Heroes, Magic and Monsters

Next morning, after my usual spell casting practice and breakfast, I visited familiar clothe and shoemaker shops and then went to the adventurers guild. This was my first time meeting Guild master. Leone took us to his room, which was located on the third floor. We entered spacious room with big window, and Leone invited us to sit on the couch. In front of us were table with tea cups on it. Guild master took a seat in front of us, in a big seat covered with sheep skin. Guild master turned out to be a dwarf. He had huge beard and was covered with scars. His presence was the kind that only high ranking adventurers would have. I heard that most guild masters were former adventurers. That was the way the guild took care of retired adventurers, and adventurer guilds also needed someone strong, who could keep adventurers in check.

- Greetings adventurers. My name is Fiord, Guild master of Grimsburg Adventurers Guild branch. Please feel free to drink some tea. That will be all Leone.

Receptionist nodded and left the room.

- Thank you for coming. I would like to ask you few questions, about your latest encounters with dungeon monsters.

We drank tea, while Luara described our encounter with centipedes and rat monsters.

- I see. The magic stones that you brought confirm your story. One encounter with huge centipede pack could be an anomaly. But two such encounters mean that dungeon will soon cause a monster stampede. The emergency quest for all adventurer parties will be issued, to reduce the number of monsters in the dungeon. Also there will be a special reward of ten gold coins to any adventurer party who will be able to reach floor five, to scout it and kill some monsters. As an adventurers party who discovered possible monster stampede you will receive a reward of four gold coins. One for each of you.One gold coin! I was rich! Well kind off. But still better than nothing.

- Do you plan to take another dungeon cleaning quest?

Luara looked at us and I and Myne nodded.

- We will take two days to rest, but then we will risk and take one more quest. But we won't go to fifth floor, no matter how big reward will be.

- Of course, I wasn't counting on it. Sadly our town has only few C rank adventurers, and they aren't young anymore, most of them have families and also won't take such a risk. If things will go bad, then as usual we will have to beg the mages guild for help. But those geezers rarely leave their comfortable guild house. Well thank you for everything, and continue your good work. Just don't forget to be careful and don't take unnecessary risks on purpose.

We thanked Guild master and left his room. Leone waited for us and handed us our reward. We agreed to meet in two days and left the adventurers guild. Usually I would spend my morning in the guilds training grounds, but today I had different plans. I have saved one gold coin and five silver ones, and with additional reward I now had two and a half gold coins. That was enough to learn some new spells.

Instead of Sally behind the reception desk was sitting Nelly.

- Hi, there, - I smiled at her.

- Avone! What brings you here! - she jumped out of her chair and greeted me in her own way.

- I wanted to learn one more spell.

- Really? What kind of spell do you want to learn?

- I was thinking about Magic arrow.

Magic arrow did not belong to any particular magical school; instead it was classified as a spell that belonged to all four elemental magic schools. It gained increase in power with every elemental magic skill and its level that adventurers or mages received. That made it very unique, and it was also first spell that most mages learned when they started to learn spells. It was one of the most powerful attack spells that I could learn, with lowest mana requirement.

- That basic one. That's all?

- Well I am not at your level yet.

Nelly seriously nodded, and I handed her one gold coin.

- Very well please wait me here.

She run away, and soon returned with familiar figure.

- Master Luminos said that he did not mind to teach you that spell.

Luminos sighed and nodded his head.

- Nelly did you bring Magic arrow spell scroll?

- Oh, that's right. I will bring it right away, - Nelly run away and master Luminos shook his head.

- That girl can be such an airhead.

Soon Nelly brought the scroll and I also bought some paper pages for practice drawing. Master Luminos took me to the same room and I started my drawing attempts. Magic arrow spell circle resembled an arrow inside complex magic circle. My drawings were better than before, but still not perfect. I still was not finished with it when Nelly came inside with my usual lunch.

- You still not finished? Taking it slow and steady as Guild master says.

