I was at the townhall in moments. The floor and doorways destroyed in the flood of monsters.

  The remnants of Mikey’s team destroyed under the armored claws of the Horrors.

  My boots crunched on broken stone, drywall, and broken glass. My eyes burned with the brightness of mana, surging forth for the middle of the building.

  I entered through the lobby , the eerie crunch of my boots was the only sound.

  I deactivated Mana Sight as I felt a major headache setting in. The air was a rich spring smell, that seemed to be coming from deep within the building.

  I walked into the stairwell of the building, the smell became suffocating , vines were twirling up the stairwell from below. Their leaves pulsing as it wrapped around railings, crawling up from below like a living beast.

  Guess I will go down.

  The steps became thick with vines until I reached the bottom. The floor was broken by mounds of grass and earth that lead through another broken doorway. The earth smooth despite the monsters passing.

  There was a bright blue glow visible through the doorway, the light swirling in intricate patterns on the wall.

  I took a deep resetting breath before walking through the doorway.

  At the far end of a long hallway was a glowing mana gate, the walls were being pushed back and broken by fresh earth and trees growing at the edges of the gate. One particular tree was pushing against the roof, spiderweb cracks were appearing where the tree was trying to push its way through.

  The gate wasn’t as large as the previous, taking up the full hallway but that was it.

  “ELIAS!” I heard Kira’s voice from the stairwell.

  “DOWN HERE!” I called back, my eyes still locked on the gate. The swirling mana a mesmerizing blue.

  Kira appeared in the doorway in moments with the rest of the team bunching behind her.

  “The gate.” Kira said breathlessly.

  “Is this the source?” Jace asked, sliding into the hallway.

  “It is. Everyone get ready, we are going to enter the gate.” I said as I turned back to the group.

  “I need someone to keep an eye on the timer while I try and find a bathroom to wash this shit off.” Flynn appeared beside me.

  “I will.” He said to my startled expression.

  “Stop doing that or I am attaching a bell to you.” I half joked.

  Flynn just smiled. I turned and walked back towards the doorway entrance where I saw the men’s washroom.

  Logan turned and walked with me towards the bathroom.

  “You need to wash up too?” I asked.

  “Nah, I need to piss.” He said loudly.

  A few of the male players looked at each other and then joined me heading to the bathroom.

  We got cleaned up and prepared to raid the gate. We lined the walls outside of the gate so we had enough room to talk and hear each other.

  “Someone should stay out here in case we don’t make it or something slips through. Someone hire level and with mana sight. Just in case.” I said to the group.

  Which means, Jace, Jon or me.

  Jon spoke up before I could speak my mind, “I will stay outside.”

  “You, sure?” I gave him a look.

  “I am sure. I want to test a couple things anyway.” He said looking at the glowing plants.

  “I would like to stay as well.” One of the new firefighter players said. He glanced nervously at the gate, the fear evident in the way he stared at it.

  “Richard are you sure?” Theo asked.

  “Yeah. I don’t think I am ready to go into the unknown. Especially after what we witnessed outside.” Richard gulped as he glanced behind him and back at the gate.

  Theo nodded.

  “Okay, let me give Chief a call to let him know we are going in the gate and pass on Jon’s number for updates.” I pulled out my phone but it showed no signal.

  “Hmmm, I will step outside to try and get a signal.” I said to everyone as I began walking back towards the stairs. I glanced at the gate and confirmed we still had thirty four minutes left before the next dungeon break.

  Once back on the streets I looked around at the destruction. Signs of battle lead up and down the streets as collapsed buildings smoldered. The hydrant still spewed water which was washing away the black gore from the street.

  It looked like a scene from a horror or war movie. One of the Alien, battle: Los Angelas or war of the worlds movie.

  I lifted my phone but it still showed no service. I walked back down the street, my boots splashing in the runoff water.

  Finally a few bars appeared on my phone and I connected to a network.

  I quickly called Chief and updated him on the situation and advising him of the people entering the dungeon.

  “Okay be safe.” He said after I finished explaining.

  “I will. Here is Jon’s number but there is no service near the gate so he will have to come up to update you whenever he can.” I said before we ended the phone call.

