FIRST RUN

  Tanner awakes in a strange bed. A glance around reveals a room roughly 30 feet long and 20 feet wide. The wall furthest from him has an open doorway. Bright sunlight coming from the doorway illuminates half the room. Small globes evenly spaced illuminate the rest of the room. He sits up, feeling better, to watch the rest of his murmuring party around the fire pit. The others notice him sitting upright while he stretches.

  Rhys stands and approaches him. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better. How is Claire?”

  “I woke up just a few minutes before you did. I feel okay, still a little stretched.”

  “So what happened to us? And is everyone else okay?”

  “All good questions Tanner. Come join us by the fire. We can get you some food, answer questions and explain a few things. Sound good?”

  “Yeah, that sounds good.”

  After joining the rest of the group at the fire. Tanner discovers, he and Claire were unconscious for several hours. Tanner also finds that the others have been feeling the effects as well. The others all worked on their Attribute points to narrow the gap between them, while they were unconscious. No one has left the Safe Room, which is their current residence.

  “We have one week before we have to leave or monsters will start spawning in the room.” Rhys explains, “You are all suffering from Essence over saturation. You have too much Essence stored for Level Zero and your bodies and minds have been overstimulated. The Essence in the Dungeon is exerting an outside pressure that helps to compress and balance what you have stored. Once you all get some levels, you all should feel a bit of relief, and once you all Tier up you should be fine.

  Bree says, “We made a mistake while following the law that was put in place by the Church commandments and the Imperium. We did not consider how different you ten were advancing. The Laws were actually killing you by preventing you from entering the Dungeon. You ten are building Essence faster than you can process. To process, you need the levels. Our focus will be on leveling, training, education, and attributes in that order. Rhys and I will cover as your instructors, so you do not fall behind. We are attempting to balance your education and development in a way that will not hinder or harm you further. I expect you all to take your first term finals when we leave here, understand?”

  “Yes,” the decuplet chorus.

  “This is a First Tier, Level 15 Dungeon. We use it to train novice scouts after basic training. You will take everything slowly and carefully advance. Rhys will heal you after your fights and collect all the loot. I want you focused on your advancement, not loot. He will not heal you during encounters. I will thin some monsters to even the fights. I will not help you during your fights. You are all responsible for your survival. Please take this advice. By the time you reach the Boss, we will not help at all. Now check your storage bracelets. If you are missing or need any supplies, we have some we will loan to you. You will pay us back. We are here to help ease you up the first few levels we will not carry you. That being said, I have your gifts for when you were supposed to do your first Delve several weeks from now.”

  Bree hands out the dungeoneering kits to the younger generation. Rhys explains, “These kits we made up have all the equipment we wished we had on our first run. We commissioned suitable items for each of you. These are Peak quality Tier Zero items from rope, to tents, to climbing gear and all things in between. Nothing more than that. You will still be ahead of most of your peers with this stuff. But you are all family, and we are wealthy, so suck it up.” Bree smiles, and the rest all laugh.

  “Thanks,” they all chime at once.

  “I need to show you all this skill I got just before we left the training yard. Essence Sight, it allows me to see how Essences are flowing and forming in others. I'm still figuring things out, but I saw right away what the issue is with you two, and the others to a lesser extent. You were looking like blown up bladders about to pop. I must have gained it because I have been healing and observing you ten so much over that last several weeks. It’s too bad I did not have it earlier. It will take a few days to figure exactly what it does, and how it works. This will change many things. I think it will hone me into a better healer and I can advise others on Essence and what it does to the body and mind.”

  Once all have the supplies, they feel they will need to start. Bree calls out. “You have not had the class needed for this so, we will go over everything, then start out slow and careful. Who is Party Leader? Who is filling what roles? And what formation are you starting out in? I am going scouting. Rhys is your instructor. Make sure they understand before they leave.”

  “Yes Ma’am.” Rhys salutes. Rhys starts the lecture, “Well, class, this is an open world dungeon. Dungeons come in various types of scenarios, open world is just one example. You may find yourselves in a cave system, a castle, ruins, or a combination of several of these. I know of one that you will drift in a black void and the monsters drift towards you. You may find yourself in a cell and must escape from the castle. There are what are called wave dungeons. You appear in a location and have to defend from incoming attackers. Certain dungeons may require completion of quests. One thing in common is they all have sub-bosses and a boss that needs to be overcome before you can leave. Most of the time, if you find yourself in a dungeon that is overpowered for you, it will give you the option to leave. If that ever happens, take it. I can not stress this enough. The chances of making it through are very low. Parties ignoring this option have... regretted it. If any of them make it out. This is the basics, questions?”