- It is not as easy as it seems. By the way, why were you working downstairs?

- Sally had a day off, and I was the only one qualified to replace here. Are you still an adventurer? Did you complete any quests yet?

- Yes. I am a party member now. We completed our first dungeon cleaning quest.

- Really! I heard rumors about possible dungeon monster stampede. Was it scary?

Nelly bombarded me with questions until I finished my lunch. Bread was as delicious as before.

This time I finished magic circle before evening and master Luminos took me to the training room. Since I already knew how to channel mana, we skipped that step this time.

My task was the same, to imagine magic circle, fill it with mana and release magic arrow towards the wood dummy. Master Luminos as before stayed behind and shared his mana. To my shame I failed to complete the spell, and I had to return next morning. Only closer to midday I finally was able to fill with mana complete magic circle. I aimed at the target and manifested magical arrow flew towards the target. I was aiming at doll's chest, but barely hit its arm.

- Good, - nodded Luminos: - You finally succeeded. But your aim needs improvement. Most adventurers practice this spell in the forest. I suggest you do the same, before using this spell in battle. It will be the waste of mana and your time if you use this spell and miss your target.

I thanked master Luminos and left Mages guild. I considered buying some magic potions and practicing Magic arrow spell, but felt too tired for that. I returned to the tavern and went to sleep, before our next dungeon dive.

We took another dungeon cleaning quest, and completed it in two dungeon visits. We spend two days in the dungeon each time with two rest days in the middle. These times we didn't encounter such huge monster packs. Instead we hunted several small rat monster packs, several horned wolf packs, and many insect like monsters. After our second dungeon visit we took two rest days, and agreed to meet in the Adventurers guild, to decide what we should do next.

During our rest days, I as usual practiced archery and swordsmanship in the mornings, but afternoons I spend in the forest practicing my Magic arrow spell. I was getting better at it and thanks to my increased amount of mana could shoot sixteen Magic arrows, before exhausting myself. I was finally confident in my abilities to use it during the battle. My success rate at manifesting it was one hundred percent, and I could hit the target located ten meters from me.

All our party members finally reached level ten, and increased our adventurer ranks. Myne also got basic Wisdom skill. Trevor's hard work paid off and Swordsmanship appeared among his skills. He also got basic Herb gathering, since his other choice was Carpentry.

I received a choice between Farsight or advanced Night vision skill. Farsight and Archery skill could make me a middle-ages sniper, but I decided against it. I was aiming for magic skills, and had no wish to become an S rank archer. So I got myself an advanced Night vision skill.

Two days later our party met in the guild hall and we were discussing the possibility to take third dungeon cleaning quest, when Leone came to our table.

- Hello. Your party received a personal request for the job.

- Personal request? - Luara sounded surprised. Well, I could understand her. Our party just registered and we did not have any connections or famous accomplishments. We still did not even choose a name for our party.

- Yes, it is from the Mages guild.

We all looked at Myne, but she was just as surprised as we were.

- Our strongest veteran party scouted dungeons fifth floor. They discovered a pack of drakes. They are wingless creatures that resemble dragons. Some adventurers call them lesser dragons. As level 4 monsters they are quite strong and usually hunt alone. But pack of them is a big threat, especially if they escape the dungeon. Guild master negotiated with the mages guild and they agreed to send a representative, to help us kill them. Your job will require escorting and protecting the mage. For additional security our town strongest adventurer's party will join you. If you agree, your reward will be ten gold coins for every member of your party. And of course you will receive payment for all the magic stones and monster materials that you will get in the dungeon.

Ten gold coins sounded great. I wanted to buy a magic bag that costed twelve gold coins. It was more expensive than the one that Myne and Luara had, but could hold a hundred more things, than its size. It had also two more magical features. While Myne had search her magic bag to find something in it, all I needed was to put my hand on it and imagine the object that I wanted and it would be the first one that I found after putting my hand inside the bag. That feature was added because of bags huge capacity to hold objects. I could also put my hand on it and all the objects inside it would appear in my mind. That was handy incase if I forget what I put inside it.