  As I walked back to the townhall I watched as the bars disappeared and my phone lost signal.

  I wonder if it’s the mana that is messing with service? Maybe it interferes with wireless signals?

  My mind swirled with implications but I quickly pushed it out of mind.

  I need to focus on the job at hand. No sense worrying about it now.

  I returned to the gate and explained the interference to Jon and Richard.

  “One of us will go up every ten minutes to update Chief Dobson, Ryker and the Fire Chief. Be safe in there and come back safe.” Jon said, staring at everyone solemnly.

  “Always,” I said confidently. “Thank you for protecting our families.” I reached a hand out and Jon pulled me into a hug giving me a pat on the back. I then offered my hand to Richard who shook it.

  Theo and his team said their goodbyes and then joined in front of the gate.

  I summoned my armor and weapons, having unsummoned them to clean myself off.

  “Check?” I called to the players around, the firefighters all stared at each other as the others summoned their weapons and armor.

  “Ready!” Kira called.

  “Ready!” Logan said his smile wild.

  “Ready!” Shanira, Gideon and Flynn called in succession.

  The firefighters caught on, summoning their weapons and stating they were ready.

  I nodded and stepped into the blue swirling mana.

  The cold energy washed over me as I was suddenly hit with the smell of rotting earth. The air damp and cold, filled with the smell of decaying plants.

  The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  My food landed on soft soil, my boot sinking slightly.

  Dungeon Quest! Kill the Dungeon Boss and seal the Void Crack to close the Gate.

  I closed the window and my eyes immediately began to adjust to the sudden darkness.

  Mana Sight Activated

  The world lit up blue as mana appeared floating through the air, weaving between grotesquely bent trees. Their jagged shapes clawing up into the air, their branches devoid of leaves or growth of any kind.

  A thick layer of fog rose to my knees as I took a few steps forward, leaving tiny swirls in the fog.

  The area was illuminated by jagged spikes of mana crystal cutting out if the fog, or growing in random places along the trees.

  I continued walking forward looking for any signs of invisible monsters but no shapes manifested in my Mana Sight.

  I canceled the skill and took another step forward. My foot made a small splash as I stepped in water. I lifted my boot quickly, it coming away with a sucking squelch.

  “Fuck,” I said out loud as I tried to wave the fog away with a sword. I caught a glimpse of a black still water under the fog.

  “What?” Kira asked behind me.

  “I think we are in a marsh or bog. The fog is so thick I can’t see the ground.” A chilling unease settled into my chest.

  More people began gathering behind me as the front of the gate became cramped with people trying to peer into the darkness.

  “Careful, I don’t know what is ground and what is bog. Watch where you step.” I called to the gathering team.

  Suddenly the fog began to be pushed back revealing a small island of earth surrounded by pitch black water.

  I looked around and saw the firefighter with the glowing lantern again.

  “Awesome job Declan!” Theo said clapping the firefighter on the shoulder.

  “Thanks boss.” Declan smiled as he began to sweat.

  The players spread out on the available ground as I knelt by the black, still water.

  “Flynn, as we go can you harvest mana stones? Obviously not enough that we don’t have light but it would be good to keep getting more.” I said as Flynn materialized beside me.

  “Understood.” Flynn faded away once more. I returned my attention back to the water.

  I wonder if this is water or some type of oil.

  I unsummoned my Jian but kept my Gladius ready in my left hand before reaching out and touching the water. It felt cold and wet, not slick or slippery like oil.

  I scooped some up, watching as the ripples cascaded away back into the fog that was pressing up against the dome.

  I brought it to my nose and sniffed it. It was putrid, smelling of rot and earth but no foreign odors.

  But who knows. I don’t think the same rules apply in this world as mine.

  “Hey look a light!” Jamie called and I lifted my head to see a blue light moving through the fog like a firefly. Then two more lights appeared.

  I dropped the water and activated mana sight.

  Mana swirled where the light glowed. Was it a mana bug? They aren’t approaching through the dome.

  One of the fireflies suddenly moved through the dome in front of me and I realised it was glowing underwater.

  So… not fireflies.

  The glowing ball approached slowly and then suddenly rocketed towards me, I stumbled backwards summoning my Jian as a Mirelurker burst from the black water landing on its crab like legs.