  Dylan raises his hand. “Why didn’t we get that option? I think someone said this dungeon is level fifteen.”

  Rhys grins, “Great question, shows you are listening and thinking. Now think about the answer.”

  Dylan frowns in thought, then answers. “Because we are in a raid party with you and the Empress. But won’t that enrage the dungeon?”

  Rhys paces with his hands clasped behind his back. “It would if we were to fight alongside you all. We are going to pare down the creatures for you so you have an equal fight and slowly increase your challenge until you need no help at all. That is what the empress is doing. If everyone understands this let’s get back to the under powered party subject.”

  Jackson raises his hand. “What happens with the parties that don’t take the leave option?”

  “They die. Parties that make it through are never intact, most of them only have one or two members live. It is very rare for more than two to come out. The last time a full party came out was around six hundred years ago or so. They stopped delving after, records say they lost heart. Take the leave option if it shows.”

  The decuplet look over at each other soberly and nod their heads. “Good. Remember, it is not worth your lives. You cannot get stronger if you are dead. Any further questions?”

  “No, Sir.” The decuplet answers.

  “This is the basics of Dungeon 101. Obviously there are many more things involved, we do not have the eight weeks to go into the entire class. We are just going to cover this Dungeon.”

  “In open world dungeons, the Boss is usually located north. If the dungeon has them, mini-bosses are usually east, west, and south. This dungeon has a boss and three mini-bosses. Navigation mirrors the real world. Celestial bodies, Suns, and Moons travel east to west. If neither move in the sky, consider them in the western hemisphere. The safe room generally appears in the dungeon center for open worlds. Dungeon creatures are not living beings, they are composed of Essences that mimic life. Goblins are the primary occupant of this dungeon. Goblins are nasty, disgusting creatures. They rape, kill, and eat each other, not necessarily in that order. They will do the same to you. They are very base creatures ruled by their instincts. It is not uncommon to encounter lone goblins masturbating. Do not eat any rations you find them carrying. Goblins in this Dungeon will have levels ranging from five to fifteen. Any creature level ten or higher will have a class or class like abilities. The Boss will be one to three levels above the Dungeon cap. The sub-bosses or mini-bosses are usually one or two levels below the supreme boss. This dungeon may contain a creature known as a Hobgoblin. They will be twice the size of the goblins, almost human size. We do not know if they are an evolution of the goblins or a distinct separate race. Just know they are very strong and can have a class. Do not underestimate them. We may run into normal wild life, wolves, bears, rabbits, and birds, etc. They can be harvested for materials skins, teeth, claws, and some organs for crafting. All should be safe to eat, if it looks and smells like normal meat. Just be aware it will be Essence rich and may harm you if it is higher level than you.”

  “Some hobgoblins or even some of the higher level goblins may be mounted. They use giant wolf like creatures called wargs; they are intelligent. Do not underestimate them. They hunt in packs. One may be in front keeping your attention, meanwhile the rest of the pack is surrounding you and will attack from behind. Keep alert. I or Bree will be on watch during camp, you can relax then. When it’s just the ten of you, however, you will need to keep watch. Questions about the Dungeon?” The decuplet keeps silent. Rhys smiles. “If any of you think of a question ask. It may save your life.”

  “Yes, sir,” Tanner answers for them all.

  “Now let’s go over travel and fighting formations.”

  After Rhys is done with the decuplet. They establish their first combat formation. Given the go ahead, the party steps foot out of the Safe Room and into the Dungeon proper. They find themselves in a temperate forest valley nestled in the foothills of a mountain range, in what appears to be midsummer. A slight breeze from the south blows the smell of trees, leaves, and forest loam over the party. Patches of bright sunlight make its way through the thick leaves and branches of the tall old growth forest. The ground seems level without many hills. Amazed, the young dungeon delvers exclaim over how lifelike and real the forest seems. Tanner brings everyone back to the reason they are here. “Focus, we are in danger here.” Rhys gives him an approving nod.

  Moments later. “Goblin front side.” Micky reports.

  “Right clear.” Jackson reports.

  “Left clear,” Milly reports.

  Dylan calls out. “Back clear, safe room is gone.”

