The Guild Core: The Complete Saga Boxset: A LitRPG Dungeon Adventure

by TJ Reynolds

  They both chuckled at the common witticism, and then the man replied, “I’m Willum. Pleasure to meet you, miss.”

  “I’m Rhona,” she replied, shaking his hand, and staring into the white whorls of his eyes, so like the cloud-streaked sky in her dream. Clearing her throat, she asked, “I see you’ve got some tubers and oats there. I’d gladly give you coin in exchange for some. I know my horse would appreciate the gesture.”

  “Sure! Sure! I’m headed to my friend’s homestead just a few miles away. He sells the little I pull up from the earth these days. How about an armful of tubers and a few pounds of oats for five copper?”

  Rhona pulled a silver penny from her purse and pressed it into the man’s hand. “I won’t pay a cent more,” she said, and watched as Willum tasted the metal, his bushy eyebrows jumping for his hairline in surprise.

  “More than double what I asked for, girl. If you need more than I offered, help yourself.”

  “I’ll take an armful of that straw as well and we’ll call it even,” Rhona replied.

  When Willum made to argue, she silenced him with another suggestion. “How about information then? I’m in need of that as well. I’m on my way to the Mirin Swamps. Is there a notable town before I get there? The map in my mind is more than a little foggy.”

  “Mindonne town!” Willum offered cheerfully, grateful to be of service. “It’s lovely too, at least it was. Haven’t been there in near ten years. Another sixty leagues further on. Should make it there on the morrow, if you get back on that destrier of yours again.”

  Impressed that the man knew the quality of her horse without having seen it, Rhona thanked him, then retrieved her goods. The straw would be invaluable in the swamp. What little vegetation as grew in swamps was often good only for making a horse sick. She finished her rummaging, and made to say farewell.

  “Oh, Miss Rhona, please.” He held his arm out to stop her. “You seem a type not easily swayed, but as an old man and the father and grandfather to many, I’d beg you to find some other road or venture.” He grimaced, the expression alien on his friendly features. “I won’t even ask you why in Andag’s name you’re headed to the swamps. But I will ask you to go with caution.”

  Rhona stopped and looked up at Willum. His face had gone severe. Only fear could change a man’s demeanor so surely. “What besides quick mud and wolves need I fear there, Willum?”

  He smiled at her, grimly, and she saw that his face was still strong despite his years. This man might not always have been a farmer, after all. “Bandits too, but I’m sure you expect that. Still, more than a few monsters lurk about, some smarter than you could imagine, and others as old and mighty as the mountains themselves. Dire, Rhona! Dire those swamps be.” He shook his head sadly. “Just be careful, lass, and if you can, find as many fools as will go along with you. To travel the swamps alone is a sure way to wind up stiff and cold in the mud.”

  Despite having resupplied herself and her horse with another week’s worth of provisions, and knowing she’d sleep in a proper town at the end of the morrow, Rhona left Willum with a feeling of unease. She heard him begin to whistle, the jostle of his cart resuming behind her. Yet all she could think of was the expansive white of his eyes and his none-too-subtle warning.

  It wasn’t just his words that bothered her, but how when he uttered them, the flush from his cheeks bled out. It spoke of untold stories of adventure the man would gladly trade away. He’d been there himself, and he’d come away changed forever.

  Rhona mounted Honor and galloped off, south and east, toward the little town of Mindonne.

  22

  Visit Before Venture

  Kai

  It was only his dungeon’s poise that prevented Kai from seeking his glaive and slaying the little beastie that ran up to him. Despite his aching head and the ugliness of the little creature he faced, Kai found his composure soon enough.

  “Wow, Ban. That’s… umm… great. But please tell me, who, or what, are you talking through?”

  “My champion, like I said!” Ban cried happily. “Isn’t he bold? Don’t I look brave?”

  Kai squinted his eyes as he watched his Earth Core companion strike imperious poses with the small body of whatever beast he’d summoned. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one more amazing, Ban.” The young dragon rubbed at his eyes and raked his fingers through his hair. “But please, what’s this blighted champion you are going on about, and what sort of creature are you talking through? It looks like a baby demon!”