  I slashed as I fell backwards, catching the fish in the side but not killing it as the fog rolled back over us.

  Kira stepped forward swinging her staff like a club, the fish flew from the impact, slamming into a tree with a resounding crack that echoed through the silent air. It fell into the water with a splash. The lights all racing in that direction and a loud splashing sound erupted where the fish had fell in the water.

  I got back to my feet and watched stunned as twelve lights began swirling around, heading back in our direction.

  “Prepare for combat. Mirelurkers in the water.” I said as I moved to Kira to form a group. Logan and Jamie joined me as the dome reappeared.

  “Sorry guys, the monster startled me. I can’t do much when I am holding the dome so someone will have to protect me.” Declan said as he lifted his lantern higher.

  Flynn appeared next to him giving him a nod. Shanira began launching arrows at the lights as Gideon lifted his mace and shield next to her.

  Sage began to lift her staff. “Stop Sage. We don’t know if the water is flammable. You are going to have to hold off on the fire magic for now.” I said as I prepared for the first lights to reach the shore.

  Three Mirelurkers launched out of the black water, landing on the shore. One went down to a mana arrow, the second one got knocked back into the water by a blast of water from Theo. The last one was impaled on my sword.

  Mirelurker Killed - 60xp

  Sixty experience points. Not fifty?

  I remembered the First Dungeon Clear title had mentioned higher experience in dungeons.

  I guess that is what it meant!

  Four lights bunched together before leaping from the water. However Logan was close by ready for it, “Hey batter, batter.” He called followed by a “Swing.” His axe sliced in a wide arc through all of the monsters in a single swing.

  The rest of the lights swirled in the dark water. Since I could see them I deactivated my Mana Sight. Shanira shot at the swimming lights but couldn’t hit anything in the pitch black water.

  “We can’t stay here,” I called out as I watched the water. “Someone help Declan find a path through before he collapses.”

  Logan and Jamie fell back as I heard more shuffling behind me and the dome began moving towards my right. I followed it while staying away from the water, my eyes tracing the Mirelurkers.

  “Kira? Did they find a path?” I asked behind me.

  “They found a strip of dirt, Logan is going first. The dome doesn’t reach all the way and I think Declan is about to pass out.” Kira’s voice was tight with concern but her hand was steady as she lifted it to my shoulder. She began guiding me back as a Mirelurker darted, springing out of the water at us, only to catch a sword slice that cut it in half horizontally.

  Mirelurker Killed – 60 xp.

  “Abyssal Horror ahead, on that thick tree.” I heard Jace call out.

  There was the sudden sound of violence behind me and the urge to look was almost too much. Two more Mirelurkers leapt from the water but was once again met by my blades.

  Mirelurker killed - 60xp

  Mirelurker killed – 60 xp

  Trust your team Elias.

  The sound of fighting stopped and a few people barked some commands.

  “What is going on?” I asked Kira again.

  “Logan and Jace took it out, now they are securing the far side.” Violence erupted again. “More Abyssal Horrors and Mirelurkers. Okay we can move.” She finished.

  I turned without hesitation and saw everyone on a bank across the water. Declan’s lantern was slowly dimming.

  “Run.” I commanded and Kira took off at a sprint.

  Shanira was covering us, her vow up and a mana arrow shimmering ready to be fired.

  A splash sounded behind me but Shanira had already loosed. The mana arrow streaking by in a whoosh.

  I heard the arrow hit its mark and a large splash. The path was a narrow strip of dirt leading to the group as we reached halfway Declan collapsed and the fog snapped back in with supernatural speed.

  I scooped Kira into my arms and leapt the rest of the way to the embankment. The sound of splashes sounded below me as I sailed through the air.

  “Glad you could join us.” Logan beamed.

  “Why does it feel like the more dangerous the situation, the happier you are?” I smiled at the giant man.

  “Because it makes life more fun.” Logan said.

  “Fair enough friend. Anyone got a plan on moving forward?” I asked the group.

  “My navigation skill keeps activating and is drawing me that way.” Jace pointed into the darkness.

