Primer for the Apocalypse

I spent the next several weeks exploring the low-tier areas of each zone as I waited for a response from Master Kairos. Most of that time was spent alone since any groups were already well established by the time challengers reached the third floor. It didn’t help that I was clearly an outsider with both the Earthborn and the native dungeoneers.

The people living in Trinity – the dungeoneer village on the third floor – still welcomed me, but I didn’t really fit in with any particular subset of the population. That didn’t stop people from asking me to craft things for them once I was identified as an Enchanter. Consequently, about half of my time shifted to crafting during the last two weeks of the month.

Luckily, I had brought along a couple of variants of the modifiable pods, one of which I’d designed to be a dedicated crafting room. It didn’t have a transportation mode like the original design, but I’d made all the pods modular so they could connect once deployed. I currently had the crafting pod setup as the lower floor of my two-story abode. The upper floor was a studio apartment, which was only accessible via Space magic.

As I smoothed the base of my current project, my mind wandered to my status. I hadn’t gained much experience since entering the dungeon, but I’d already been pretty close to level twenty-three when I arrived. My exploration over the past month had pushed me a little bit closer, but I still had a bit more to go.

I’d taken Master Kairos’s advice and knocked out the alternate level as soon as I reached Tier Three. The timing had worked out well, given the situation on Earth.

***

Name: Emie deEpikairos

Level: 22 (51283/57700)

Profession: Enchanter

Affinities: Time, Space

***

Health: 250 (5/min)

Stamina: 450 (18/min)

Mana: 450 (17.5/min)

***

Attributes

Strength – 20

Agility – 23

Vitality – 25

Intelligence – 45

Wisdom – 35

Perception – 30

***

Spells*

Skills*

***

As much as I’d prefer having a partner or two during my ascension, my experience gains were slow enough fighting alone that I hesitated to put much effort into finding a group. Master Kairos had explained that, barring unexpected complications, each floor would take roughly twice the amount of time to complete as the preceding floor.

Of course, that was assuming there was no change in pace, party composition, or issues gaining the alternate experience level.

I’d talked to a few people since I arrived about how long the second floor took, but it was so variable between challengers that the information did little. The fastest I’d heard of was just over a year. If I progressed at the same pace, I’d be on the third floor for about two and a half years. It might be less since I’d already earned my alternate level.

“Emie!” Greta called out as she entered the crafting portion of my pod, distracting me from my thoughts. She was dragging two uncomfortable-looking young men behind her. “I want you to meet some people!”

The two newcomers looked around the front of the workshop curiously as she pulled them toward the counter separating my workspace from the ‘shop.’ Several items were requested enough by the people who’d approached me that I’d made extras to sell. The most popular were spatial items, [Restore] talismans, escape talismans, and an enhanced [Heal] talisman that combined Time and Life magic.

The escape talismans were programmed to teleport a single user to the center of Trinity Village. They would only work while on the third floor, a fact I made clear to everyone who purchased one. They were meant to get the user out of a bad situation and place them somewhere relatively safe.

The enhanced [Healing] talismans were a little tricky to enchant, but my newly expanded repertoire made it possible with just a little extra effort. I had to use Life cores to prime the enchantment, but as long as I didn’t fully expend the core, it would eventually refill. Mana gathering arrays sped the process, making it possible for me to create the items more often.

“Hey, Greta,” I said as I put the piece I was working on down and stood from my workstation. Looking at the two people she’d dragged along with her, I asked, “Find anything you like?”

Because I didn’t really need the money, I was able to sell the items for just over cost. I was mostly crafting things to gain some extra experience and help out the people who hadn’t started their climb loaded with accessories. I’d probably sell a few to Jackle to pass along to the people living in the central village, but I wasn’t in a huge hurry.

Both young men nodded. The shorter of the two said, “These are a lot more affordable than what I’m used to seeing.”

“Yeah,” the taller man agreed. “Renald was selling what he brought for a lot more than this while we were on the second floor, and the effects weren’t nearly as good.”

