Lewd Dungeon, page 29
That much was known. But the idea that an ability like that could be found, and was not limited by race, but could be taught freely? “Teacher, it is good that you make those who prove worthy swear an Oath before learning of this. Even if it were just limited to Lightning alone, this kind of ability is incredibly rare, and usually only found in those of nearly pure bloodlines attached to some race. Even one parent outside the lineage, as with a half-dragon or half-elemental, means that such an ability is not carried over.”
Oninoki chuckled. “Well, then it is probably for the best that you are the first off-worlders to try and prove yourselves worthy. This trial was not here when the Ambassadors came through, and the Golden Host were Anathema, and forbidden from entering the shrine. As for the TV show host and his party, they were all more interested in interviews and getting the story than exploring every challenge and testing themselves to the fullest extent.”
Ena took a deep breath, excitement writ plainly upon the Hellfire Sorceress’s face. No doubt she was thinking of how she might use this ability with her own chosen element, and the boosts her class gave to it, if she could figure out the transformation. “Teacher, how do we learn this technique?”
“First, you must learn how to gather your mana, without drawing on a System skill. For people who were not born into the system, this is one of the easier steps, as they are closer to feeling their mana as a new and vibrant thing. Those who grew up in it will have a harder time, here, as it is the same as saying you need to collect the blood in your veins in the tip of your finger. You, who have always known mana, and always felt it flowing within you, with a System to help guide your use of it, must stretch beyond the System’s guidance, and find that piece of yourself without its aid.”
Balgurg took a breath. “What wisdom do you have to share with us in this process, Teacher?”
“Close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing. Keep it calm, and steady. Now, cast your senses inside, and visualize the mana within you. Each person will see it slightly differently. I, as a Sprite, see it as the core of life within my trunk. The energy that infuses the sap flowing through me as I move. The image itself is not important. All that matters is that you visualize your mana within yourself.
“Once you have that, concentrate on trying to draw out your mana, pulling it, guiding it. Gathering it. Bring it to the palm of your hand, and keep it there. Not all of it. Just what you can hold. If more flows into your hand, allow the overflow to seep back into your core, continuing the cycle. Gradually, as you practice, you will be able to gather more, and more, before you reach that point of overflow. This is the natural progression of the technique.
“Now, you could stop here, and you would have a palm strike with incredible power. However, the power is still uncontrolled, unfocused. It would explode out in all directions, wasting most of the energy, rather than turning itself into a deadly attack you could use on your foes. But, how do you shape the mana? That is easier said than done, for raw mana does not like to take a physical form. It may be constrained within a physical vessel, like the body strengthening techniques many martial classes have. It may even alter that vessel, like the techniques more stealthy classes use to evade detection. But it takes force of will and a clear image to force raw mana to take on physical form, unless one is in an area of extremely rich mana, where it crystalizes naturally over time.
“But that is too advanced a trick for a basic technique like the Lightning Palm. Instead, you must take the mana, raw, pure, and primal, and aspect it. Focus on the essence of lightning. Positive energy and negative, and the current between the two. Focus on the friction of molecules in motion, the gathering charge. The crack as it seeks ground. Now, catch it in that moment of change. Keep the current circling your palm.
“At first, it will be all you can do to hold the charge long enough to strike. It will not be something that you can immediately take and wield against your enemies. But, just as it took work and practice to reach this point, with the blood, sweat and tears you shed in this pursuit, you will eventually find yourself able to use it as deftly as the skills the System grants you.”
The Steelwood Sprite Lord looked at the six people, all concentrating on the lesson, and smiled the smile of a teacher looking upon eager pupils who knew the merit of the lesson being taught. “Think of that, as you practice. This courtyard will be open to you, until you choose to leave. I will step away, so I can continue my own training. But, should you need me to repeat the lesson, call, and one of the acolytes will bring word to me.”
Chapter 317 – Dark Water
“Greetings, pilgrims from across the stars.”
Balgurg paused as he looked out, across the lake that made up this floor’s ‘boss room’. Over two hundred standard measures (which were roughly the same as the local ‘meter’) from one edge to the other, and almost fifty standard measures deep. From this close, he could tell that Water and Shadow both infused this water, making it dark as the abyssal depths, at least for now. The Guild had informed him that the lake was home to a Darkwater Invoker and a Greater Lightning Eel, as the boss and her minion for this floor.
Felicity Duskwalker
High Elf Female
Level 35 Darkwater Invoker / Master Enchanter
Titles: High-born, Slave, Dungeon Bound, Slime-touched
She was a High Elf, according to the System. An Earth version of the High Knelfi race he’d seen on other worlds, apparently. Such things weren’t unheard of, when areas were introduced to the greater galaxy. Local variants that stood as their own race, or eventually interbred until they became part of the greater whole. Actually, that was where some subspecies variants came from, where one world’s creatures had integrated into the ‘greater’ race, but their individual quirks still showed through at times in some members.
