Chapter 242 - Acid Forest

I had most of this chapter finished yesterday, but didn't like the ending point. So it's a day late, but about 65% longer than most chapters. Hope you enjoy!

The deathgliders were simple opponents. Hump wouldn’t even call them a threat in ordinary circumstances. Judging from the name, he expected they usually attacked from trees, gliding down to their prey below. That didn’t work now. After impacting his Shield, the snakes were left on the ground where their mobility was drastically hindered, leaving them only able to launch themselves short distances.

It was a simple matter to defeat them. Celaine and Vamir fought side by side, her dagger carving a path of shadow, while Vamir’s sword trailed a line of silver sparks. Around Hump, the other melee specialists dashed forward, quickly killing the snakes nearby before retreating back to Hump’s side as one.

“Shield,” Hump said.

Essence surged through him, the runes of his staff glimmering with blue light, the Tree of Damnation focus glowing at its centre as another dome formed around Hump. He only formed a thin layer of essence this time, conserving as much essence as he could.

Only a handful of the creatures came at them again. He maintained the spell, barely feeling any drain on his essence. This was an encounter he and Celaine could have handled alone, and no doubt many of the other hunters here thought the same, but it was a good opportunity to see how everyone functioned together.

Even the weakest of the group were seasoned hunters, whether they were simply dragon blooded, or lower tiered Chosen like Eva. All were faster, stronger, and more practiced than any ordinary soldier of Alveron.

“Everyone ready?” Vamir asked.

Affirmations went up around the group.

“Drop the shield again,” Vamir ordered.

Hump did as he was requested, happy to fall in line with the rest of the group. Around him, the rest of the snakes were quickly slain. They’d won, and they’d done so with little risk and no injuries.

As he relinquished his essence, his power slowly faded from his staff. The glowing runes flickered out one by one, and the crystal focus lost its light.

“Good work everyone,” Vamir said. “Eyes up. A fight like that might draw more monsters so be on guard.”

“We had best wait here for Finn,” Alir said. “I don’t like the idea of continuing without him, especially if the dungeon puts up more resistance.”

Hump gave Celaine’s uncle a curious look. The man was more cautious than he expected from one of the Everflame’s guardians, though he supposed it was just a friendly hunt. Better cautious than to get anyone killed.

“Oh, there will be more resistance alright,” Vamir said. “You can count on that. It would be a pathetic excuse for a dungeon if this is the worst we face.”

Alir nodded. “Even more reason to wait.”

Dungeon essence buzzed across Hump’s skin. He didn’t feel the same pull that had haunted him for so many months, but it was still an unpleasant sensation, like some strange breeze that made his skin crawl. It always made him feel watched, as if this power was an extension of the dungeon core. The more experienced he’d become, the more he believed the theory that dungeon cores were sentient after all, particularly after his dreams in Stonebark Forest.

“You okay?” Celaine asked quietly.

Hump nodded. “Just got hit by the sudden presence of dungeon essence. I think it’s getting thicker.”

“You think it’s noticed us?” Celaine asked.

“It’s probably just a response to our essence usage,” Hump said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we draw more monsters to us though.”

“You hear that, Vamir?” Celaine asked.

“I heard. Nothing we can’t handle. Just stay on guard.”

While they waited, Astrid took the dead snakes and pressed their fangs into a vial with a strange cap, extracting the venom. The group kept their voices down as they formed a small circle, keeping watch on the surrounding trees. There was a fog to the air that seemed to grow thicker the further north they went. The shadows of trees formed monstrous shapes further back, twisted and deformed beyond any ordinary plant. It was a grim sight, and left Hump wondering what threats might lurk in a dungeon with an affinity toward acid.

Hump leant against his staff, staring into the fog and trying to decide what to make of the corrupted landscape. He wondered what Nisha was up to back in Drakalyn. He could sense she was happy, though confused at being away from Hump for the first time. No doubt Myra was keeping her well entertained.

“That was good work,” came a voice.

Hump glanced to his side to see Kelec joining him. He’d spoken to the man for a bit at the gathering the other night—he’d been the one to bring a few bottles of Fire.

“Thank you,” Hump said. “Just a Shield spell though. It’s a simple matter to fend off weak physical attacks. Just happy to help. Not that I think anyone here needed it.”

Kelec snorted. “Well you made things much easier. Deathgliders can be a hassle even when they’re not mutated by a dungeon. Combined with that camouflage cloud power they used, it could have been a tricky encounter, and that’s coming from a second circle Chosen.”