Hearing there was another person selling enchantments, I asked, “Did he make the items himself?”

The shorter man shook his head. “No. He bought them on the fifth floor before starting his climb. Renald hasn’t ascended yet, but he probably will in the next year or so. He was level eighteen or nineteen the last time I saw him. Most of his stuff had already degraded to Tier Four by the time we left. I doubt he’ll be much competition by the time he gets here.”

I nodded thoughtfully. I’d wondered if dungeoneers would take advantage of the clear loophole they enjoyed regarding higher-tier items, but it seemed nature took care of some of that. Items would naturally (usually gradually) increase or decrease tiers to match whatever environment they are in.

The only exception was for items stored in [Stasis.] If he was smart, Renald would keep most of his stock in [Stasis Storage] until he was ready to sell it.

“Yeah, yeah. We’re not here for you guys to shop. I wanted you to meet Emie as a potential party member!” Greta said enthusiastically. “You mentioned wishing you guys had a Healer, and Emie can fill that role!”

I winced slightly at the comment. Greta was trying to be helpful, but it was still awkward.

“I’m not interested in a pure healer role,” I said apologetically, hoping Greta hadn’t misled the pair. “I’m actually an allrounder. I can fight melee as well as ranged, though I prefer keeping my distance when I can. I do have Time-based healing, but if you’re just looking for something to patch you up when you get hurt, my talismans can do that fine. Most of them are rechargeable if you bring them back to me.”

“Aren’t you an Enchanter?” the taller man asked as my interface alerted me that I’d just been the target of an identification spell.

“I am,” I replied. “But that’s not all that I am.”

“The talismans sound good,” the shorter man said abruptly after exchanging a look with his teammate. “Paul and I work well together, and if we can get the healing we need without adding another person, I’d rather do that. No offense intended,” he added. “Adding another person would just slow us down.”

“No offense taken,” I responded honestly. I couldn’t say I blamed them, considering I’d just been thinking about something similar.

Greta pouted slightly as she waited for the newcomers to make their purchases and leave. Once they were outside, she turned to me with a frown. “Sorry about that. I thought they’d be a good fit for you.”

“It’s fine,” I said. “I don’t mind doing my own thing until I find the right group. Or maybe I’ll just continue alone. The experience is better that way, even if it is a little more dangerous.”

“It’s a lot more dangerous, Emie,” Greta said sternly. “Every dungeoneer is taught the importance of finding people to ascend with. People who try it alone tend to die a lot faster than those who have others to rely on. Your talismans can only do so much.”

I shrugged, not really wanting a lecture. Thankfully, I was saved from needing to reply by Lisa informing me that the messages I’d been waiting for had arrived. My mood immediately improved.

“I just got messages from home,” I said with a giddy grin. “I’m going to lock up so I can review them. I’ll probably head out afterward, but I’ll send you a message when I’m heading back this way.”

Greta grumbled at my comment as she left. She really hated the idea of me fighting alone, though I doubted she’d be as worried if she realized the extent of my arsenal. Combat-inclined Enchanters really were a bit of a cheat.

After securing the lower pod, I teleported into my abode and settled into my favorite chair. I started with the message from my family. With how expensive sending messages was, I wasn’t surprised to have only received one reply. I’d sent a few written messages in the six weeks since my arrival, but most had likely only just been delivered since message exchanges between the dungeon and outside were only done once every (Sira) month.

I read through the long letter. Most of it was my mom worrying about my safety, but there were several important bits mixed in as well.

The Alliance nobles had arrived and introduced themselves to the world the day after I left. They weren’t getting the reception they expected… which was no surprise to anyone who had taken part in the transition.

In the (Alliance) week since I’d departed Earth, several would-be warlords had already been removed by the new nobles, and the people they’d subjugated had been freed. Those who had violated the Accords were summarily – and publicly – executed by the Bounty Hunters accompanying the nobles. There were no trials since the only proof needed was their system label as an offender.

