ALEXiThymiA: Chapter 77: Pushing For Time

<<<<Author's Note: I am thinking about using this for the end of Book 2, what do you think? Obviously there is a lot more that will happen, the more I write the more things just get deeper and deeper, but overall I feel this is a great logical stopping point for book 2. But I want your opinion, I have been wrong in the past.

Also know that there will be an Epilogue wrapping up this book and a prologue setting the stage for what will happen in the next book.

Again though, thank you all for joining me on this journey that feels like it has only just started.



>>>>>
Chapter 77

Dragon Trials V

Pushing For Time

Sunday

Time Until Integration: 1 Month, 27 Days, 17 Hours, 12 Minutes…

“Dungeon, are you ready to be free?” Alexa asked the fourth dungeon.

Green-Flash.

Since her time spent learning Creation magic from the dungeon related to her Second Dragons Trials, she had made a relatively quick mop of things. She was of course well off her original time frame of completing her dungeon run fast enough to go back to classes on Thursday, that original time frame had long since been discarded as she found herself working to save these other dungeons from enslavement.

As she approached the dungeon wall, she felt it tremble slightly.

“This will all soon be but a happy memory.” Alexa said as she set about freeing the fourth dungeon in a row. By now the design for the release key was simple to make and she could unlock the chains with minimal contact.

Clink.

The lock disengaged and then clattered to the ground.

Once disengaged, Alexa began first pulling off the chains that had all been embedded into the core of the dungeon. She realized that was what this part of the dungeon was, finally after seeing her fourth one. That was the only thing that made sense, also it explained why this portion of the dungeon was somewhat fleshy in appearance. This had to be the legendary core of a dungeon, that was all there was to it. She still didn’t quite know what that meant or entailed, but she had performed enough healing on dungeons to realize that these cores were special in some way. In a way she almost saw them as the nucleus of the cell. These cores controlled reproduction, did dungeon go through mitosis? That was a question Alexa found herself having, but quickly discarded that thought as irrelevant for the time being. For now she was going through the process that had become second nature to her. Free the dungeon, kill the over powered dragon, then have this dungeon help her find another enslaved dungeon that could also be freed.

With the last of the chains removed, Alexa stepped back as the dungeon began discarding the odd crystalline chains. Part of Alexa wondered where exactly every dungeon sent these chains, but again that was irrelevant. Instead, Alexa focused on what she could do next to help.

Healing-Creation Magic.

This was oddly therapeutic to Alexa, healing dungeon cores. She found that by healing them and seeing their shiny skin like bodies get healed, she understood that much more about these creatures. While this one had far less damage to heal than other dungeons she had seen thus far, there were still signs of being forced to grow around chains.

Dungeons were clearly alive, and sentient, though different as well. She almost wondered if they were Precursors, but quickly dismissed that idea as there were too many holes in that theory. Her working hypothesis now was that they were either a space traversing race of beings that either found, or were found by the precursors. From there, she figured they must have worked together to travel the universe. That was her theory at least, two distinct entities working in symbiotic unison to explore the universe. That was sadly one of the few options that made sense to her.

She still found herself wondering about these Precursors, but any time she brought up the question, the dungeons didn’t seem to understand.

“Dungeon, do you know of what happened to the Precursors?”

Nothing.

“Dungeon, do you know what I mean when I speak of the Precursors?”

Again, nothing.

“Dungeon, what are your first memories, were they only of monsters like the dragons?” Alexa asked, then pointed to the black monsters out in the main room.

A pause, then Green-Flash.

Alexa nodded to herself, this also seemed to fit a general picture of what Alexa had come to understand. All these recent dungeons were newer dungeons, at least that is what she assumed by the lack of damage caused by the chains that bound this particular dungeon. Of course, newer was a relative term, but newer in this case meant they came post Precursor era. That or they just didn’t know what a Precursor was, despite speaking the language of one and knowing how to write in the language innately.

There were still so many questions Alexa had.