  “Just like practice guys, Mick attacks. Lilli and Karnna, wait three seconds then attack. Second and third line Jax, Milly, Dylan, Claire and I, will wait two seconds then we will attack. Try a spell, then attack. Connie, and Iris try healing spells. The back lines stay with the healers and keep anything off of them. GO.”

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Micky charges into the goblin shield first, hitting it hard enough to knock it back a step. This causes him to miss his follow up overhand strike. With his shield pressed between them, he steps into the goblin. Mick thrusts forward with his arming sword. Karnna jumps to the goblin’s left side and chops with her axe. Scoring a large scratch on the goblins’ armor. Lilli thrusts her sword at the goblin’s right side, only scratching the armor. The mages all attempt to cast spells, all fail. Milly moves in behind the goblin and stabbing a powerful blow, busting through the goblin’s back plate, into its lungs, and jumps backward. Distracted, the goblin begins to turn towards Milly. When Lilli’s blade cuts across the goblin’s neck. Mick slams the goblin again with his shield, bringing attention back to him. The goblin, bleeding badly, screams a bloody breath into Mick’s face. Startled by the blood, Mick steps backward and trips, falling to his back. Mick attempts to get back to his feet when the goblin tackles him on the ground. Karnna and Lilli step to the goblin. Lilli stabbing into its back, Karnna chopping furiously. Connie and Iris desperately attempt to cast any kind of healing spell on to Mick. Jackson screams in frustration, trying to cast a spell onto the goblin. The goblin finally goes limp, and Mick pushes it off.

  Connie rushes up with bandages and starts checking Mick over before he can even get to his feet. “Stay down.” She barks at Mick, “I need to make sure you’re okay before you move and hurt yourself more.” While Connie is making sure of Mick. Iris checks the others over. Everyone is fine, just a couple of scratches and bruises. Tanner orders, “Rhys please loot. Everyone else, keep watch.”

  “Not bad, nobody died,” Bree claims, approaching the victorious party. “Now what went right? What went wrong? Mick first.”

  After the fight critique, Bree explains they are still in a vulnerable position and the accepted procedures of checking inventory, looting, keeping watch and looking over Status Sheets. Iris, looking at her Status Sheet, “I hit Level One, got the Spell Healing Touch, and Attribute points.”

  “Excellent Iris,” Rhys says to her. “I did not get a healing spell until Level 5. Now heal Mick. Also, I would like you to think about other ways to use your Affinity. You are capable of much more with a Nature Affinity. This is one of the few we know quite a bit about.” Rhys hands her a book, “Written by Jamie Wallace one of the best Nature mages of my generation. It will take you from the basics up to the advanced Spells and techniques she uses. Make sure to read the forward. She has some brilliant advice.”

  “Thank you.”

  Rhys gives her a nod and turns to Jackson. “Jackson lets see what you have. Good job, Jackson. You also have a new Spell, Psionic Blast, ‘Causes damage and pain has a chance to interrupt spell casting.’ You also gained Attributes. Mick, let us see what you have.”

  Bree reminds the new party. “Make sure you are keeping an eye out for monsters, everyone.”

  Rhys continues his critique, looking over the younger delver’s Status Sheets. “Nice going, Mick, you gained a Level, Attribute Points, and the Shield Bash Skill. Lilli, how did you make out?”

  An excited Lilli smiles and says, “I got my Martial Skill, Kawankistu and Attribute Points and a Level.”

  Rhys looking a bit surprised. “Your Martial skills is something you would normally get at Tier One. Great job. Dylan you are next, Elemental Bolt Spell. ‘Casts a bolt of the four combined elements at a foe.’ Another advanced spell normally gained at Tier One, and you got Attributes.” Rhys pauses and hands another book to Dylan. “This was written by another friend Corrine Smith, she will take you from the basics of Tier Zero and Tier One. She has more books for the higher Tiers. Karnna lets see if you matched your brother for gains”

  Karnna laughs at the dig. “I Leveled he didn’t. I also got the Cleave Skill and Attribute Points.” The brother and sister duo smile at each other.

  “Claire, Primal bolt interesting spell, ‘Sends a bolt comprised of Primal Essences at designated foes.’ Overall a spell, and a Level increase. What is this +1 to all damage done? Feeling better?” Rhys asks the girl.

  ”Yes, a little.”

  “You may have to get your Class or even Tier up before you get better. Milly you’re next. Not bad, Milly. you got the Spear Skill and your Attributes went up the most of anyone. Tanner, you’re the last one. Let’s see what you have.”

