived in the same tavern and I talked to her several times. She will not leave her party.

  - Humans are greedy, - disagreed Michael: - I am sure that we can offer her more than she could get, while working as an adventurer.

  - You do not understand my lord. This girl has her own dreams. As a child she was taken to the dungeon to increase her level. She almost died there several times. The adventurer Avone was one of the adventurers who was responsible for her safety. Avone saved her all those times, risking her own life. She even faced the wrath of floor guardians to protect the girl. Nelly's dream is to fight next to Avone as an equal. She will not leave her party leader, not until she has repaid her debt. And that may never happen. But until she does, nothing that you can offer her will convince Nelly to serve you.

  - Seems that you will lose this one, - smiled Elizabeth to Michael: - Humans are greedy, but some of them value honor above all.

  - I will trust your opinion on that, - bowed Michael to Elizabeth: - And I will also trust your opinion hero Theodoric. You may leave, but train hard and become stronger. We will need your strength in the future.

  Theodoric left throne room and on his way out was stopped by another knight.

  - Hero Theodoric,- he said sarcastically: - Heard your spotless record was tainted. Queen should have send me instead, - he grinned.

  - Ronan. This was not a mission were you could torture or kill.

  - Oh, you will be surprised how many results that brings. If you would not have been so picky, you might have recovered those artifacts.

  - We will never know. If you excuse me, I have matters to attend to, hero Ronan.

  - As you say, hero - grinned Ronan.

  Theodoric went past him. He did not liked Ronan and his methods. He got in trouble for killing indiscriminately, but his station as a hero protected him. Theodoric despised his methods, and suspected that Ronan liked killing and saw it as a way to level up. Killing humans was way easier that facing monsters. Theodoric shook his head. He suspected that Ronan saw people here as NPCs and not humans. He hoped that Ronan will change his mind and realize that all people in this world were real, with their own dreams, hopes and families.

  * * *

  I spend a week in Bcksmith cave and used my Life magic to make nd more fertile, helping with tree and pnt growths and using my magic to fill the pond with water. After using leveling crystal, I reached level thirty and finally increased my Wisdom skill to advance level. All that was left were for more skills and then all my skills will be at advance level, and I will be able to get master level skills. I still had three leveling potions, and if our dungeon conquering ends up successful, I will also be able to destroy three dungeon cores and get even more level ups. Once I get my master level Wisdom skill, I will be able to break my contract with king simurgh and get my mana back to its normal levels, and also instantaneously travel to Bcksmith cave's magic circle, from anypce in the world. My dream of becoming truly powerful mage was slowly, but steadily approaching.

  I spend twenty days killing monsters in the dungeon and then used king simurgh's help to return to Opidium. After selling monster magic stones and buying some scrolls from Mage guild, which I could give to my sves, I reunited with my party members. They were already waiting for me and were ready to leave Opidium.

  Our next goal was Kota - a town located further north and closer to Middle ocean than Opidium. The second ancient dungeon was located near it, and I pnned to conquer that dungeon next. Kota was an old town. It was little smaller than Opidium, but had higher wall, around the town with, more formidable defenses.

  In ancient time Kota was build as a town, which Rakshasar soldiers used to conquer surrounding nds and still had many fortifications, that other Rakshasar town cked. We needed more than a month to reach it, and I was impressed by town's eight meter high and five meters wide wall, which surrounded the town.

  Kota was the center or Ares worshippers, and main religion influenced town's people lives and local architecture. Human guard at the gate looked at our adventurer tags and smirked.

  - Adventurers. Your kind won't find much work in our town. We do not need your help to deal with monsters or bandits. This town has real men, who can handle any such problems ourselves.

  - And yet your town people are incapable of conquering even a single dungeon, - I smirked back at him: - Now get out of my way, real man.

  Soldiers cheeks flushed, but he stepped aside.

  - Was it really necessary to antagonize the guard, just as we arrived? - asked Luara.

  - Do not known about you, but my butt hurts from all this riding, - I compined: - Besides, he should show more respect to a B rank adventurer.

  At my level I could even get an A rank. But I decided that it would attract too much attention to me. Staying B rank for the rest of my life, was probably a wiser choice for me.

  Most buildings in town were made of stone and looked alike. Small, square, with single floor, big enough to divide them in four rooms. To me it reminded soldier barracks and looked depressing.

  It took a while, but we managed to find wealthy looking tavern and paid for one month in advance. Like usual Trevor and me got rooms for ourselves, while Luara and Nelly shared room for themselves.

  We met downstairs and ordered dinner. We just started to eat, when dozen soldiers came inside tavern and surrounded our table. Unlike usual Rakshasar soldiers, most of whom were rakshasa or naga, these were humans. Their cloth and armor also was different. They reminded me of ancient greek warriors, whom I saw in movies.

  - Are you the one called Avone? - asked one of the soldiers and looked at me.

  - What do you want?

  - You will come with us.

  I grimaced and took out my adventurer tag from under my chainmail, making sure that everyone could see it. Then I took out my dagger and stabbed it inside the table. Dagger's bde gave of bck light, that looked like bck smoke enveloping the bde. Ever since Loki turned my adamantium dagger into artifact, it had really scary look.