I already saved three gold coins and some silver ones, and with additional ten I would have enough money to buy it. But still, dungeons fifth floor. We did not visit even the fourth yet.

- Our ranks are not that high yet, - doubtfully said Luara: - And we will need better equipment. Can we get payment in advance if we agree to it?

- That can be arranged. Mission is scheduled in three days from today. Could you let me know today if you decide to accept the quest or not?We nodded and Leone left us, so we could talk among ourselves.

- I'm not sure if we are ready for it, - doubtfully said Trevor.

- We are not, - agreed Luara: - But if town strongest party joins us and a powerful mage too, we just may be able to pull it off.

- Do you know anything about this adventurer's party? - I asked.

- I heard that they have only three members, and all of them are C rank adventurers. They are three of the four C rank adventurers who live in Grimsburg. And if they already managed to scout the fifth floor and get out without casualties, then they must be good.

Myne had her doubts, but she knew how powerful mages can be, so she voted yes. I was hesitant, but decided that with additional help and considering the reward it will be worth a risk. Luara also voted yes, and we decided to take the quest. Our party leader negotiated for the advance payment, and we decided to take next days off, to prepare for the quest.

I bought myself the magic bag and put inside it one more quiver with arrows, two stamina potions, and my anti-venom potion. I also bought the cheapest mana restoration potion. To improve my sword use I paid six silver coins to the guild and spend six hours every day, practicing my swordsmanship. Gord forced me to do exercises to increase my stamina and strength, and taught me new techniques. Second part of two days I spend practicing my spell casting and archery in the nearby forest. By the third day I was confident in my abilities to cast Cure and Magic arrow spells.

We met in the Adventurers guild on the third day. Trevor bought for himself sword with the glowing stone in its handle and short iron chainmail. My vest acted as leather armor, but I also was thinking about buying armor, that was on my things to buy list.

Myne spend her time in Mage guild and learned two new spells and bought for herself new staff. Her new staff was made from an oak tree, with a large crystal embedded in iron on its tip. While Luara chose new boots. Her boots were an artifact that increased her speed.

I ordered myself a bowcase that was attached to my back along with my quiver. That way I did not have to carry my bow in my hands all the time. On my belt was sword scabbard with my trophy sword, dagger and my new magic bag. We were as ready as we could be.

Leone greeted us and introduced to the Sword of Vigor adventurers party. Their party had three members. They all looked similar. Around fifty years old by normal standards, with iron armor, armed with big, two handed swords. They had bracelets with crystals that reminded me the glowing stone in Trevor's sword hilt. Probably those also were glowing stones. That was handy. That way they all had light sources and did not need to carry a lantern.

Sword of Vigor consisted of three C rank adventurers. They all were master swordsmen and the oldest and strongest adventurers in Grimsburg. There leader's name was Hancho, while other swordsman were Sordwin and Theo. We just introduced ourselves, when familiar voice from guilds entrance greeted me.

- Hello Avone, and Myne too! So you agreed to accompany and protect me inside the dungeon.

It was Nelly. She was dressed in traveling close. Short dagger was inside the sheath on her belt, along with what looked like a magic bag. Myne and I were too surprised to answer. She was accompanied by elderly mage. He nodded towards us and looked at Leone.

- I assume that these are the adventurers that will accompany Nelly.

- Yes, - nodded Leone, and he turned towards us.

- This is Nelly. I see that some of you are already familiar with her. Nelly is an apprentice mage in our guild. Your guild master requested our help, and we decided that Nelly's skills will be suited and sufficient for this extermination quest. Make shore you protect her with your lives.

He nodded towards Leone and exited the guild. Nelly smiled and took my hand.

- I'm so happy that you agreed to accompany me. This is my first quest to the dungeon, and I am a little nervous.

