Seventh Realm Part 1: A LitRPG Fantasy series (The Ten Realms Book 8)

by Michael Chatfield

  “Cease fire! Cease fire!” Han Wu yelled.

  The weapons’ fire died down.

  “Fire elementals, stop the fires, and return to your rooms,” Erik ordered.

  They drew the flames into their bodies, leaving charcoaled roots as they moved back to where they had come from.

  “Consolidate in the dungeon core room,” Gong Jin ordered.

  “I’ve got control over the dungeon now. Just give me a minute. I have to check out things,” Erik said.

  “Understood. Han Wu, set up an all-around defense on the dungeon core.”

  “Yes, boss.”

  Erik pushed his slung rifle to the side so he wasn’t lying on it and reached into the boiling water again.

  “Rise up.”

  Erik guided the dungeon core out of the water. He checked through the notifications that had come with taking control of the dungeon.

  ==========

  Resources

  ==========

  Monster Cores:

  23194x Low Mortal Grade

  8712x Mid Mortal Grade

  52x High Mortal Grade

  61x Low Earth grade

  14x Mid Earth Grade

  Minor Fire Elementals blueprint

  Minor Water Elementals blueprint

  Minor Air Elemental blueprint

  Minor Earth Elementals blueprint

  Large Air Elementals blueprint

  Large Fire Elementals blueprint

  Large Water Elementals blueprint

  Large Earth Elemental blueprint

  Dara-bird blueprint

  Beast Core Golem blueprint

  Diseased animated objects blueprint

  Diseased rabbit fur bracers

  Small bag of exotic spices

  Tapestry

  Continual Flame Spell Scroll

  Continual Water Spell Scroll

  Powerful Earth Manipulation scroll

  Strong Invisibility Spell

  Ghost Shield medallion

  5x Broken Ballista

  152x Broken armor

  118x Broken spear

  4x Shrine

  5x sealing scrolls

  6897x Wobbergol Fish

  19238x Wobbergol Spawn

  14x Teleportation formations

  1x Armageddon Formation

  3x Mana Chaos formation

  ==========

  ==========

  Upkeep costs:

  150 Mortal Mana Stones per day

  ==========

  ==========

  You have gained control of:

  Dungeon Core (Grand Earth Grade Dungeon Core)

  Beasts:

  2139x Minor Fire Elementals

  5123x Minor Water Elementals

  874x Minor Air Elemental

  15748x Minor Earth Elementals

  17x Large Air Elementals

  38x Large Fire Elementals

  53x Large Water Elementals

  73x Earth Elemental

  1923x Dara-bird

  13x Beast Core Golem

  Rune of Fear

  4x Energy drain

  14x diseased animated objects

  ==========

  “Fucking jackpot.” Erik knelt next to the dungeon core, getting it to display a map of the dungeon.

  The dungeon was a mass of semi-interconnected rooms. “This place is chaos, small rooms here and there. Everything has been formed with roots. The dungeon core acted as a keystone for all the beasts populating the area.”

  “How are we looking, Erik?” Gong Jin asked.

  “Place is five kilometers by eight, roughly. We’re lucky we found the entrance that we did. This place is a damn maze. There are thousands of elementals in here. Three floors in total. Top two floors are built out of the roots. The bottom floor is underground. The dungeon area was created more by the mangrove trees than by the dungeon core. The dungeon core was only responsible for creating the dungeon beasts, I think. Got teleportation formations as well.”

  “Gonna install a mana gathering formation.”

  Erik pulled out a blueprint and held it up to the dungeon core.

  ==========

  Blueprint accepted

  ==========

  ==========

  Black Spring of Souls Dungeon can now create:

  Mana gathering formation (Large)

  ==========

  On the map of the dungeon Erik manipulated the formation. It didn’t work on the upper floors, only the bottom floor. The Dungeon core couldn’t manipulate the living trees around it.

  The ambient mana decreased as the dungeon set to work.