  “A baby…” Ban began, but stammered to a halt. His gnarled, gray fists clenched on his hips and he shook his head, massive ears flapping side to side. “It isn’t a baby anything. I’ve been meaning to speak with you about it, Kai. A champion is not only my most powerful minion, but the only one that I can inhabit. In this body, I can see, smell, eat things!”

  The odd little creature spread its arms and spun slowly in place. “As to what kind of creature it is, well, I have been making amalgamations, combinations of minions that is. I believe this is my finest work yet. The Amethyst Rake is a powerful, and quite sleek I might add, and a most fearsome defender. Far superior to that poor Loamish Houndzard. That unfortunate creation should never have taken a breath. This, my good friend,” Ban gestured grandly at his diminutive frame, “is a Gargat!”

  “A Gargat?” Kai scowled. “Ban, even the name is awful!”

  Ban’s champion sputtered, its knobby face crinkling in anger. “It’s a mixture of Ether Bat and Gargen. I thought the name simple and clever. The creature’s full title is Ethereal Gargat, and its name isn’t up for discussion.”

  Pasting the most impressed expression he could on his face, Kai nodded and answered, “Okay. Sounds fierce. Gargat is fine, if you like it. Proud to meet you, fine sir,” the dragonling said, and extended his hand. He shook with the amalgamation and laughed. They were of a similar height, if Kai was seated, and now that everything was settled, the dragon examined his dungeon’s champion more closely.

  The gargat had a ropey frame with longer arms than legs, similar, in many ways, to its gargen parentage. Fierce claws tipped its fingers, and even longer ones protruded from its toes. More distinct still, was the folded snout on its face and ears that grew back from its skull. These resembled a bat’s. Kai noticed that, whenever the gargat smiled, white fangs protruded.

  It was a small but potent beast that Ban had created.

  “I love it, Ban,” he admitted. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

  Grinning with all the pride in the world, Ban lifted two large wings above his head. “And… I can fly!”

  Kai was happy for his friend, but something wasn’t adding up. “Wait a moment. Why would you need to fly? Did you find some huge underground cavern?”

  “No, Kai. I was so sad about your upcoming trip, but now I’m most excited. Don’t you see? Now, we’ll be going together!”

  Standing up, Kai began to pace before the hearth.

  The dungeon’s last words, uttered before his champion had marched in, replayed in his mind. “Enough hedging, Ban. What are you talking about? I don’t feel like going anywhere just yet and would prefer if I stayed here until I ascend to Golden, at least.”

  The dungeon answered him in his mind instead of through his champion’s mouth. Kai, I’d ask you to consider my proposal over breakfast. I’ve prepared it for you already. Would you at least head upstairs and have something to eat?

  Kai sighed but gave in and headed up the stairs. The table was adorned with an appetizing meal of rat jerky, roasted cavern fish, and apples. Hunger was something he couldn’t deny, so Kai sat and began to eat. While he dug into his meal, the dungeon explained.

  I have some new gifts for you, the first of which you’ll recognize. The champion held two small volumes in its wrinkled hands. These two skill books will assist in your negotiations with the outside world. If I could recall more, I’d produce them happily, but at least we have these.

  Kai picked up one of the books
and marveled at the intricate design on its cover. Tell me of this journey you keep speaking about, Ban. Stop beating around the bush, I mean it.

  Very well. Do you see the scroll there? Ban pointed again to the shelf. Between the stack of books? Open it up and take a look.

  Heeding his friend’s request, and despite his rising anger, Kai opened the scroll. It was little more than two hand lengths long and three wide when he unrolled it. Though he had little to no training, he recognized the rough shape of Anvar, the continent that contained Kaltan, Brintosh, and Hintar.

  It was a marvelous map, not a simple scrawling likeness, but a masterwork that showed every minute detail. The oceans were painted with lifelike waves, the coastline pocked with endless coves and jetties. Kai’s eye caught on the lashing arms of a terrible sea beast just south of the Mirin Swamps. Another with a different form swam in the water off the coast near Brintosh. Mountains ran down the center of Anvar, high and majestic.