Geesh, what's wrong with this girl? And was I the reason why our party received the personal request? And what was wrong with those old geezers in the mage guild. Why did they send Nelly? I was hoping that some high ranking mage with advanced magic skills will accompany us. Where they so lazy and arrogant, that they decided that this work is beneath them. Sure, Nelly had archmage job and knew bunch of spells, but she still was level one, and inexperienced.

- We will be counting on your magic, - bowed Hancho.

- I'll do my best. You must be from Sword of Vigor. I heard a lot of stories about your heroic deeds.

- Thank you young magician. If everyone's ready, then we should depart.

We all nodded and left Adventurers guild. Leone wished us good luck and safe return. Drake's were very strong monsters. They were qualified as level four, and hunting even a single drake was listed as a mission for a C rank party. As rank D party we could take such a quest, but usually D rank parties rarely completed such a quest without casualties.

On our way to the dungeon Nelly asked me a lot of questions about our successes in a dungeon, but I sensed her nervousness. I tried to calm her down as good as I could, but I was never good at such things. Entrance to the dungeon did not impress her.

- Wow, that's it? - she asked and looked at me with questions in her eyes.

- Yes, I felt the same way, when I first saw it.Luara took out her lantern and veteran adventurers looked at her with hesitation.

- You are planning to use a lantern? - asked her Hancho.- Don't have a choice. Need light to see.- It's not very handy, - Hancho scratched his cheek, and put his hand in his magic bag: - Here, - he handed Luara bracelet similar to the ones that his party members had: - Take our spare one. It's a bracelet with glowing stone. This way you will have light and your movements won't be restricted by a lantern. I'll need it back afterwards.

- Thank you, - Luara hesitantly took a bracelet and put it on her hand. Hancho looked at me, but I shrugged.

- I'm fine. Have a Night vision skill.

- Good then, - Hancho nodded and we entered the cave.

When we went deep enough to lose all sunlight, I stepped forward and looked around. My Night vision skill worked great. I still could not see colors, but I saw the shapes and surrounding area. If I did not knew better I would think that this is southern summer night, with bright moon and clear skies that surrounded me, and not the complete darkness of the dungeon.

Glowing stones shined brighter the darker it got. They were not as bright as lantern, but several of then gave more light than a single lantern.

- We will take the lead, - Sword of Vigor party stepped forward and took the first line. Myne Nelly and I stayed in the middle, while Trevor and Luara protected us from behind.

- Stay close to me and try to stay quiet. Some monsters are attracted by the sound, - I whispered to Nelly and she nodded.

- Don't use the magic until we tell you to. Spare your mana and strength until it is really needed. We will handle the small fry in the upper floors, - ordered Hancho. As a senior adventurer he took the lead. Not that I minded, since he also was taking most of the risk.

Hancho was not kidding, when he said that they will handle "small fry". Several monster packs were no match for the swords of C rank adventurers. Even the giant snake and horned bear were easily hacked to pieces. All I managed to do was shoot two giant spiders, and only because they were outside light range of glowing stones.

After dead spider fell to the floor, Hancho looked at me and nodded.

- Not bad. Your Night vision skill looks handy. These pests sometimes cause even us trouble.

Nelly was prouder than me about the compliment. I mostly regretted all the monster life force that we were losing. To spare time, we did not collected magic stones, but continued our way as soon as veteran adventurers finished killing everything that got in our way. Just like third flour, dungeons fourth floor walls, had glowing moss glowing on them, making the floor bright enough for human eyes to see in it. We took the fastest and safest route through the fourth floor that Hancho knew of. It spared us time and we encountered only two packs of giant ants. They reached as high as my waist, and would cause trouble for us, because of their hard shells. But inhuman strength of three swordsmen allowed them easily cut even through ant's natural armor. When we reached stairs that led to level five, Hancho ordered us to take a short brake. Time was approaching the night, but Hancho wanted to finish the mission as soon as possible. Even if it meant that we take our way back during the night time.