  “Okay, we’re going to need formation masters in here to finish inlaying the mana gathering formations. Let’s get that teleportation formation set up. We need the crafters’ help and Matt’s. This place is much bigger than we realized. If we copy Alva dungeon’s setup, we’d lose a lot of room. There are fish living in the dungeon. The roots will act as a natural carbon sink and it's frankly massive.”

  “Another backup position. Good and ready to go?” Rugrat asked.

  “Shit, who knew there were so many damn elementals, and what’s with the fire boyos?” Han Wu said.

  “We’re sitting on top of a series of hot springs. There’s an active magma flow beneath us. There’s also Air Elementals in here,” Erik answered.

  “Well, we can turn this work over to another squad and Matt,” Gong Jin said.

  “Got what, another two dungeons on the roster?” Rugrat raised his rifle.

  “You heard Lord Rodriguez, check your gear. We’re going Dungeon hunting!” Gong Jin couldn’t quite hide his eagerness.

  “What are your plans to deal with the increased attacks?” Punita Pakesh asked. The middle-aged woman had been trading in the Fourth Realm for decades, building up a trading empire. Her caravans crossed the Chaotic Lands to the east, the Northern White Wastelands, and across the seas in the south.

  Chonglu was sitting in the main seat in Vuzgal’s public hall. Behind him were two empty seats.

  In front of him were the leaders of the traders and merchants within Vuzgal.

  “We are looking into the situation. This is the Fourth Realm. I am sure you know that bandits are not uncommon. With the fighting that has just cleared up in Aberdeen to our west, and between the sects to our north and south, there are sure to be fighters turning to banditry.”

  “What do you expect from a city that allowed another sect to attack someone under their protection, Pakesh?” said Olivar Murillo, a trader specializing in the trade of smithing goods.

  He is part of the group controlling the warehouses.

  “Do you think I need you to fight my battles, Murillo?” Pakesh drew out her voice, lifting her lip in disdain.

  Murillo’s lazy eyes sharpened.

  Chonglu pushed on. “What happens outside of Vuzgal is not our concern. We—”

  “That is clear! Can you even defend Vuzgal?” Arleta Melnik said.

  Murillo snorted and looked toward Chonglu.

  All the traders were looking down at Chonglu.

  “The Associations have started to move their people out. Others will be allowed to attack if they meet the Association’s desires!” Arleta continued.

  “What the Associations do is not our concern,” Chonglu said.

  “Bah! You think that you will remain much longer with this?” Arleto threw up her hands.

  Chonglu sighed and stood. “Vuzgal is open for trade. You are all supposed to be adults. Hire more guards. You will be protected inside Vuzgal. If you cause trouble, not even an old monster from the Sixth Realm will be able to protect you.”

  “There was no way that was Sho Tolentino!” Murillo said.

  “Are you so sure?” Chonglu asked Murillo.

  “There is no way that he would have fallen in such a cowardly attack!” Murillo argued. His supporters among the other traders agreed.

  Chonglu showed an ugly smile and snapped his fingers. A door opened to his right, to the side of t
he three chairs. The pressure in the room skyrocketed.

  A skeleton walked out wearing repaired robes. Embroidered on the robe was the Tolentino crest. A Willful Institute medallion hung the man’s neck. Each step seemed to increase the pressure. Only the sound of the skeleton’s footsteps and medallion hitting his breastbone filled the hall. He stopped, the fire in his eye sockets looking over the traders.

  “I have to thank the Willful Institute for supplying us with such a powerful fighter. In Vuzgal, we don’t let anything go to waste.”

  “That could be any skeleton!” Murilla yelled.

  “It could be.” Chonglu’s smile had a bite to it.

  “The Willful Institute will destroy you if you’ve turned one of their people into a skeleton!”