  “Okay. Anyone else?” I paused waiting for someone to speak up. “Anyone? No. Okay, guess we will follow Jace through the marsh.”

  Victor stepped forward with his Billhook. “I can use my spear to test the ground so we don’t blindly step in water or holes.”

  “Great idea Victor. Lead the way with Jace and we will follow” I smiled at the man.

  It was slow moving getting ambushed by Mirelurkers and Abyssal Horrors as we tried to navigate our way through the marsh.

  Luckily the ambushes allowed for a few level ups along the way for the new players.

  After an hour we reached a gentle slop leading out of the marsh and finally out of the fog layer.

  I activated mana sight and scanned the ridge. Mana condensed on multiple Abyssal Horrors on top of the hill.

  “Abyssal Horrors top of the hill, not sure how many.” I said quietly as we gathered at the bottom of the hill.

  “Let’s form a wall with our tanks and damage dealers then open it up for our secret weapon.” I smiled as Theo turned to me.

  “What secret weapon?” Theo asked as I turned a smile to Sage.

  “It’s time.”

  “You mean it?” She asked excitedly, her green eyes burned with excitement.

  “Absolutely. Give em hell.” I continued to smile as she rushed in for a hug. I immediately stiffened at the unexpected move.

  “Fuck! you have no idea how frustrated I have been since we got here!” Sage said letting me go.

  Kira gave me a questioning look, her arms folded across her chest.

  I let out a cough before continuing. “mhmmm you follow behind me and I will move when you are ready to cast.”

  “Thanks.” She beamed, moving behind me.

  “After you Sparky!” I snapped my head around to give her a glare.

  “Now now. Sparky, don’t get your tights in a knot. We got work to do.” She said with the same smile.

  Theo joined me as I shook my head. “Don’t take it personally mate. She gives everyone nicknames. Sparky ain’t bad. She named Gregory ‘Cameltoe’.”

  I shuddered, “I guess Sparky isn’t too bad.”

  “That’s the spirit.” Theo thumped me on the back before joining Sage. Logan feel in at my right, Jamie on my left. The others dressing off until we had a thin line moving slowly up the hill.

  As we reached the crest of the hill a high-pitched chittering began, moving through twenty-three Abyssal Horrors. I released a Kinetic burst into the first Abyssal Horror, sending body parts flying towards the ones behind it. The invisible horrors quickly became covered in black ichor.

  Abyssal Horror killed – 100 xp

  “Head’s up Sparky” I heard Sage call behind me and I leapt to the side in a flash. A fireball rocketed forward bursting into the Abyssal Horrors. A shockwave of heat washed over us as the monsters exploded or burned.

  The acrid smell of burning chitin wafted through the air. The bright light of flame and mana burning my eyes to the point I had to deactivate my mana sight.

  I saw Jace look away as well but his sword lashing out to catch monsters outside the fireball range.

  I reactivated my mana sight and went to work as well. The few remaining Horrors were identified and quickly dispatched.

  Everyone rested after the battle. Jace and I reactivating mana sight to check for Horrors. Victor, Declan, Theo and another firefighter Ethan unlocked mana sight while we were waiting.

  Sage had unlocked infrared sight rather than mana sight to both her excitement and frustration. “Why the Fuck can’t I unlock the same skills as everyone else? I mean infrared is badass but I want both. Sparky fix it.”

  “What am I supposed to do? And why are you suddenly following me? I thought you hated cops.” I asked as I searched the group for Kira.

  “Come on Sparky. It’s the apocalypse, we got to move past old grudges and survive together yah know?” She punched my shoulder.

  “Whatever you say.” A sudden thought crossed my mind and I turned on Sage. “Why do you have fire magic?”

  Sage looked at me her face pinched in confusion. “What? I didn’t get to pick?”

  “Yeah but usually the system chooses an ability that matches the person. Logan his battle axe, Kira healing, Flynn stealth, Shanira archery, Theo water magic. I would think you would also unlock water magic not fire magic.” I mused.

  “So?” Sage cocked her head to the side like she still didn’t understand.

  A grin spread across my face, “Are you a pyro?”

  Sage turned almost as red as her hair. “No, what the fuck?”