With the dungeon free, Alexa turned her attention to the sleeping dragon, all except rather than seeing a sleeping dragon as had been the case with the others so far, this one was awake.

“Ah, so you have noticed.” The Massive Blue dragon said, as she gazed at Alexa with glowing white eyes. “Come, I believe we have much to talk about, you and I.”

Hearing the words of the dragon, Alexa couldn’t help but feel like she had somehow been played. Looking at the dungeon out of the corner of her eye, she watched it for any signs of betrayal. Could dungeons betray? It had to be possible, they were clearly sentient, meaning they could think deduce and ultimately betray. As she came to that realization, she felt a little part of herself grow colder.

She could take down a dragon, at least she thought she could, but could she take down a dragon and an unbound dungeon? Especially if the two were working together. Alexa didn’t know. She honestly didn’t know how to kill a dungeon. Also what would happen if she killed a dungeon while she was inside of one? Everything pointed to this set of actions ending poorly.

Taking a deep breath, Alexa calmed herself as she began walking forward.

Woom.

There was a tingling sensation that crossed her skin as she entered the main room. This was her first time setting off the alerting wards since her first dungeon fighting dragons.

“I see you have made quite the name for yourself, killing my kind.” The blue dragon said, her eyes glowing a deep milky white as she spoke. It was clear that she had some form of magical sight active. Alexa felt the flows of magic around her, magic that her slotted class instantly started to absorb upon contact with her skin.

“You even have a Slotted Class that allows you to absorb energies of the cosmos. How interesting.” The female dragon said, and she was female. Alexa wasn’t quite certain how she knew the gender of the dragon, but she did. This one had the fierce makings of a Matriarch in her.

“How very astute of you. Yes, I am a Matriarch of hundreds of children. Many of whom, you have already slain.”

Alexa stood still, wondering how the dragon got past her Mind Shield, then instantly figured this dragon was either able to get around her defenses or see the future in some way.

“Yes, and yes.” The Matriarch said, clearly having either read her thoughts, or deduced from the future what she was thinking currently.

With that second thought, Alexa realized there was only one way to test her hypothesis, she would ask random questions that held no meaning.

“You never had a dog.” The dragon said coldly.

At that, Alexa let out a slow sigh, she can’t read minds. She can only read the future. Alexa of course had a dog, but she was prepared to tell the dragon she didn’t have one and to do so convincingly. Her lack of emotions making this exchange a lot easier on her than on the dragon.

Knowing that the dragon could read the future, she decided to see how far into the future this monster could predict what would happen. Knowing that her thoughts were in fact safe, she set about devising a plan.

Creation Magic.

“I am prepared to make you, my pet.” The dragon said, continuing to control the pace and direction of the conversation.

Alexa just stared at the beast, not saying a word. She knew that as long as she didn’t say anything, the dragon would be at a loss. Also, the longer she didn’t say anything, the more time she had to enact her plan.

The dragon paused, before continuing to speak.

“Surely you can see the importance of what I am offering you?”

A pause.

“I can.” Alexa said, knowing that she had to give the giant beast something to keep her talking.

At that admission, the great beast nodded to itself, before continuing.

“You might not be aware of this, but we dragons are not only at war with the Elves and Orcs, but also with some of our own kind.”

“No.” Alexa said.

“No?”

“No, I was not aware.” Alexa said, coldly. Her melodic voice doing little to change the impact of her words.

At that the dragon paused for a moment, before nodding to herself.

It was clear that certain abrupt changes could catch the dragon off guard, this was good, as she would also need this.

Woozy.

Alexa fought off a bout of dizziness, as she focused on the task at hand.

Walking forward, Alexa moved closer. Close enough so that she could see the interlocking scales that made up the old dragon’s thick hide. It was clear that this dragon was both old and powerful, she all but radiated unbridled energy.

The energy was a light blue in color, which Alexa figured had to be related to Divination magic.

“Do not think I can’t tell what you are doing child.”

Alexa looked away from the scales of the beast and towards the dragon.

“You are looking me over for weak spots.”

Alexa didn’t say or do anything.