  “One person? They sent us such good talents. We couldn’t let them go to waste either!” Chonglu chuckled. Some of the traders shuddered while the veterans among them showed impassive faces. “Might makes right in the Ten Realms. Starting today, Vuzgal will supply discounted heavy repeaters and ammunition contracts to any sect attacking the Willful Institute. We also offer contribution medallions. Those that wear our medallions and attack the Willful Institute will be rewarded. For every member they kill, they will gain contribution points that they can use in Vuzgal. We will place contribution points above mana stones in purchases. One can get memberships to the Battle Arena, concoctions, gear, even bid in auctions! We have made the same offer to the guilds hunting down bandits in the area.”

  The traders leaned forward in interest.

  “How many repeaters are we talking about a week?” Pakesh asked.

  Chonglu looked up. “We have twenty thousand for sale right now, with up to three thousand per week. We’ll offer discounts on stamina and healing potions, as well as spell scrolls.” Stunned silence fell over the room.

  They could sell all the old stock they didn’t use anymore. The factories were already producing higher level potions and spell scrolls compared to what they were selling. They could buy ingredients with the money and feed the factories and the true Alva military. These people weren’t used to having items produced on such a scale. Just wait until they see all the looted gear we have for sale.

  Several aides moved up, pulling out papers.

  “Please, take a look. These will also be posted on notice boards across the city. Prices have been listed on the pages. Thank you for your time. I know you must have other things that require your attention.”

  Chonglu turned and walked away. The traders grabbed papers from the aides, talking to one another as they looked at the gear lists in surprise.

  The undead Sho Tolentino turned and followed Chonglu out of the room.

  That should stir things up a little.

  19

  An Unfortunate Partnership

  “Elder Elsi, I was happy to receive your invitation to meet,” Low Elder Kostic said. The hum of a sound canceling formation filled the air around them as they sat in Elder Elsi’s office in the Fourth Realm.

  Elder Elsi chuckled. “It is my honor to host such a venerated elder.”

  “I was most interested in the content of your letter.”

  “I have heard whisperings that Vuzgal city’s leadership is due for a change. It’s a shame, but the Elsi clan is most excited in the rumors about the valiant Willful Institute leading the charge.”

  Kostic’s eyes narrowed. “Oh?”

  This was the Elsi Clan, not the Stone Fist Sect. What did a middling clan of the Fourth Realm think they could accomplish? They had barely gained a foothold in the Fifth Realm!

  Elder Elsi laughed off Elder Kostic’s change in tone. “To be honest, I’m not much of a fighter anymore. I have a new passion now: trading. I find warehouses bring the greatest source of income. They can turn a city on its head if they are not managed well.”

  Elder Kostic had heard that the warehouse district was under the control of the new gangs in Vuzgal. That was his doing? “Certainly, they are one of the main arteries of a city.”

  “Much like the roads. I’ve certainly noticed they’ve become more dangerous around Vuzgal.” Elsi pressed his lips together, shaking his head. “It’s most sad, the state of affairs. Luckily, my own traders have been able to make it through unscathed.”

  “Bandits are a help and a hindrance.” Low Elder Kostic caught on.

  “They are, aren’t they? Such a trouble to manage! There are always plenty of ex-fighters in the Fourth Realm looking to make some extra coin.” Elder Elsi sipped his tea, never taking his eyes off Elder Kostic.

  Elder Kostic smiled. “The Willful Institute is always appreciative of allies with proper foresight. Especially those with the ability to say, disrupt our enemy and guarantee our members safe passage.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  “I think that we would be able to cooperate.” Kostic’s voice turned serious. “What would you want?”

  Elsi’s playfulness disappeared. “Chonglu’s head, one hundred training slots at the Battle Arena per month, and thirty slots per month at the training dungeons.”

  “That depends on what you can offer.” Kostic sipped his tea.

  “Totems and guides to Vuzgal.”

  Kostic’s smile gained some warmth. “I’ll have to talk to my sect, but I think the Sect Head will be pleased.”

  Julilah sat on a bench, watching the water weave through the small stream in the park. Couples walked hand in hand. Others laughed with their friends around a picnic under the shade of large trees. She let out a grumbling sigh and looked at the pond the streams drained into without seeing it. The formation had failed, even with the new modifications. What was she doing wrong?

