HC ch16

Dave awoke to the smell of a large meal being cooked. Charleen was always up and cooking before he stirred, but something different was about.

“ Was this about that inheritance thing last night?”

He could not help but wonder as he watched Charleen move about with more excitement and purpose in her life. This spoke a lot as she always had that innocent excitement about her. Every day was a new adventure, new things to learn, new people to talk to, new stories to be told.

With his fill, Charleen packed the leftovers into two small boxes. With those and some water she took his hand and pulled him toward the door. Outside were the other four kobolds. Words of congratulations and well being passed from the four to the two of them. The delay was not long as she almost dragged him to the mines, where a few were lounging around waiting for the proper kobold to lead them in. Something of a tradition forming by following the kobolds. Barely a word of greeting passed between them as Charleen seemed to be in a great hurry.

It was not till Charleen was about to drag Dave into the temple that he finally put his foot down. All the villagers knew that the temple area was a taboo area meant for only the kobolds. He once went with a few other former adventurers into the area with the dungeon’s permission. The short version was that the hour-long trip was like walking into hell. The only benefit they got is they all grew into the B rank because of it. This dungeon did not take the normal makeup of dungeons. Peaceful on the outside. Trade, training, respect, and peace. The dungeon has what it has and cares nothing of having more. The temple is where the dungeon got serious with its defense. Miles of traps in a maze. At first simple appearing, but quickly you find yourself in the second level of traps. Traps of the mind and special mazes. Much higher in rank than the low-level area outside. Dave was confident as well that if he could barely perceive the second level of traps then there is bound to be a third level above them he could not. More than likely a fourth as well.

“ It is fine honored one, the core wishes to meet you.”

Dave blinked to hear the normally lazing dragon sitting almost respectfully to him. He turned back to Charleen and her eyes were almost pleased with him to stop wasting time. With a sigh, he gripped her hand once again and started following her once more.

What Dave expected was to have to navigate a long maze of traps and death. What he got was the chill of spacial magic being used and finding himself in front of three copper statues. The one on the right anyone would recognize. Krypt was a sitting old man reading a book. The book was the life story of anyone he finds interest in. The one on the left he was less familiar with but still recognized. Diana was in a simple dress holding a catkin child in her arms. The third and one center of the two took him by full surprise. Not by only being the most lifelike, but mostly plain-looking. He could only guess that this was Loyee, the goddess of dungeons, and on her lap was a large black crystal with a rather noticeable crack in it.

“ He says thank you?”

Dave looked around quickly startled by the voice. Then the statue raised her gaze from the crystal to him.

“ It is not every day I meet a mortal. But your reaction is not quite what I expected.”

Dave gripped Charleen’s hand for assurance.
“ Why are you here?”

“ That is rather simple. You tapped into my power or rather manipulated a power I grant dungeons. You see me and Diana are like sisters. As dungeons are the mother of her followers. But normally ‘Legacy’ is something only passed down from one dungeon monster to another. It is a necessity to protect dungeons so they are not easily killed off once one is conquered. A group that lost most of its members will have a harder time progressing if the next set of monsters not only were as strong as those before but learned from their earlier mistakes. But because of you, this trait is now passable to mortals. Do not worry, we will not kill your babies, I know you mortals are all fussy about your descendants. No, in fact, I am here to help set a president.”

Dave could not help but be confused. He was really never one for smarts. More instinct and cunning. He might not understand the implications of what the goddess just said, but the meaning of ‘this is important and you are going to help’ was passed on clear enough.

“ What shall you have me do, oh goddess?”

That tickled the goddess humor slightly, “ Other than this little one, I rarely get the respect I deserve.”

She took a moment to stroke the fractured dungeon core in her lap.

“ Well, to begin with, you need to complete your Legacy.”

Dave looked confused until the menu prompt appeared.

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