Her titles were an interesting mix. High-born typically meant nobility, on other worlds. However, on Earth, it could just mean that she was born to wealthy or influential parents. Slave and Dungeon Bound, on the other hand, were universal, and expected, since everyone knew that she was part of the dungeon against her will, at least initially. Slime-touched, though? He hadn’t heard of that one.
Looking over the Invoker, he saw that she was clad in a gown of blue and black which hugged her curves, but had a slit on either side to allow her to move easily. Silver anklets could be seen just above her bare feet, which stood upon the water as if it were solid ground, not even making a ripple. A crown of black ice sat upon her head, and a staff of black wood with a radiant blue gem in the head was in her hand. Even if he had not [Appraised] her, he would have known she was a mage.
Unlike his Ena, who had redoubled her focus upon Fire magics as she ascended from Flame Sorceress to Hellfire Sorceress, this mage had taken a different path. If the Guild information was correct, she was originally a Water Sorceress, but Darkwater Invoker was a twin-elemental path, combining Water and Shadow, and giving up much of its defensive power for strength in offensive magics. The class relied entirely on party members or summoned creatures to protect it while they unleashed ruin upon their foes.
Sparky
Greater Lightning Eel
Level 35 Thunder Beast
Titles: Tough, Strong, Warrior Bane
Of course, a protector she had, and a good one, too. The slimy, serpentine beast coiling around, behind, and above her, however, was a simpler creature than the mage, but no less dangerous. Thunder Beast was a Tier 2 class for creatures that were not smart enough to have actual classes, but smart enough to not be mindless monsters. They were characterized by being quick and devastatingly powerful with their elemental attacks. And, judging by the sparks jumping from the fangs of its open mouth, along with its twelve standard measure length, this was a powerful foe indeed.
Of course, that was even before one considered the impact of the titles it bore. Tough drastically increased a creature’s HP, doubling the effect of the creature’s CON for purposes of determining HP. Strong doubled the creature’s STR for carrying loads and dealing damage with its attacks. And Warrior Bane meant that it did fifty percent more damage to creatures in melee with it. And one would need to get into melee range, if you were intending to get past it to strike the Invoker.
Darkwater Elemental
Level 35 Dual-Elemental
Titles: Mana-Eater
And staying at range was not an option, either. Eight elementals seemingly made of both Water and Shadow stood vigil in the water. Dual-Elemental was a Tier 2 Monster class, which combined the strengths of two elements into a single creature. In this case, Water and Shadow, two of the most adaptable and corrosive elements. They would likely eat any spells launched from the shore, and if they had a Shadow Elemental’s incorporeality, even slightly, then ranged weapons would not work unless they were charged with mana, which the elemental would likely eat to help heal itself.
Balgurg took a breath, and said, “Well met, Servant of Lord Kuronoth. Given what I saw on the floors before, I was expecting an evolution of the fight, as told to me by other adventurers who have passed this way, but I must say, you have an impressive setup, here. Elementals capable of area and spell defense, as well as attack, a strong guardian to keep warriors from getting too close, and your own powers, in a font of your twin elements? I had not expected such a challenge. It makes me hopeful for the lower floors, as well.”
The sorceress nodded. “Yes, my Master bade me prepare for a fight as best I could, but, up until now, I have not been able to use my full power, or truly unleash my minions. This will be my first test at my true strength, so I thank you in advance for the lessons we have to teach each other.”
She paused for a moment, and then said, “Since you have shown respect on this floor, and the ones before, I shall give you one piece of advice, before we begin. You all worked hard to master the Lightning Palm, but, in this state, it is useless against myself, or my companion, Sparky, as we are both fully immune to electricity, even from magical sources. It will serve you well elsewhere in the dungeon, especially if you master the technique to the point where you can do more than just coat your palm in lightning, but not against me.”
“Why tell us this?”
“Because respect deserves respect in turn. Despite your behavior at the shrine, if you had tried to rush in, for an opening blow, instead of pausing to talk, and appraise myself and my minions, then I would have let you waste your mana against Sparky and me. Many adventurers, after learning a new technique, then want to show off that technique as quickly as possible, especially when they ‘know’ what is ahead, and ‘know’ how powerful the technique can be.”
Balgurg took a breath, and then said, “[Mass Air Step].” Air collected under the group’s feet, lifting them just off the ground. It was a common utility spell, used to cover difficult terrain, or walk over water. However, it could interfere with some movement and stealth skills. There was also the issue that casting too many spells while fighting, trying to hold concentration on a sustained spell, and keep battlefield awareness of the group and their enemies was taxing, even at his level. Especially at his level, where there was more to keep track of. But that was fine, since he had other options than just slinging spells.
His spell was the signal that everyone had been waiting on. The elementals all glowed, and, together, created a shield that would stop or slow any projectiles shot through it. Arrows would be useless, but guns might still work. And he could see the boss and her pet gathering mana for something he was sure that he wouldn’t like.