  She rested her elbows on her knees as she picked at her fingers, rolling blueprints and plans through her mind.

  The bench shifted with additional weight, and she looked over in alarm. Her mouth twitched, unsure what expression to show.

  “Don’t worry. I’m not as loud as my boys.” Momma Rodriguez gave her a genuine smile.

  Julilah let out a dry laugh and pulled her wild hair back behind her ears, her actions rough and jerky as she blushed.

  She waited for Momma Rodriguez to say more, but she just sat there, taking in the park.

  Julilah pulled herself from her thoughts and looked at the happenings instead of simply existing within it. Students raced through it to class, passing others on a walk on their work break. Some played games, kicking balls across the open ground, or read books, or were on a date.

  The world continued to move, even with so many fighting against the Willful Institute.

  The newest miniaturized formation might not have worked, but it's just a matter of time. She was so tired of it all. She wanted to do more and wasn’t as if it was her body holding her back or if she was making excuses.

  Julilah rubbed her temples to fend off the impending headache.

  “Something bothering you?” Momma Rodriguez asked, dragging Julilah out of her thoughts.

  “Sorry, just tired is all.” Julilah smiled.

  “I’ve raised three of my own children and countless others. There’s more to this than just being tired.”

  Julilah opened her mouth and rapidly closed it, staring at the pond under Momma Rodriguez’s pursed lips. She slumped forward, showing the weight upon her like a physical force. “I’m not sure if I’m tired or making excuses. There’s so much going on, so much that needs to be done.”

  “And you’re overwhelmed with it all, suffering in silence? Praline?”

  “Huh?” Julilah looked up to see a box of caramel-covered nuts.

  “Pralines.” Momma Rodriguez shook the box.

  “Thank you.” Julilah took one, biting into it. The sweet and slight saltiness, and the texture of the nuts, made Julilah perk up.

  “Feel free to have another,” Momma Rodriguez said, putting the box down between them and taking one herself. “In hard times, one wants to do so much. Though doing too many things is a sure way to get not
hing done. Focus on one thing and only that thing. What will have the greatest impact? Get excited about it. If you treat it like a chore, you’ll make excuses to get away from it and do other things, and you won’t get anything done.”

  Julilah took a second praline, nibbling on it. “That makes sense. Just getting my brain to obey is hard.”

  “Ah, you’re young, and there’s so much to do in the world. There is a reason why we work with others. Because we can’t do everything ourselves.”

  Julilah’s stomach rumbled. She grimaced and reached for a stamina potion.

  “Another thing I know is that you can’t live off stamina potions alone. You need some food, a shower, and some sleep.”

  Julilah turned to make an excuse, but bit into her praline when she saw Momma Rodriguez’s expression.

  Momma’s eyebrow lowered, and she ate her own praline.

  “You’re right.” A weight lifted off Julilah’s shoulders. She had been hard-charging it all by herself. She avoided asking Qin, thinking she would look down on her for doing less, but they were good friends, and she might have an idea that could help. She could ask others for help, too.

  “Thank you.”

  “So, you haven’t had anyone to talk to and you let it bottle up.”

  Julilah nodded.

  Momma Rodriguez pinched her cheek. “You have so much on your shoulders. Come on, let's get you something to eat. Fresh food is the best, no matter what my son says about these storage rings. I just got a new kitchen. It would be a waste not to put it to use.”

  Julilah rubbed her hands together nervously. “I don’t want to interrupt your break.”

  “Girl, I don’t have anything I would rather do than make you something to eat.” Momma Rodriguez put her hands around Julilah’s and looked into her eyes.

  “Okay.” Julilah smiled.

  “Good, I’ll need your help in the kitchen!” Momma Rodriguez patted her hands and stood up.

  Erik woke with a start and glanced around the Expert alchemy room. He wiped the drool running from the corner of his mouth. “Crap.”

  A knock at the door came again.

  “I’m coming!” Erik stretched out his legs, getting creaks and pops, his body shaking. He’d fallen asleep cultivating mana, reading a book, cross-legged on the floor.