  Bree, looking over Tanner’s Status Sheet, observes. “Hmm, Tanner, you Leveled up and also have a +1 to all damage. You gained your Martial Skill ‘Island fighting,” a Title ‘Disciple’, and a Spell, Arcane Bolt. ‘Casts a bolt of Arcane energy at designated targets. How are you feeling?”

  “Much better the Experience and the Level seems to have relieved some of the feeling.”

  “Well, let’s get the rest of you to Level One. Single goblins until you all get a handle on fighting, Then I will allow more at a time through. Tonight, we will go over your status sheets. Those of you that leveled I am sure you noticed your Hit and Mana Points have doubled. This is normal.”

  Mick charges into the single goblin, shield first using his new Shield Bash, knocking the goblin back. Lilli dances forward once again on the goblin’s right-hand side, scoring with a light slash at the goblin’s leg. Claire hits with a Primal Bolt. The goblin screams and writhes in tremendous pain, completely out of the fight. Claire casts a follow up bolt before registering what is happening with the goblin, stopping she looks on shocked by the effects of her follow up spell. Jackson’s Psionic Blast stuns the goblin, silencing its screams. The goblin, now on the ground, whimpersand spasms in pain. The group notices odd growths erupting from the area the bolts impacted.

  “Hold up. Rhys what’s happening here?” Tanner asks.

  “Claire’s bolt seems to have affected its nervous system with the first hit. The second hit seems to produce tumors at a fast rate. I am not sure if I could heal this. Claire, this is a control spell maybe you should team with Jackson on that?”

  Tanner steps up and hits with an Arcane bolt to the goblin's head, shattering it and silencing the creature. Everyone gathers around the dead goblin in stunned silence, looking at Claire. Rhys claps his hands loudly, startling the group. “This was a bit of a surprise, but this is what we do. Anyone thinks getting hit with a sword, or a spear in the chest, or even a fire bolt is painless? I can tell you all right now, it is just as horrible. Although this is an uncommon sight, the effect is commonly observed. Harm casters can do similar, so do curses and a few other spells. If this is a problem, tell us now, none of you going into this can hesitate. You are going in with total commitment or not at all.”

  After a few seconds of silence, Tanner, putting an arm around Claire’s shoulders, announces. “I’m still in.”

  “Me too, I was just surprised. And Yes I can help with control if needed.” Claire answers. The other all give their agreement with Rhys.

  Bree, stepping behind Tanner and Claire, giving them each a hug, whispers in Claire’s ear, “We can talk later if you need to.” Bree then moves around the couple. “Alright, same after fight responses. What went right? What went wrong? What can we do better? Check Status. I want this after every fight. Once the monsters are down, we critique. This is how you get better.”

  A few encounters later. Claire, on the left side, announces. “We have two goblins on the left. Better armed and armored than the ones we have been fighting.”

  Tanner, looking over the goblins, “I think we can take them. Party shift left. Mick, take the lead, hold both goblins. Lilli attacks the weaker one. Karnna attack with Lilli. The rest of us follow Lilli’s lead, burn it down, then shift focus to the stronger one. Connie, focus on Mick, Iris, your sister and Karnna, but don’t lose sight of the rest of us. If anyone takes a hard hit, call out Heals. I need a readiness check. Mick, when everyone answers, go on three, please.”

  Mick counts down to three and gives a battle cry. Clearing the distance from the goblins at his fastest speed. He smashes into the well-armored foes with overwhelming force, sounding like a runaway cart colliding with another. The three goblins fall on their backs, struggling to get up. Lilli jumps into action, sending attacks at the more stunned foe. The rest, following Lilli’s lead, start blasting bolt spells into the downed foe. The second goblin stands back up, turns toward Lilli and lunges at her, hitting her in the stomach. Mick Shield Bashes the goblin desperate to regain its attention. Iris drags her injured sister away, casting healing spells as fast as she can, while Tanner, glowing with an unearthly white/blue hue, steps in front of Lilli. Tanner’s glowing form slashes the goblin, still attempting to get to Lilli. Tanner’s opponent, finding itself overwhelmed, drops to its dying knees. Mick’s goblin opponent looks at Tanner in fear. The goblin screams in terror and tries to run, Claire cast her bolt spell, hitting it in the neck and decapitating it.

  Jackson announces. “Area clear.” After looking around him.

  “Circle up,” Tanner gasps, short of breath. “We have a lot to go over. Lilli report.”