Of course, that hadn’t gone over well with the portion of the population who insisted everyone should get a trial and offenders should be incarcerated and rehabilitated instead of executed. But the old ways were gone. They’d eventually realize that.

Mom spent a good portion of the letter complaining about how Rhona and some of the other higher-tiered individuals should have gotten more involved to prevent some of the worst that had happened. In my reply, I reminded her that the Alliance personnel were there to prepare Earth, not police it. Doing too much would only weaken the newly awakened people of Earth in the long run.

It was obvious that my decade spent living on other planets had changed my views in many ways. Sometimes, I had to remind myself that the old me would have had views more in line with my parents than the current me. I could only imagine how living in a dungeon would change me.

Would they even recognize me when I eventually left?

I tried to keep the rest of my response light-hearted. I told them about the time difference and how I’d spent most of the last month exploring and crafting. I also mentioned the dungeoneer village and some of the new acquaintances I’d met, knowing that hearing I was with friendly people would ease their minds.

Once I was done drafting my replies, I moved on to Master Kairos’s message.

Dear Disciple,

I am glad you realized the risk involved with casting large-scale Time magics while being observed from the outside. Had I realized that observation of dungeon challengers had been reinstated, I would have warned you against such actions before your departure. I was under the impression that practice had been done away with centuries ago.

Treat the dungeon like you would the world outside of a rift and only cast large-scale Time magics within an anchored domain. Aside from that limitation, do not feel the need to hide what you can do. The Realm Dungeon is just as much a platform to showcase the might of new generations as it is a crucible.

I don’t care if you spend the whole challenge in stealth, but be mindful of the perception you give the watchers. Remember that you represent the sect, regardless of what clothing you wear. It has been far too long since the Epikairos Sect showcased an elite. It’s time the other leading sects remember why they petitioned to have us excluded from the Realm Dungeon in the first place!

As far as your attire goes, there is no issue with you wearing something other than your sect robes as long as you do not deny your affiliation if asked (which I know you’d never do.) I gave you transferrable sect emblems for that very reason. You do not have to wear clothing marked with the sect’s symbol, but it would solve your problem of not wanting to stand out too much with your fellow Earthborn while also maintaining your declaration of affiliation.

Also, I plan to extend a relocation offer to your family via Ms. AldQuartz since she has already established contact with them. I have not forgotten our initial agreement, and though you are no longer going to be physically present at the sect on Hadier, the resources have already been allocated for them in the city held by the sect there. Should they decline, I am extremely limited in what I can do during my limited time remaining on your home planet. With the new nobles in place, my actions must be weighed carefully to avoid political consequences.

That is, unless you want one of your family members to be granted a title. If that is the case, a prompt response would be appreciated, though only your future sister-in-law currently qualifies. I must also caution you that facilitating a noble title is counterintuitive to ensuring your family’s continued safety. They are all far too weak to hold such a heavy burden for any length of time.

On a lighter note, have your experiences thus far helped you decide in which direction to go for your second profession? I expect you’ll find yourself needing to decide sooner rather than later. Remember, your decision isn’t permanent, so don’t stress too much about it.

It’s important to take time for yourself, even... or perhaps ESPECIALLY in a situation like yours. Don’t be afraid to make friends. I know the environment isn’t very conducive to long-term relationships, but connections are important for your personal well-being. At a minimum, remember that I’ll always be here if you need someone to talk to. It may take a while to get a response, but I’ll always reply. Don’t let the dungeon make you feel isolated.

If you feel yourself getting stressed, take a break. If the dungeon hasn’t changed too much since the last time one of our elites entered, there are [REDACTED BY DUNGEON]. [REDACTED BY DUNGEON]. It’s supposed to be worth the hassle of finding them, even if [REDACTED BY DUNGEON]. I know you like things like that, so take the time to enjoy them when you get the chance. I doubt [REDACTED BY DUNGEON] will be included in any footage shown. The dungeon is weird about stuff like that.

I look forward to hearing about your progress. Be safe and ascend swiftly.

Sincerely,

Henlen Kairos