Hump nodded knowingly. “It only takes one stray arrow for someone to die. Or in this case, I suppose a snake.”

“Exactly! And we don’t have many defensive powers like yours, even amongst our Chosen. Vinetta’s probably the closest. One of her blessings allows her to form a wall out of a storm.”

Hump raised an eyebrow and looked at him. “Wow! That sounds far more powerful than what I was doing.”

He shrugged. “I’d hope so. She’s one of our sixth circles. You won’t have seen her around, she and some of the other keepers are further north dealing with a dungeon that expanded a couple of months ago.”

“How much further north?” Hump asked.

“A few days as the dragon flies. Why?”

Hump smiled. “You might be used to it, but living with so many dungeons nearby is enough to keep up at night.”

A short laugh escaped the man. “And here I thought the White Flame Wizard wouldn’t feel fear like us mortals!”

Hump narrowed his eyes at him, unsure if he was being mocked. “Where’d you hear about that?”

“Where’d you think?” Kelec thumbed toward Celaine. “She was talking you up to Elder Rena at the meet yesterday.” He started chuckling. “Said you saved a city and faced down a demi-god.”

“She said that, did she?” Hump laughed too, a little embarrassed to hear she’d been talking about him so highly. Seemed she was doing what she could to keep anyone from changing their mind and trying to kick him out. “Well, he was unable to fight back and stuck on the other side of a portal. I’m not sure he counts as a demi-god either. He was Baelkor, the first follower of the Fallen God, Uvdar.”

Kelec stopped laughing, staring at him in disbelief. “You’re serious?”

Hump nodded, unable to hide his grin. “Honestly, I struggle to believe it myself.”

Kelec let out a breath, staring out into the forest. “Well… Celaine was right. It’s going to be handy having you around. You’ve got me curious to see what you can do when it gets truly dangerous.”

“Don’t get too excited,” Hump said. “I had a phoenix feather to draw power from last time. With any luck, it won’t come to that anyway. I’ll admit, this is the first time anyone’s ever suggested a celebratory hunt in a dungeon to me.”

“It’s what Celaine gets for graduating training. The dungeon core is hers to claim.”

Hump looked at him quizzically. “The entire core?”

“Well, I say claim. But it’s about giving an offering to the Everflame. She doesn’t get to keep it for herself.”

“Ah,” Hump said. “That makes more sense.”

“Now tell me more about this Uvdar follower,” Kelec said, clapping him over the shoulders.

He and Kelec talked quietly, their eyes on the surrounding forest. Kelec was a few years older than Hump, but he’d gotten along well enough with him at the gathering and talking to him now he seemed like a nice guy. Besides, it was good to speak with someone in Drakalyn relatively close to his age that didn’t automatically distrust him for being an outsider.

They spotted Aurora sweep overhead before long, landing outside of the dungeon domain before she and Finnian rejoined the group on foot. He wore one of Astrid’s masks. The keeper eyed the dead snakes and raised an eyebrow.

“Hope you didn’t have too much trouble while I was gone,” he said.

“Deathgliders,” Vamir said. “Nothing problematic. What did you find?”

“The core is where we expected,” Finnian said. “If we can reach it, we won’t have any trouble spotting it. The trees have turned as black as charcoal in the area around it. Only issue we may have is that the dungeon’s created a sort of maze. I couldn’t tell what the walls were made of from above, but they’re brown and lumpy.”

Hump pointed toward one of the deformed trees nearby. “Do the walls look anything like that?”

Finnian frowned but looked. His eyes widened in acknowledgement. “Ah. Yes, just like that.”

“Seems likely the dungeon can reform plant life with acid and manipulate them then,” Hump said. “This could take a while if we need to find our way through.”

“No need to be concerned, wizard,” Finnian said. “This much is simple at least. With me, everyone.”

They followed, Hump curious what the keeper would do. It didn’t take them long to reach a curving wall ahead of them, with no obvious route inside.

Finnian approached the closest section. He drew his sword—a giant two-handed blade—and held it overhead. The steel gleamed white, then white lightning exploded from the hilt, engulfing the blade in a chaotic coil of power. Finnian sliced down, striking with an explosion of light. A moment later, thunder boomed.

As the dust and debris cleared, a large gap lay in the wall.

“Excellently done,” Alir cheered.