- There is no glowing moss on the next floor, and there are pitfalls in it. So watch your step, - warned us Hancho.

We again entered complete darkness. Even veteran adventurers proceeded carefully, watching their surroundings. We crossed two caverns and entered one of the corridors, when Hancho made a sign for us to stop.

- Last time we encountered the drakes in the next cavern. They are so called lesser dragons. Most of the time they spend sleeping, so there is a good chance that they are still there. There night vision is really bad and mostly they hunt using sound or touch. But they attack any source of light, that they see, and they have good daylight vision. Last time we had to sacrifice one of our glowing stone bracelets in order to distract them and get away. Those monsters can run fasters than humans, and have tough skin. If you are not sure about your strength then you should better stay behind, - he looked at me and Luara: - We should separate. We will handle fighting, while your party will protect mages. What spells can you use to aid us?

- Our usual strategy is to cast Slow spell, to decrease their speed, and made it easier to kill monsters. But I do not have enough mana to affect all of them, especially if they are strong monsters, - answered Myne.

- What level of earth magic skill do you have? - asked Nelly.

- Advanced level.

- Wow, that's great. Then we can cast a conjunction magic. That way we will be able to unite our power and should be able to cast spell on all of the drakes at the same time.

- Well, I heard about it, but never learned how to cast conjunction magic.

- That won't be a problem, I can take the lead, and you just follow me. But it will take some time to cast a spell. Can you distract those monsters long enough?

Hancho shook his head:

- Probably not. Drakes will attack us as soon as we will go inside the caver and they will see light. There were more than ten monsters, and we won't be able to distract all of them.- That could be bad. Especially since we need to see the monsters to cast a spell on them. And casting spell on all of the drakes will use up all of our mana. We will be defenseless for a while.- Then it will not be possible. Cavern is too big and even if we use the lantern you won't be able to see all the monsters simultaneously. Can't you use the spell without seeing all of them? - asked Hancho.

- We can use magic artifact, - Nelly took out small fist size crystal orb from her magic bag: - This was made by the alchemist. All we need to do is throw this in the middle of the cave and for a short while it will create light that will allow us to see all the monsters at the same time.

- But you will still need time to cast a spell, and we will not be able to protect you, while you prepare, - disagreed veteran adventurer.

- That's right, - Nelly crinkled her nose.

- Casting Slow spell could be our best strategy, - I sighed: - Will the monsters sense us if we enter the cave without light and can you prepare the spell and them immediately cast it when we use your artifact?

- If they are sleeping, then we could have a chance, but it will be nearly impossible to approach them in darkness. All it will take for one of us to trip, and they will be on us like fly's on a cow droppings.

- And we will need to stand still while we prepare, but then we cannot cast the spell as soon as we see them.

- Then I will go ahead and scout the place. If drakes are inside and sleeping I will guide you to the cavern. Then you cast your spell. Hancho you and your men will have to kill drakes then, while Trevor and Luara will protect our mages. I will act independently and distract monsters, while you fight them.

- How will you do that without a light? - doubtfully looked at me veteran adventurer. He was not eager to put his life inside the arms of a rookie adventurer.

- Night vision skill. I can move quietly, and your battle should make enough noise for me to stay completely invisible for drakes.

- I see, - Hancho thought for a while.

- Once we recover our mana with potions. We will be able to support you using our magic, - added Nelly.

- Fine then, - Hancho sighed: - It won't be easy, but I do not see another choice. Be ready to run at moment's notice if things go bad. We can try again exterminating drakes, but not if we are dead.

- Very well. Wait for me here then.

I went ahead, hoping that I am not making a huge mistake. When I went farther I looked back. That was the distance at what I was invisible to my party members. But I could see them clearly. Never considered that our lantern and glowing stones made us such good targets for any dungeon monster. But no other choice, since I was the only one with Night vision skill.