  - And what if I do not? What are you going to do about it, boy?

  Soldier looked at the bde and swallowed saliva.

  - My master wishes to talk to you.

  - And who is your master?

  - An archbishop from the cathedral of Ares.

  I considered refusing, but soldiers around us were squeezing the hilts of their swords. We could easily fight them off, but considering how important this archbishop must be if he could send soldiers to fetch me, then easy life in town would be impossible for us. And we could forget about conquering the dungeon, for a long time. I sighed, and got up.

  - Stay here, - I told my friends: - I will return soon.

  I grabbed chicken leg from the table and pointed at the door with it.

  - Let's go, soldier messenger.

  He grimaced, but did not said anything. His men surrounded me and escorted me outside. It took us a while to get to cathedral. Its size dwarfed Grimgar's town lords house. Building had gss windows and many small towers decorated it. Not all paces were so extravagant.

  - You must leave your weapons with us, before you enter Holy house.

  - Then tell your bishop to come outside. I will not disarm.

  - How dare you?

  - You invited me here. If your master wants to talk, then he should have come to me.

  - You will not see archbishop, not as long as you are armed.

  - Fine. I am going back them. In the future, do not waste my time.

  One of the soldiers tried to block my path, and I pushed him hard enough to send him flying several meters. Other soldiers grabbed their weapons, but no one attacked me. Even in this town, no one underestimated B rank adventurers. Anyone who reached such high rank as an adventurer had high stats, which meant that we had inhuman strength and were able to crush human skull with a single arm.

  - Wait. Let me talk to archbishop? - asked their leader.

  - Make it fast.

  He run inside the building, while other soldiers nervously looked at me. Ever since soldier mentioned cathedral, I had a feeling that I won't talk to archbishop. Probably some god wanted my help in solving his problems, which meant that my meeting with archbishop was irrelevant anyway.

  Soldier soon returned and nodded.

  - You may enter, but first approach the altar of Ares, to prove that you have no ill intensions.

  I sighed. So, I was right and it was not bishop who wanted to see me.

  I went inside. Unlike other rich buildings, this was old fashioned. No magic nterns, instead there were many golden chandeliers, with candles hanging from the ceiling. Near walls were many statues of warriors. They usually were armed with short swords and round shields, wearing a chiton - garment of light linen consisting of sleeves and hemline, which ended above their knees.

  I did not even reach the altar, when light enveloped me, and I ended up in front of stone throne, upon which seated Ares, god of war. I sighed and slightly bowed my head.

  - God Ares.

  - Impudent mortal, - he grimaced: - How dare you address me so casually.

  - Well, I am not one of your worshippers. And something tells me that you need me, not the other way around.

  - Because you killed my champion, I am forced to train a new one. But time is fast approaching, and I need someone like you to help my champion to increase levels.

  - What, you want someone else to start a war and conquer half of continent? No thank you. I will not help you with that.

  - Fool. There is glory in war. But no. This time it is about peace, not war.

  - What do you mean?

  - Little queen, after waging war against demons, made peace treaty. But according to it, peace treaty must be renewed every ten years. Signing must be witnessed and blood strengthened by priest of Hermes. This time the meeting of ambassadors will take pce in Kota. Devils and demons are always ready for war, but we are not. After Crown of Unity was stolen, it weaken our forces and we will need more time to train our champions. For that reason, I need to increase the level of my representative, to make sure that the signing of treaty goes as pnned, and we get another decade to prepare. But do not misunderstand. There will be war, but it will be at a time of my choosing.

  - Even so. That is not my concern. And more importantly you cannot afford to pay my price.

  - No. I cannot grant you life force for your level up. But, I can give you what you need. Information and help. You wish to gather Iron mountain king's artifacts and conquer all four dungeons. What you do not know, is that Opidium dungeon was the easiest to conquer. Other dungeons have their own challenges. Without knowing what they are, you will not be able to prepare. And your chances to survive them will be quit bad.

  That sounded interesting, assuming that he was not lying.

  - I can get that information, by examining Adventurer guild records.

  - Perhaps. But I can help you, by giving you that, which will help you with your quest.

  - Before I decide, I will need to know what exactly are you offering.

  - Fine mortal. I will tell you about those dungeons. First the Kota dungeon. The reason why my warriors did not conquer it, is because most monsters, those that are powerful, are capable of using magic. They are bad match to my soldiers. I can enchant your chainmail. Right now you have advance level Magic resistance skill, with additional magic resistance ability you will be able to survive level four elemental spells. Dungeon, located near town of Garya, has many monsters with magic resistance abilities. In a way it is an opposite to Kota dungeon. And finally dungeon near Mina is so called swarm dungeon. Monsters there are numerous and hunt in rge packs. The reason why King of the Iron mountains died there, was because he was too exhausted. Every day, without rest, he had to fight thousands of monsters. At the end he reached dungeon deepest floor, but by then he had no mana, no potions, no strength left and died because of numerous wounds inflicted on him by monsters. I can order my soldiers to accompany you. Several hundred of them will be at your disposal. With their help, you might stand a chance, a better chance, if at all.