“I’d be little good if a wooden wall stopped me,” he laughed. “Aurora, fly up and keep a look out. I don’t think you’ll be able to follow us in here.”

She let out a disgruntled trill, only for Finnian to give her a look that Hump knew came with some sort of telepathic communication. A grunt escaped her, then she flew upward, disappearing over the twisted trees and fog.

“Right then,” Finnian said, stepping over the debris. “Let’s get a move on, shall we?”

Celaince leant in next to Hump’s ear and whispered, “So much for stealth.”

“Yeah,” Hump said glumly. He looked down at his boots, unable to hide his disappointment.

“You never know,” Vamir said. “They might still come in handy.”

Hump glared at him and sighed. “I spent hours on these.”

Celaine walked ahead, quietly laughing to herself. “Come on. If the monsters hadn’t spotted us before, they’ll know for sure by now.”

As Hump followed, he noticed Finnian watching from ahead, quickly looking away as if he hadn’t been.

Best not to relax too much, Hump thought. While it seemed unlikely that Finnian would try anything, it was always better to be cautious. He’d seen people killed for a lot less.

They entered the dungeon maze, driven forward by walls of molten wood. This close, Hump realised the eyes he’d seen before were moving, tufts of fur and feathers hinting at the bodies they may have once belonged to. He wondered if the dungeon might be watching them, or worse, whether the creatures were still conscious, entombed in an eternal prison.

The dungeon hadn’t reached the stage of spawning advanced monsters on its own, so other than a few acid oozes, most of what they faced were existing creatures twisted by magic: treants, giant insects, and various animals like foxes and owls, all corrupted by its power. The further they went, the more intense the fighting became.

Hump found he wasn’t needed much, especially with Finnian nearby. The Chosen of Owalyn’s blessings gave him power over thunder and lightning. When wielded with his giant sword, he struck with explosive speed and force, obliterating the weaker beasts of the dungeon they’d encountered so far. He was powerful. Perhaps even as powerful as Sir Ricard of Sheercliff City, which was an impressive accomplishment for anyone in their early twenties.

Content to let the others take the lead, Hump’s role became that of a defensive bastion at the centre of their group. A place anyone could fall back to if they needed a few moments to reorganise or prepare for a surprise foe. He helped out with a few Essence Blasts and Rockshots here and there, but for the most part conserved his essence for the dungeon guardian they would soon face.

Finnian held up a hand, calling them to stop.

The ground rumbled, only faintly, like a distant giant’s footstep.

“What was that?” Eva said.

Vamir tilted his head and listened. “It’s gone.”

“Nothing we should stop for,” Finnian said. “The faster we reach the core, the less time it has to gather monsters to protect it.”

Progress was fast. The dungeon wasn’t as powerful as Bledsbury had been, but the speed at which the hunters of Owalyn raced through it was still impressive. Aurora guided their path forward from above. Where a wall blocked their way ahead, Finnian smashed through it, then slew any monsters lying in wait beyond. He was not alone though. Everyone was skilled enough to hold their own. Each hunter well-versed in group strategies, bolstered by dragon blooded strength, and with much combat experience.

They collected heartstones and materials from the bodies of the monsters as they went. With nothing powerful enough to put up a sustained fight, they would soon reach the dungeon core. There was no foliage on the ground now at all. Even the earth had turned to black sludge that squelched underfoot. Hump was just glad he couldn’t smell anything.

“This is it,” Celaine called from atop the wall to Hump’s left. “Through this one, and we’re in the core chamber.”

“Can you see the dungeon guardian?” Finnian asked.

“Not yet.”

Finnian walked up to the wall ahead of him, sword resting on his shoulder. “Then I’ll draw it out. Alir, follow a few seconds behind me with the others, then archers provide ranged support. Hump…” Finnian eyed him for a moment. “Bring up the rear with Vamir. Make sure we’re not surrounded.”

It was a sound plan. With Finnian at the front, and him and Vamir at the rear, their weakest members would be protected at the centre.

“No problem.” Hump nodded. He addressed the group. “I’ll hold the wall. Fall back to me if you need to.”

“Any questions?” Finnian asked.

Kelec raised a hand. “When’s a good time for a toilet break?”

Chuckles went around the group as Finnian grinned in familiarity. “About three hours ago, though feel free to wander off and find a quiet spot.”

Kelec grimaced. “I’ll just hold it.” He smiled. “Let’s do this.”