  “You are totally a pyro, it’s okay to have a fascination with fire. Unless you were causing fires to put out but you don’t seem the type. I think you just like fire.” I scratched my chin as the pieces fell into place.

  “I don’t know what you are talking about.” Sage said, suddenly sheepish.

  “Hey, like I said I am not here to judge. Just find it interesting.” I smiled at her.

  “Whatever Sparky.” She murmured as she turned and stalked away.

  “How… how did you do that?” A voice asked from behind me.

  I turned around to find Theo walking up. “What do you mean?”

  “How did you get her to walk away? I have never seen anyone capable of quieting her.” Theo looked at me with amazement in his eyes.

  “I just asked about her magic?” I shrugged.

  Theo gave me a look that said he didn’t believe me but didn’t push the subject.

  “I had a question about skills?” Theo said, moving on.

  “What about them?”

  “You said they unlock from comprehension or by doing something deliberately. Would that work with magic? Like if I tried to use my water magic in a different way or in a specific way?”

  I thought for a moment before answering. “Honestly, I’m not sure. I don’t have much experience with your type of magic but I would imagine it is the same. Like if you compressed the water with mana to create a high-pressure water bullet.”

  His eyes widened as he began processing what I said. “I have a LOT I want to try. Thank you Elias.”

  “Happy to help Theo. Good luck.” I said as Theo nodded before walking away, his head down, deep in though.

  “Finally dropped your shadow?” Kira’s voice sounded from behind me.

  “Shadow? Says the woman sneaking up behind me.” A crooked smile appeared on my face as I rounded on her.

  “We are in the middle of a dungeon, you should always be on your guard. I could have been a monster.” A mischievous smile on her face.

  “Then stay back monster!” I stepped back in mock fear.

  “Ha ha. Very funny, but seriously where is Sage?” She looked around for her.

  “Is that why you are avoiding me?” I asked.

  “Is that why you are avoiding the question?”

  “Touché. I think she got offended by me calling her a pyro.” I said as I scratched the back of my head.

  “Smooth.” Kira said softly but her smile seemed a little more genuine.

  “You going to stick close or am I going to have to attach a mana tether to you? That way I will know where you are at all times.” I gave her a serious look as I waited for her response.

  “You wouldn’t dare!” she said in horror.

  “Try me.”

  “Listen Elias, just because you became jacked doesn't mean I can’t kick your ass.” Kira said with a wink.

  “Yes ma’am.” I lifted my hands in surrender. “Should we get moving?”

  “I’m ready, are you?”

  “I’m good to go.” We moved off and regrouped. Jace, Victor and Ethan leading the way with Logan and Jamie close behind.

  I really hope his skill is pointing in the right direction.

  We traveled for several hours, occasionally being ambushed by Horrors as we progressed over rocky terrain or dirt hills. The sky was still black, no sun or moon to light up the sky or cavern roof.

  Whichever it could be.

  I was about to mention stopping and forming a different plan when Shanira gave a low shout.

  “Something looming in the dark ahead.” She called softly.

  We fell into battle formations immediately.

  Theo, Declan, Shanira, Kira and Sage forming up in a diamond pattern in the middle while each melee dealer took up a position encircling them.

  “What do you see?” I whispered.

  “Not sure, it’s not moving straight ahead. Might be land but I can’t be sure.” Shanira whispered back.

  “Jace, where is your skill pointing?”

  “Straight ahead still.”

  “Any movement, Shanira?”

  “No. It might be some landmass. I can’t be sure.” Shanira said in frustration.

  “That’s okay. We move together slowly.”

  The formation began moving forward. A large stone wall loomed out of the darkness, a giant cliff two hundred feet in the air. Jagged mana crystals jutted out in various location on the cliff.

  “Well what now?” Logan asked staring up at the top of the rocky cliff.

  Before I could answer a high pitched chittering scream echoed off the top of the cliff.

  The scream was so loud rocks tumbled and fell from the cliff.

  Everyone entered combat mode as my Mana Sight activated. The hairs on my arms and neck standing on end as I saw the mana coalesce into a giant form high above.

  Mana Sight Activated

  Flow State Activated

  The image leapt high into the air before I was able to piece together what it was.

  What the fu-