  - Magic resistance, does it protects against Light and Dark magic spells?

  - Yes. Principles of spell casting for Light, Dark, Healing, Summoning, Mind, Spirit and even Chaos magic are the same. Even for Shamans and Sorcerers, too. The difference between them is that elemental magic uses spell circles to transform mana into magic power, but Light magic uses skill to transform mana into holy power. Resistance skills are useless only against such magic schools as Life, Nature and Primordial magic, and few others, which are too rare for you to worry about.

  - I see. Then in exchange for my help, I want you to make my chainmail an artifact that will protect me from spells one level higher than Magic resistance skill protects me from.

  - That way you will survive even level five spell, once your skill level will reach master level.

  - And with high enough defense stats I may survive level six spells.

  - Well, well, someone has read Book of light and found out that there are spells that are more powerful than even level five elemental spells, or level four Light magic spells that are equally powerful as level five elemental spells. But such artifact would be on a level of national treasure. That is too much. As you would say it, would be worth your usual payment.

  - Good then, we are in agreement, since I do not need your help with conquering Mina dungeon.

  - You will die there.

  - That is just your opinion. Would you like a bet. I bet that conquering that dungeon, will be easier for me than conquering other dungeons.

  - If you lose this bet, you will be dead mortal. But I do like your confidence, even if it will lead to your death. Fine. Archbishop will hire you, for the sake of appearances. But you should know, that creating an artifact with abilities that you ask for, will have limitations. You will not be able to use any other magic resistance artifacts. Using another artifacts will make them both useless.

  - That's a shame, but I agree.

  - Your chainmail shall be known as Shirt of Ares, - Ares stood up from his throne and approached me. He touched my chainmail and waved his hand. I blinked and found myself in cathedral.

  I sighed and exhaled relieved. I was afraid that Ares was holding a grudge, after I killed his champion. The job was also easier than I got used to. At least now, I will not have to kill some reincarnated monster with dragon's stats. As long as Ares champion does not die in dungeon and is at least somewhat normal, this job will be worth its payment. Also I got some incredibly useful information about other dungeons. I did regretted the fact that Ares did not accepted my bet. I was not kidding about st dungeon, being the easiest one to conquer. At least I hoped that I was right.

  I was deep in thoughts standing in front of the altar, when someone coughed behind me. I got startled and almost jumped up.

  I turned around and saw an old man wearing white chiton. He looked like a former mercenary, and had nothing priest like about him. I wondered what level did he have.

  - So, you are Avone, adventurer that showed no respect to my warriors.

  - Archbishop, I assume?

  - Yes. My name is Abercius.

  - Do you know, why you are here?

  - You wish to hire me to increase your warriors level.

  - Yes. Have you received your payment?

  - Yes. We have an agreement. Your people know where I am staying. If there is nothing else?

  - No. You may leave if you wish. My people will not disturb you further.

  - Thank you, - I nodded and left cathedral. I was still hungry, and now I will need to order more dinner, since my previous order will be cold already.

  * * *

  Next day Nelly and me visited local Mage guild, and I had to borrow from Nelly one orichalcum coin to register with guilds Guild portal magic circle. Nelly was surprised by the fact that I was broke, but I had no expnation for her. Maybe I should tell her that I had a gambling problem?

  Next on our list was Adventurer guild. Local guild branch was just as bad looking as the one in Opidium, when we first arrived in town. For the first time I saw male guild receptionist.

  - Welcome adventurers, - he forced a smile on his face, when we approached him: - How may I assist you?

  - Can we see your guild master?

  - I am guild master. Ampelios is my name. Pleasure to meet you travelers.

  - My name is Avone, and this is my party member Nelly.

  I looked around. Room was empty and there was no need for us to use a private room.

  - I wish to sell you something. But want our transaction to stay private.

  - Of course, dy Avone. I heard that your party was staying in Opidium. Gd that you decided to relocate Kota. Hope that you will stay here longer, and I can assure that I am here to assist you in any way possible. And of course guarantee, that no information about you or our dealings will leave the guild.

  - Good, - I took out fog-dragon's magic gem and pced it in front of guild master: - First I wish to sell this.

  He took the magic gem with trembling hands and looked at it with squeezed eyes.

  - Mid ranking magic gem. Never even saw one in my life. It's worth at least twelve orichalcum coins. I am sorry, but can I pay you in four days time?

  - Fine, - I sighed. I was expecting that he will not have enough money on him. At least he had Appraisal or Item appraisal skill: - Also, where can I by artifacts. I needs artifacts with magic resistance properties.

  - Not many shops sell those. In a week there will be an auction. But not everyone is allowed to attend the auction. It is exclusive, and I am afraid that my position in town will not help you, even if I write you recommendation letter.

  - That is fine. Where will the auction will be held?

  - Please wait a moment, - he took out a piece of paper and quickly drew a map. It was easy to understand, and I nodded.

  - Yes, that will be helpful.

  - Auction starts at midday.

  - Good. I will return in four days, or maybe few days ter.

  - I will make sure that money is ready for you.

  When we returned to our tavern, Ares champion was already waiting for us. Ares champion was nothing like I imagined him.