Dungeon Master (Karma System)

”Ugh. Can’t we hurry up?” Rod asked while riding closer to his father.

The older man rolled his eyes. ”You insisted that this was the best dungeon around and that nothing else compared to it. I even made specific arrangements based on what you reported. But now you are in a hurry? You weren’t in a hurry when you had my guards beat you up every day.”

Rod huffed. ”You know why I did that. But now I need more skills to train.”

A young woman pulled her horse beside the father and son while they trotted through the forest.

”I would be more concerned about your level, little brother.” She said. ”You spent a week at ’the most amazing dungeon in the world’ and you are only at level 10.”

”Bah, you don’t get it Cindy. My teacher wants me to stay at level 10 until I learn 2 more skills and then beat the first level. I am building an unshakeable foundation.” He repeated for what must have been the fifth time.

”Sure, sure, whatever you say little brother.”

”Just wait. Even you, a level 20 won’t have any easy time on the first level.”

”We will see about that.” Cindy said while her eyes narrowed towards Rod.

”Okay, don’t bicker. We are almost there.” Their father said when he saw the end of the forest up ahead.

Rod couldn’t wait and spurned his horse into action. Cindy not one to be outdone quickly chased after him.

An old grizzled man with an eyepatch rode up next to the exasperated father.

”Are you sure this is a wise move, My Lord?” He asked.

Halbin Titters nodded. ”I am not basing this on what Rod said alone. Gilmore Winters reported his finding as well. If we capitalize quickly it will truly be our boon. I know you don’t like change Cotton, but we can’t miss out on this while others are taking advantage of the opportunity.”

”Aye, I understand. But the previous training camp has been in place for the past 15 years. Now that you are suddenly restructuring it based on secondhand information, I can’t help but be apprehensive. From the reports I have received, the guards have already begun dismantling the barracks at the Goblin Mines.”

Lord Titters nodded. ”I received the same report. They should arrive the same time as we do.”

The pair led their horses out of the woods. Rod and Cindy were racing towards Crag Mountain in the distance.

Across the grassy field he could see several wagons lead by armored men on horseback heading the same direction.

Halbin Titters slowed his horse’s pace. Coming out of the forest behind him, several wagons were filled with young teens who hopped to make a name for themselves in the Lords personal forces. His advanced guard rode beside them. Bring up the rear were several free adventurers that had heard about a new dungeon and were following along to check it out.

Half an hour later, both convoys met up in front of the dungeon.

Cindy was impatiently waiting in front of the large doors that led into the dungeon.

Halbin dismounted his horse and walked up to his daughter. ”Where is your brother?”

”That stinky boy said he was going to run in and find out if there was any way for use to get into the village without having to be defeated first. That little punk doesn’t think I can beat level 15 monsters and is so sure that I will be defeated.”

Lord Titters let out a laugh. ”Don’t be too confident honey. Gilmore Winters couldn’t even take on the level 15 creatures on his own. If Gilly couldn’t do it, then I don’t think I will have a chance either.”

Cindy’s eyes widened. ”But, you are over a dozen levels higher than him. How can you not beat it?”

Halbin put his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. ”The only reason that Gilmore hasn’t surpassed level 50 is because of his profession. If he were an evil man, it would be much easier for him to level up. But for an assassin to be righteous, he must walk a difficult path. Just because his level hasn’t risen fast doesn’t mean his skills haven’t been honed.”

Before he could say more, his son walked out of the dungeon.

”Any luck?” Halbin Titter asked.

”We just have to go through the stables.” Rod replied. ”It’s easy enough.”

///

Max changed into a nice suit while Anna double checked her appearance.

They were both excited, it sounded like Rod had brought a lot of people with him.

After checking himself one last time, he informed the automatons and gnomes to be prepared to receive guests in the village square.

Max stood back with Anna and watched.

The first through the portal was a dignified man. A short and well-maintained beard covered his face. His armor was polished but the nicks and scraps showed that it had seen combat. Rod followed the man. A young woman in her early 20s stepped out behind them. Just from looking at the 3 faces it was easy to see that they were related. Max assumed this was the father and sister that Rod had mentioned.

An automaton rolled forward and began to speak to the group as an old, scared war veteran joined the family.

The father continued to listen as people began to surge into the square. More automatons rolled forward to give them a general overview of the dungeon.

Max held Anna’s hand while they both trembled in excitement.

There were at least 50 teens and 30 well armored guards and 20 loose adventurers. Max wasn’t sure why so many arrived at once, be he wasn’t complaining.

The couple smiled at each other. They actually had a little over 100 people in the dungeon. Not only that, but the stable reported that it was caring for over 50 horses.

Max calmed himself when he saw Rod leading over the dignified man.

”Mr. Clarkson?” The man asked.

”You can call me Max.” The dungeon master replied.

The man nodded. ”I am Lord Halbin Titters. My son has told me good things about your dungeon. I hope you don’t mind that I brought a few people with me to look it over.”

”Not at all.” Max said with a warm smile. ”The more, the merrier.”

”Good. I wonder if you are free to sit down sometime to tomorrow and discus a few things.”

”That shouldn’t be a problem. When you decided on a time, let a gnome or automaton know and I will be there.”

”Very well. Now if you will excuse me, I need to get these people settled and then I would like to try your dungeon.”

Max nodded with a smile as the man turned and moved to the square.

”That went well.” Cindy whispered. ”Seemed like he was easy going and willing to meet at your convenience. It shouldn’t be too hard to get what we want.”

”Maybe, maybe not.” Cotton said while the Lord nodded in agreement.

”What do you think Rod?” Cindy asked.

Rod shrugged. ”Mr. Clarkson is easy to get along with, but he is not to be trifled with. And Cindy, I know you like chasing skirts, but stay away from his wife. I saw you eyeing her.”

Halbin stopped and turned to his daughter, giving her a serious look. ”Do not cause any trouble. Mr. Clarkson is a man we cannot afford to provoke.”

”I was just looking.” Cindy said in a sulking tone while pouting.

”Do no more Lass. The entire time we were talking to them, I felt like he was a sharp sword ready to fall on us. I wouldn’t be surprised if that man knew exactly why we were here already. Stay sharp and focus on exploring the dungeon.” Cotton said.

Cindy nodded seriously. If Cotton was warning her then it must be serious.

Lord Titters approached the captain of the guard who stood at attention. ”See the teens to one of the low-cost inns. And cover the cost for a night. Your men can stay where they please. Let the adventures do what they will. I want everyone to make an attempt on the dungeon before dinner and then we will meet. Remember to go in teams of 5.”

”Yes sir.”

”Heath.” Rod called out. ”There is a cheap inn at the end of second street. It would be a good place for the other teens. If they can pass 3 encounters in one day they can earn enough dungeon coins for their own lodging and meals.”

The guard nodded and then began to round up the recruits with the other guards.

///

”They seem like a nice family.” Max said to Anna.

”I agree. I wonder what they want to talk about tomorrow?”

”Who knows. Maybe they are looking for some sort of deal.” Max replied.

”That would make sense.” Anna then checked the clip board that DC had provided her.

Unlike Max she preferred to have something solid in her hands when working with others. The system wouldn’t appear in front of her when there were things to address unless it was an emergency. Instead, the information would appear on her clipboard.

Anna flipped through a few papers and then turned to Max.

”I am going to make sure the hospital is ready to receive a large group incase we run into bad timing.”

”Okay, sounds good.”

”You may want to make sure you are finished tinkering with the second level. With this many people here, it may not be to long until someone beats the first level.”

”True, true, I should get to work.”

Max leaned forward and gave Anna a peck on the lips before he disappeared from the village.