Finnian turned back to the wall and raised his sword. It carved through the wall with a thunderous boom, shards of wood shattering into the core chamber like shrapnel. Shrieks and cries sounded on the other side as Finnian charged through the dust, lighting bursting from around his body, illuminating the thick fog beyond. A host of treants lurked within, stumbling toward him and whipping out with their branches, launching a barrage of fruits and seeds.

Swinging his blade, Finnian blasted them back with a howling wind. The missiles struck the monsters and ground, smoke rising from the points of impact, the shrieks becoming worse.

The others followed through, Hump bringing up the rear. He aimed a Focused Blast at a treant approaching from the light, shattering its trunk in two with a well-aimed beam. Above, a flock of wood pigeons dove toward the archers.

Hump took aim.

“Blast.”

A cone of blue exploded upward, sweeping over the heads of his companions and sending the pigeons flying. They shrieked as wings broke and bodies were sent smashing into the nearby walls and ground, coating the survivors in the sludgy earth.

The ground rumbled again, stronger this time. Hump leant against his staff for balance. Ahead of them, the ground beneath Finnian’s feet erupted. A giant body emerged, sheathed in carapace, clawing its way out of the ground and launched itself upward on six legs as long as a person was tall, reaching for Finnian and snapping at his legs with a horned jaw.

He dodged it easily, propelled by the power of the storm, flying upward and out of range.

Celaine’s shining silver arrow streaked through the air like a shooting star, piercing it in the underside of its jaw. It screamed in pain, but its armour was thick enough to protect it from fatal damage.

Finnian changed direction in mid-air, suddenly swooping down. He spun, giant sword shining with lightning as he carved the creature’s head in two. He landed deftly as the beetle slumped to the ground, dead.

“Well that was surprisingly weak,” Finnian said. “You see that, Celaine?”

Before she could answer, the ground rumbled again.

“I don’t think that was the guardian,” Celaine shouted, searching for where the next would erupt. “There’s more.”

The ground erupted to the left as another of the beasts exploded from below. A moment later, one emerged beside it, then another to the right. In total, five more of the giant beetles clawed their way out of the ground.

“Are they all the guardian?” Alir asked.

“They’re not strong enough,” Hump said. “There must be a leader. Celaine, can you see any sign of it?”

“Nothing.”

“Then it’s probably underground,” Hump said.

The beetles were already coming for them, though not as fast as Finnian raced for the one at the centre.

“Bring the closest one down!” Vamir shouted, taking command of the rest of them. “Ranged attackers, concentrate your attacks on the closest one—to the left. Everyone else, hold the formation. Leave the killing to those with range.”

“Yesses” went up around the group, everyone quickly adapting to the new situation.

Hump readied his own essence, his staff brimming with light as he prepared for whatever magic he might need. The first volley of archer fire sent the closest beetle writhing. Hump prepared a Rockshot for the next, when he felt another rumbling at his feet.

He aimed his staff downward just as the sludge parted way and crumbled, shards of earth breaking outward like a giant molehill. He let his power burst forward, tendrils of bronze lashing the ground before him, brining the broken ground under his control.

“Rockshot.”

The ground shone with bronze light, flaring like fire where the earth was already cracked. An explosion of essence blasted the hole downward into the beetle and the tunnel below, crushing it in stone. A leg twitched amongst the rubble, and corrosive fumes began to rise from where it was buried.

Beside him, Eva stumbled as the world tremored once more. An even larger section of earth fell away at her feet as a giant beetle dragged itself up from below, five times the size of the others. Its head swept from side to side as it forced its way upward, dragging itself on heavy claws, surveying the battlefield.

It let loose a deep, bellowed roar. The other beetles responded, only to go silent as Aurora roared from above, flying down to join the fray. Vamir was engaged with a beetle to the right, fending it off alone as Celaine led the other archers at bringing down another.

“Stay with me,” Hump told Eva. He channelled essence into his boots, walking quietly. With any luck, the queen beetle wouldn’t target him.

The ground splashed beneath him. Hump looked down—he’d trodden in a puddle of acid. He looked back up as the beetle hunched its back, a strange fluttering sound filling the air. Melon sized flies burst from its shell, shrouded in an acidic green aura. They flew at Hump and Eva like a homing spell as the queen beetle turned and roared. Then the hulking, giant beast charged.

“Get behind me!” Hump shouted. He didn’t pay attention to whether Eva had listened as he reached for his power. It answered in a flood.