I moved as quietly as I could. I was approaching the entrance to the cavern when one of the stones attracted my attention. It had metal gleam to it and more smooth edges, than the rest of the stones that I saw in the dungeon. I touched it and if felt like a metal, and not a stone. Just in case I decided to put it in my magic bag. It was nearly as big as human head and I could barely fit it in my magic bag. Magic gad could hold inside it many objects, but they needed to be small enough to fit through its opening. But luckily once they were inside I did not feel their weight anymore.

I looked through the corner and saw the drakes. They were there, just as Hancho said. Drakes were sleeping and I stayed longer to count them. Fourteen wingless, dragon like monsters. They looked like a huge lizards, but instead of scales they had thick, grey looking skin. They were three to four meters long, and looked like they would be at least meter and a half high. Most of them gathered in the middle of the cavern, sleeping in its middle. Cavern was big, circle shaped and more than one hundred meters long. More than enough space to try to play cat and mouse with fourteen drakes.

I slowly retreated and came back to my party members. They were nervous, jumping at every sound. I silently announced myself before coming into view. I described what I saw, and asked Nelly for her magic light artifact.

- Now put away your glowing stones, and put your hands on each other's shoulders. Be quiet, and slowly follow each other. I will guide you, choosing the smoothest path, but if you fall then do it quietly. And remember no talking until I throw the artifact. As soon as I do get to work. Nelly give me a sign when the spell is ready, and I will throw the artifact then.

Nelly nodded and everyone put away their glowing stones. Trevor had to give his sword to Luara, so she could put it inside her magic bag. After everything went dark they needed time to create a line behind me.

- Everyone's ready? - I asked after Nelly put her hands on my shoulders. After confirming that they were ready I guided them to the cavern. I needed much more time to reach it than before, but everything went smoothly. I stopped at the entrance and slowly positioned Nelly and Myne in the middle of the entrance. I put Nelly's hand in Myne's. Nelly closed her eyes and they started concentrating on their spell. Sweat covered Nelly's forehead, but finally she nodded. I stepped forward, making shore that I do not cover their vision and threw the artifact. It flew to the middle of the pack and shattered to pieces. I was smart enough to close my eyes when a bright light shone even through my eyelids.

Few moments later I opened my eyes and saw drakes. They jumped in their sleep and turned towards us. Threatening hissing escaped their fang filled mouths. Next moment familiar earth bubbles appeared under them. Spell worked on all the drakes, first part of our plan was success. Nelly and Myne fell on the ground completely powerless. Spell took out of them more than I counted, but that was according to our plan. Trevor and Luara stepped in front of them, with their sword in hands. Trevor was using his spare sword. They stayed in darkness, making shore not to attract drake's attention after beginning of the battle. Luara threw her bracelet and Trevor's sword to the cavern creating light spots that our mages could use to attack monsters.

Sword of Vigor members needed few moments to equip their glowing stone bracelets, and attacked the drakes, luring them away from mages.

By that time I was already gone. I run near the cavern walls shooting at the drakes. Most of my arrows missed, but my goal was just to attract their attention. Several drakes made few steps towards me, but light created by the artifact was fading fast, and soon they lost me from view. That gave me opportunity to stop and aim more precise.

One of the drakes tried to bite Hancho. He bolted to the side and slashed drake's neck. Blood spilled on the ground. It was a fatal wound. Drake took a few steps and fell on the ground. Hancho's party members Sordwin and Theo used similar strategies and soon three monsters were already dead. Rest of the drakes tried to follow them, but adventurers now were fast enough to outrun them. I shot closest monsters that followed them. My arrows could not cause a serious injury, they were like pinpricks to drakes, but it distracted monsters giving adventurers opportunity to regroup and preventing drakes from surrounding them.

Theo had to run circles around them, but Hancho and Sordwin managed to kill two more drakes. Then lightning struck one of the drakes. Drake could not even make a sound. He fell on the floor with blood coming out of his mouth and smoke rising from the skin.