He shouldered his rifle, smiling as he did so. It would be good to have a true contest of their might, as this looked to be. “Lyrei, Ratha, Ashera, use Lightning Palm on the elementals, then go normal for the rest. Stay out of the water. The eel is strong enough that it should have area affect abilities. Ena, focus on counter-spelling as much as possible. Tanila, you’re on the boss. I’ll take the eel. Spread formation!”
The girls snapped into motion, just like they’d trained. They weren’t on the cusp of Tier 3 for nothing. The three melee users darted across the air, diving through the shield, which only protected against projectiles, not a person in motion. Ena and Tanila sprang to the side, clearing the distance of a normal AoE spell, so that no one blast could get all three of them, unless it was such a wide spell that it couldn’t help but hit them all. He raised his cannon, and took aim.
Ratha had the shortest distance to her target, taking the one in front, but the other two melee types were faster than the vanguard. All three had the brilliant blue-white of electricity dancing on the palm of their armor as they struck their targets. The Darkwater Elementals may have been part Shadow, but that did not wholly negate Water’s weakness against lightning. It was not enough to kill their targets, but all three spasmed, and their shields dropped.
A spear of shadow and ice flew from the Invoker’s hand, aimed directly at him. A bolt of hellfire intercepted it perfectly. He saw a massive lightning bolt incoming, as well, but the shield in his gauntlet deployed in time, deflecting the blast. He never took the rifle from his shoulder, trusting in his companions and his gear. He fired.
The Greater Lightning Eel’s body spasmed, and the creature roared in pain, but it wasn’t dead yet. All he’d done was blown a chunk out of the creature’s hide! Tough, indeed.
Three quick shots rang out to his right, as Tanila took aim at the Invoker. No, those weren’t aimed shots. Oh, they certainly would have hit, had the boss not thrown up a shield of shadow to defend herself, but they were all center mass. If Tanila actually took aim, they would have been aimed at more critical areas, like the head, or aiming to take off an arm, and cripple her casting. That was just to keep the mage from focusing too much on Ena.
The remaining five elementals began to collapse down, towards the three melee fighters, closing the gap in their shields, and keeping the melee from finishing off the elementals. It didn’t matter. Soon all eight elementals were stunned. Just before the stun ran out on the first three, they were hit again with Lightning Palm, dealing more damage and keeping the shields down. The technique used a good store of mana, but the girls knew their business, and they’d all made sure they were full on mana before starting this fight.
Another bolt of hellfire, this time blasting the Eel just as it opened its mouth, most likely to use some kind of lightning attack on one or more of them. Ena’s attack shut that down, and another blast from his rifle stole another chunk of flesh from its body. Another shot blasted the invoker’s shield, breaking through with [Piercing Shot], which was made for penetrating defensive barriers, and only missing her head because the woman had the good instincts to duck at the last moment.
Balgurg smiled, despite himself. This was it! This was what he had been searching for! Even though the battle was not truly in doubt, not with their weapons and gear, it was a fight where they truly had to put forth their best, or the enemy could and would destroy them. The melee contingent had taken some light hits, somewhere in the mix, and but otherwise they hadn’t used anything but replenishable resources to dominate the fight so far. And yet, every battle instinct he had told him that defeat was a very real possibility if they got complacent! It was glorious!
Seeing that the eel was still reeling from the hellfire and his second shot, he adjusted his aim slightly. Another bolt of hellfire struck the invoker’s spell, canceling it. A trio of shots from Tanila kept the shield up. He fired, and the shield shattered, the mage crying out in pain as the backlash hit her. No, there was blood. Part of it made it through to wound her!
Another shot silenced her, Tanila cleanly putting the bullet through the Darkwater Invoker’s eye. She went down, disabled, but not dead. Out of the fight, either way. All three turned their attention to the eel, which screeched in rage, and became surrounded by a blood-red aura. [Enrage].
It didn’t do the creature any good. Hellfire washed over it. Another shot from the artillery piece he called a rifle hammered it. The sniper’s round hit it between the eyes. Dead. A moment later, the last elemental fell, as well.
He walked out to the Invoker, floating in the middle of her lake. Without the System, the wound she’d taken would have been fatal, for certain. With the System, she was still alive, somehow. She was laughing.
“So,” she coughed, amidst the laughter. “How did my fight measure up to other dungeon bosses?”
Balgurg smiled under his helmet. “One of the most satisfying dungeon fights I’ve had in the last galactic standard year. If we had not had the benefit of levels and experience on you, it is most likely my people would either be dead, or forced to run. You can be proud of your work, here.”
She smiled, and nodded, content. “Good. I still have much to work on, but I hope Master will praise me. Go on, and see what is in store for you.” And then she shimmered into light, her body replaced with a treasure chest, and spiral stairs began to form in the water, heading down.
“The stairs are new,” Ratha noted. “Thought we were going to have to swim down.”
Ena shook her head. “They might not be new. They might have been here all along, but they just weren’t triggered unless the boss wished them to be, depending on how the fight went.”