The dragon’s eyes flickered as its eyes went white. “I can tell you are trying something but know that it will not work. What you are attempting will not succeed.” The old dragon said.

Alexa mentally nodded to herself, while keeping her outer shell blank of all emotions. I need to give it more time, got it, Alexa thought to herself as she just stared at the monster.

“Go on. Go ahead and see what awaits you if you try. Nothing good will happen, that much is certain.” The old matriarch said as she expanded her wings in a grand design way of showing off her underbelly to Alexa.

Alexa of course used this time to slowly and methodically make her way around the fierce dragon, this was a long process as the dragon was quite long. When Alexa made her way to the back end of the dragon, she made sure to walk around the tail of the creature, before going around the far side, then finally back to the front to face the mighty dragon.

Compared to the massive beast Alexa was little more than a light meal.

Large Elder Matriarch Dragon (Queen Magdala): Level 197: Status: Healthy, Emotional State: Confident.

Standing this close, Alexa was certain that if the dragon moved to strike she would be dead almost instantly. But it was clear that the dragon wanted Alexa for something.

The two stared at each other.

Sniff.

Alexa was so close that she could feel the mighty dragon’s breath against her skin as she inhaled her scent. Alexa just stood there, unfazed by the whole action.

“My dear child, you smell delectable. Like some exotic candy waiting to be devoured.”

Alexa just stared at the creature, their eyes locking. Alexa refusing to say anything that would give away her thoughts.

“Don’t worry child, I still need you for my plans. I am just saying that, with a scent like that, you had better do well. Or else, I or one of my children might be inclined to gobble you all up.” The Matriarch said, in a tone that was oddly reminiscent of an overindulgent grandmother sneaking their grandchildren Christmas cookies.

Still, this was nothing to Alexa. Either she would die here, or she wouldn’t, in this state of unemotional emptiness, there was little concern about what ifs, only what was and what wasn’t.

“You are a proud warrior. Your prowess in battle is a testament to your capabilities. I will forgive you the transgression of killing my great grandchild, in exchange for your unending service to me.” The Matriarch said, there was a slightly slower cadence to her words.

Alexa looked and could see the giant beast’s body beginning to slowly twitch I uncontrolled ways. Seeing this, Alexa decided to see if she could prolong this conversation just a little further.

“I remember her. Your grandchild.”

At that the glowing eyes of the Matriarch turned their full weight and intent on Alexa.

Alexa for her part stood her ground, defiantly.

A long pause.

Alexa was determined not to talk first.

“Tell me, what do you know of her?”

“The self-assured Ice Princess. Level 25, was sent to invade our planet during the weakening of the veil.” Alexa said.

Another long pause.

Trembling.

“What became of her!”

Huffing.

By now the old Matriarch was getting riled up, mainly at Alexa’s lack of emotion to the clear intimidating aura of the dragon before her.

Alexa just paused for a minute.

“She killed many orcs and elves in combat.” Alexa said truthfully.

“Then?”

“Then she died as an ice sculpture.” Alexa said.

“GRR!!” At that the Matriarch let out a long breath of rage. The force of the bellow was so much that it caused her hair to be blown back and she had to lean forward slightly to fight back against the massive wind attack.

Panting.

The large Matriarch began panting, as she was clearly flustered and trying to gain control of herself.

“Sorry for that. I already knew of her fate. A fate I knew you caused. Yet, I…” Queen Magdala trailed off, as she paused for a moment, then stared at Alexa. “You, what are you doing?”

Alexa just cocked her head to the side as if she was questioning the queen’s words.

“Many things.”

“Many…things?”

“Yes, breathing, talking in different language, scheming. You should know all of this, as you are reading my mind, aren’t you?” Alexa pressed.

“Yes.” Magdala said, as she seemed to regain most of her formal bearing if only for a moment. Puffing herself up, she took in a deep breath and then, stared at Alexa. At that look, Alexa began moving.

Not forward, but away, she began running in a zigzag pattern, her movements all over the place and repeating back to the same spots but in different orders.