  Forests filled with trees of varying colors ran along the many slopes of the Zargan Mountain range, and fondly, Kai saw the Atoli forest, marked in an elegant hand.

  Look closely at the mountains. Find the gemstones there. Do you see them, Kai?

  And he did. They were small, but numerous. Dozens of tiny gems intricately painted. So many different colors lay sprinkled liberally across the highlands: blue, green, yellow, fire red, and deepest black. The gems even had unique shapes, though, with the scale of the map, the differences were subtle. Then he saw a name he knew well. Bancroft Dungeon was listed below a small clear gemstone at the southern edge of the Zargan Mountains.

  “Hey!” Kai exclaimed. “Here you are, Ban!”

  The Earth Core’s laughter filled his mind. Yes, that’s me. Thank you for noticing.

  “Why are you clear? There are a few other gems without color as well.” He scratched at his neck. “What does that mean?”

  Each dungeon, like the dragons who create them, attains an elemental affinity. We both need to reach Golden ascended first, and then we can choose which deity to align with and gain our element. It is a hard choice because we cannot serve different gods. What you choose, I choose.

  Kai frowned at the map, absorbing the information. We’ll need to talk it through when the time comes then, Ban. It doesn’t seem a decision to make lightly. Then he noted something else that attracted his attention. “The borders. They look different now, at least in the south. Look, Ban, it says that the border of Hintar is right next to Mindonne. How does that…” Kai trailed off, understanding what he was seeing.

  Yes. That was the border before The Dragon War. Ban sighed and his champion hung its head. Hintar is lucky to have any territory left to call their own. They lost almost half their lands during the conflict. A broad stretch of the Zargan Mountains, the desert lands to the north and, of course, much of what is now southern Brintosh.

  Kai noted the sadness in Ban’s voice and sympathized with him. He had grown up in Brintosh and his mother’s family was as near pure-blooded Brintoshi as any. But he now knew he was a dragon; his best friend in the whole world was a dungeon. It was in Hintar that those creatures had thrived, at least before they were betrayed.

  Studying the map further, Kai spotted another discrepancy. The swamps. Why do they look so small here? Surely the war couldn’t have changed that as well. And though I’m fascinated, I don’t see how this changes anything. What is this adventure you’re on about?

  Ban sighed in Kai’s mind. He could tell the dungeon was wrestling with the right words, so Kai gave him the time he needed. Look to the map once more, Ban asked, and when Kai did so, he continued. See there, just a few dozen leagues east of here, where the mountains meet the swamp. The dungeon there was once powerful enough to contain the sea of rot and decay that is this fetid marsh. The Mirin Swamps are the site of an ancient evil, one that blighted the land itself. When the dungeon was shivvered, that evil began to spread. I think we begin there. We should march out to face the dangers together, and then bring life back to Imogen, the Earth Core in the swamps.

  A chill ran through Kai’s body as he imagined the taint he’d seen so close to Mindonne sweeping over the land. What if I can’t do that again? What if my healing you was a chance accident, Ban? We could make our way there, find the shivvered Earth Core, and then nothing might happen.

  Good point, Kai, and that worries me as well. But your accolade, Earth Mender, suggests otherwise. It mentions that it will require 90% less Progression to heal an Earth Core. It should be possible. We just have to figure out how.

  Ban’s answer made all kinds of sense, and Kai wanted to believe it as well. Yet there was something else Ban wasn’t saying. There’s more to this you’re not telling me. You mentioned the Sunken Keep. That’s the place I told you about from my vision. You know of it? And are you wanting us to go there after?

  Yes, Kai! And no, actually, the dungeon began, tripping over his own excited words. Sorry. No, I don’t remember what the Sunken Keep is. But the name does seem… familiar. Then, when I found this map, I noticed that whatever the hells the place is, it isn’t exactly that far away.