  “I’m fine, fully healed. Thanks to my sister.”

  “Report.” Bree commands, walking up. “Mick what went wrong?”

  Mick, standing straighter, replies. “I hit them too hard, I think. They fell. I wasn’t expecting that. When they hit the ground, I blanked out. I didn’t know what to do. Sorry, guys.”

  Bree's eyes, softening, says to him. “It is a fine line to walk, working the front line. Too hard, it becomes a problem. Too soft, it becomes a different problem. Your purpose here is to gain experience by fighting and fulfilling your role in the party. You will make more mistakes. You are all performing excellently. No one has repeated errors. This was your first multi-opponent opportunity. None of us expect any of you to get it right the first time. Anything else?”

  “I think I was a bit over confidant.” Lilli answers. “We all were.” Connie speaking up for the first time since the fight stopped. The rest all nod their heads in agreement. “I disagree.” Rhys speaking up. “You have all done remarkably well against opponents that out level you all. The simple fact is some of you made mistakes. Things went wrong. You’re not veteran delvers, you all are Levels Two or Three. Everyone of you will all make mistakes. Here is something to keep in mind folks, these goblins all out weigh you. They are half your size but individually each one is stronger, tougher and out weighs you.” Rhys glances at Mick, “Well most of you.” As everyone laughs, Rhys continues. “For the first time, you are discovering how your bodies and minds react in combat. You are learning your combat skills, and spells, in the toughest environment possible. This Dungeon is rated Tier 1 Level 5 to 15. Even the lower leveled goblins will hit harder than in a Tier Zero dungeon. So far everyone of the monsters you have faced were Level 9. Just take it slow, plan, and you will get there.”

  Milly raises her hand, “Doesn’t that mean even if we match their level they will still be tougher than us?”

  “Caught that did you? Things will even out. Food for thought, because you are all working so hard you have been gaining 3 to 6 Attribute points along with your experience for each kill.”

  “Lilli your turn.”

  “I rushed in too soon.”

  “Why?” Rhys asks. Lilli and the others go over their performance.

  Bree sits next to Tanner and Claire. “So Tanner, what was that you did? You normally only get a bolt spell, and basic Spells or Skills. I hate to break it to you, but glowing is not normal or basic.”

  Tanner chuckles. “I think it was Arcane Manipulation. I’ve not had anything new show up since my first level. When Lilli got stabbed, I just reacted. It was exhausting, I used most of my Mana. The goblins didn’t hurt me at all.”

  “So some kind of Arcane shield then?” Bree asks him.

  “I think so.”

  “Hmm, and you young lady, quick reaction if it had gotten away it could have brought more friends back with it.” She says, giving her daughter a proud smile.

  “That was kind of cool,” Claire returns her mother’s smile. “I didn't want it to escape.”

  Standing, Bree announces to the group. “Three more fights then shelter for the night. Class room time after camp is set.”

  The group settles in for the night. Rhys stands in front of the younger group members lecturing. “So as we absorb essences, our bodies come under pressure and the essence changes us in ways to strengthen us. Once we have adjusted, our attributes increase, and we get more powerful. Then the process starts all over again. Once we hit level one, we change on a more fundamental level. Our essence capacities rise, and the existing essences in our body compress. This is one reason our attribute gains slow down. Once we achieve level one, our Hit and Mana points become double of what our Body and Mind attributes are. The essence has heightened the resilience within our bodies. At Tier One, Hit points and Mana points will triple, at Tier two that increase will start falling off. Not because we are hitting any limits, but because our Essence gains at the second Tier are much more dense. At the second tier, each attribute point is worth approximately five, zero tier points. To give you an idea of how much of a difference it is, One Second Tier Ogre at level one hundred can take on your entire first year class. You would win, but at least half of your class would be dead or badly injured.”

  With a raised hand, “That is for the normal advancement. We are not developing that way. What can we expect going forward?” Connie asks.

  “Great question Connie, I have been comparing your first year classmates to the ten of you. You guys are actually at the Essence compression stage of a Tier Zero, Level ten. I believe when you all Tier up, you will be around 25 percent higher compressed than your counterparts.”

  “What does that mean for us in real terms?” Jackson asks.

  Rhys, pacing back and forth, explains. “If you have an opponent that has a Body of say one hundred, and you also have a Body at one hundred, you would actually be at one hundred twenty-five, compared to your opponent that normally progressed. Your all going to be much more powerful than your classmates. This is one reason you are all doing as well in here as you are.”