“Stay still! You beas…” The Matriarch said, as she suddenly realized something. “The air, the sweet smell? You poisoned me?” Magdala asked, a questioning look filling her face as she looked on at Alexa in horror.

“Chloroform.” Alexa said, as she watched the last vestiges of consciousness fade from the old matriarch’s eyes.

Thud.

The giant beast collapsed and with that, Alexa let out a sigh of relief.

Then before she could get too comfortable, she began making a thermite face cream for the old matriarch. There was only one problem.

Darkness.

As Alexa began creating the thermite, the lights of the dungeon suddenly went out. Normally the darkness would be unnerving, but Alexa had already prepared for such a condition.

Alexa attempted to use her Light Magic, but found it sadly lacking as the dungeon seemed to be able to dismiss the magic with ease.

Furthermore, Alexa didn't quite know how to actually combat a dungeon. Or more importantly, what would happen if she managed to kill a dungeon while she was still inside of one. Others who were much higher level than her might have the means to survive such conditions, but Alexa was not one such person. Instead of attacking, she opted to go the diplomatic route instead.

“You are with them, aren’t you?” Alexa asked in Precursor, the them was pretty obvious as it was clear this dungeon was not a prisoner, at least not to the same degree that the others were.

Green-Flash.

“How does this go, you just kill me no trials no nothing.”

A pause.

Finally, after a long awkward second, a door appeared.

“The exit?”

Green-Flash.

“To my planet?”

Green-Flash.

“The others will know you did this. They will know you sided with them.”

Nothing.

Nodding to herself, Alexa moved towards the doorway.

“Don’t ever come back to Earth, I will find you and I will kill you. I know what your core looks like, and I can destroy you, just as easily as I can heal you.” Alexa said coldly, before entering the archway before the dungeon could react to her threat.

It was dumb, but she needed to put the fear of death into the dungeon.

Alexa emerged outside the dungeon for the first time in over three days and was able to take her first breath of fresh air.

“About time you showed up.” A deep gravely voice called out to Alexa. Instantly Alexa recognized both the voice and the speaker as Bullford, Captain Johnston’s Lieutenant.

There was a pause as the Lieutenant took in Alexa’s appearance. Most of her clothes had been burnt away, she was walking around barefoot and had what appeared to be chocolate stains on her shirt.

Alexa just responded with a one-word answer that seemed to speak volumes, “dungeons.”

At that Bullford just nodded. “We have a case that requires your expertise, you interested?”

“What kind of case?” Alexa asked.

“The kind involving a dragon rampaging over most of the tri-state area. We have called for Government support, but they are busy elsewhere.”

Alexa nodded at the information.

“So you interested?”

“In killing the dragon?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s do it.” Alexa said, ready to follow the Lieutenant.

“Do you need to stop for clothes?”

“No, just have someone pick up clothes for me. By now the Captain must know my boot size.”

“Hahaha. I like you kid.” Bullford said, as he guided Alexa to his TSI vehicle, so they could go on their way.

As they got in, Bullford asked, “you hungry?”

“No, not particularly.”

Bullford nodded, and then opened up the communications band. “I have the package in tow. We are on the way, no one has seen the package leave the base. Repeat, no one else has seen the package leave the base.”

Click.

“Very good. Proceed to checkpoint one for rapid transit.” A dispatcher responded.

“Roger, on our way.”

Click.

Once the message ended and the vehicle was moving, Alexa asked the obvious question.

“So cloak and dagger?”

Bullford nodded, “cloak and dagger. Captain thinks there might be a mole.”

Alexa nodded her understanding.

A long pause, then finally Bullford asked, “so anything interesting happened?”

Alexa shrugged. “I don’t know, that is kind of a subjective question, is it not?”

“I suppose so.”

With that, the two drove on in relative silence, the morning rays of the sun just cresting over the ridge. Alexa stared off in silence as she tried to understand what had just happened, and more importantly what was still happening around her. The more she knew of this world, the more she found questions about everything.