That was a Lightning spell - level two air magic spell. Nelly joined the battle. Myne soon also used two Magic arrow spells. One of them hit the ground beneath drake, but second one hit drakes leg and blew if off. Drake screeched in pain and fell on the floor. That was ruthless, but effective tactic. Myne's Magic arrow was not powerful enough to kill the drake with a single attack, at least not without hitting a vital point, which was impossible at such distance. But aiming at drakes legs would incapacitate them. Good for her.

Nelly's lightning killed another drake. Drakes panicked, not knowing who to attack, but soon after that they went after closest adventurers that they saw.

With Nelly joining the battle, it was seven down and one barely able to move. Time for me to earn some monster life force as well.

I concentrated on nearest drake. He needed four arrows to realize that he is attacked. Two more to understand where he needs to go. Monster turned to my location and run towards me. I shot his leg and drake opened his mouth, getting ready to eat his attacker. I waited a little, until he got closer and used my own Magic arrow. It went right inside his mouth, and blew up inside his head. Drake fell, with blood pouring from his mouth and several smaller wounds on his head.

My arrows were faster and had longer attack range, but Magic arrow was more powerful. To unite my long range attacks I practiced shooting my ordinary arrows and Magic arrow at the same time. Now my practice bore fruit. I changed my position and concentrated on one more drake. Nelly in meantime finished one more and Myne incapacitated another. Sword of Vigor members killed one more. I attracted attention of my next victim and killed him the same way as previous one. Thirteen.

With only one uninjured drake left, he was easy prey for our veteran adventurers. Hancho and one of his friends killed wounded drakes, who could only hiss at them, barely able to crawl. Battle was over. To my surprise it went much easier than expected. Sordwin was the only wounded on our side. Drake pushed him and adventurer suffered few bruises went he rolled across the ground.

- That went well, - Hancho stroke his beard: - We should collect their magic stones and also fangs and claws, those are good materials for blacksmiths. Also, if you can, then skin them. Drake hide is used by the furrier to make leather armor and also by the boot makers.

- Won't the sounds of our battle and their blood attract other monsters, - asked Trevor.

- Unlikely. Other monsters try to stay away from drakes. They are the only monster that I know who will attack anyone in their proximity. Probably because they are as blind in the darkness as we are, and attack everything that makes a sound. Won't hesitate to eat other monsters as well. One time we were chased by a drake and run into the horned wolf pack. Drake killed several wolfs, who got in his way. We got away, because he decided to eat them first, before following us. Even guilds bestiary says that drakes are loners, and it is very rear for other monster to be near their den.

Because of their tough skin, removing monster materials and magic stones was hard work. Nelly and Myne did not participate, too tired by their use of magic. Among my party only Luara could successfully remove monster skin, probably because of her experience and Butchery skill. Trevor and I left that job to others, after damaging monster hides. Instead we concentrated on magic stone removal. Even between six of us working, we needed more than an hour to finish gathering monster materials.

We took a shirt brake and then went back. Sword of Vigor adventurers took the lead. On our way back we encountered only three little monster packs. Hancho again decided not to collect their magic stones. Now that our mission was over, he wanted to leave the dungeon as soon as possible. There is no need to take additional risks when the task is completed - as he told us. It was late night when we exited the dungeon. We all were tired, but Hancho decided to return to the town, instead of spending rest of the night in the forest. Nelly was falling asleep, and I carried her for the last kilometers. We reached Grimsburg before sunrise, and had to wait a while, before guards opened the gate. I took Nelly to the Mage guild, while the rest of adventurers went to the Adventurers Guild to report the mission completion and sell the monster materials.

After splitting the reward for magic stones and other materials, each of us received six gold coins and three silvers. That was most successful quest that our party ever took. Guild master congratulated us personally and declared that with this success threat of the monster stamped is finally over.