  Ban paused a moment. It wasn’t as if he needed to catch his breath, but the dungeon was obviously flustered. Kai’d never seen his friend like this, and it both excited and scared him. If we pass through Hintar and then head north along the Eastern slopes of the Zargan Mountains, we’ll run straight into it. Do you see it? I’d guess fifty or sixty leagues away at most. On horseback, that’s a week or two of travel if the way isn’t too challenging. But I don’t think we should go yet. I just suggest we take a small jaunt out to heal this Imogen, and then return to continue your training. I’d hope you were Vermillion ascended before we went so far abroad.

  Kai considered all Ban had said for a few long moments. His body thrummed with the possibility of adventure, even such a small one. Surely, there couldn’t be much danger in traveling a couple days away through the swamps, not with Ban at his back, his glaive and spells handy.

  This seems a worthy quest, Kai thought to his friend. I can see why you want to go, and trust me, I do too. But still, caution is not a bad thing. That’s something you’ve taught me. Why don’t we wait until I am stronger. Why go now?

  The dungeon’s response was not immediate. Rather, Kai could feel him thinking, trying to organize his thoughts. At last, Ban answered plainly. When I found the map, my core was flooded with a wave of emotion. I just imagined all of those minds, all like mine, locked in endless pain and despair. Kai, if we can heal them, we certainly must try. And I can’t bear to wait any longer.

  I hadn’t thought of it like that, Kai admitted. I’m so sorry this upsets you. But surely, we can’t heal them all, not as quickly as you seem set upon.

  Ban’s sigh of frustration echoed in Kai’s mind. Yes, of course, but this one. Just this one at least. Please, let us try! I feel we’re strong enough for the task.

  I’ll go. I’ll do it, Ban. If this means so much to you, then how could I say no? Mentally, Kai squared his shoulders and set his thoughts in order. If we can restore this dungeon you speak of, we must try. And then we’ll come straight back. Deal?

  Deal, Ban replied simply before going silent once more.

  For the first time, Kai felt the full force of the dungeon’s sentiments press through their bond. He was flooded with a sense of pride and affection that brought tears to his eyes. Without having to speak, Kai focused on that bond and transferred his own complicated but heartfelt feelings towards Ban.

  Kai finished his meal in silence, examining the map in all its wondrous detail. He was worried about how he would keep the map from being damaged, but when he asked Ban, the dungeon showed him the leather tube he’d fashioned to keep it safe. It was a simple construction, knotted closed with a drawstring, but it looked functional. All over, it was coated in a sticky resin that Ban explained was resistant to both water and fire.

  Thinking of the journey ahead, Kai searched the map once more before putting
it away.

  He saw the three beasts that represented each kingdom. A Tiger on its hind legs, fangs and claws dripping blood hovered just off the coast of Brintosh. The Phoenix of Kaltan, its wings spread wide and flames burning bright, flew in the north near Shosh, the capital city. But it was the image of a dragon, its strong body tensed, clutching a tall mountain in the heart of what had once been Hintar, that stirred his soul.

  The beast’s wings were unfurled, and the dragon seemed to glitter as he turned the page. Its color was indistinct, unlike the crimson-spattered white tiger and fiery orange and yellow phoenix.

  He scanned for and found the dungeon in the middle of the swamps and read its name, her name if he guessed right. Resolve wrapped around Kai’s shoulders like a sturdy cloak, and he stood, ready to begin their journey.

  “I’m ready, Ban. Let’s go wake Imogen the dungeon,” he said with gravity. Then noting its color, he smiled. “If there was ever a time to wake a dungeon of Briga, it’s now.”

  The man looked about for his trusty glaive, trying to remember where he’d set it down to rest the night before. Exhaustion may have prompted him to leave it in the training room.

  Sensing his thoughts, Ban said aloud in the gargat’s screechy voice, “Don’t worry, young dragon. I made a few preparations while you slept. As you can’t yet change shape, you’ll need a thicker skin than the one on your back. I thought a bit of proper equipment might help.”

  Kai caught the gleam in the over-sized yellow eyes, and he knew at once, the dungeon had done more than a few preparations during the night.

  23

  Boots, Baggage, and a New Look

  Bancroft

  The skin on his gargat champion tingled with anticipation as Kai walked into the pantry. As soon as the dragonling spotted the pile of gear, he gasped. Ban was pleased. He lived for such moments.