Chapter 26. the 2nd floor challenge.
Kara laughed boisterously at his words. "That's the spirit wolf. I will be your healer for the rest of this trip. But know that neither Astrid nor myself will intervene during the fighting. If you get yourself killed and sent back to the mortal plane, then that's it until you get another chance at the dungeon."
Gavin nodded. "I figured as much. Wouldn't be much of a training dungeon if I had help." He looked around, half expecting a door to appear somewhere. "So, how do we reach the second floor?"
"Follow along now wolf." Astrid said as she turned and started walking. "It's not far from this spot actually."
Veronica, are you sure about trusting them? I have a weird feeling about this.
Yes, I believe it is safe to trust them for now. Use their experience and help to get through the dungeon. Plus, if they do turn and kill you, at least death for you isn't permanent in the dungeon itself. There was humor to her words that caused Gavin to smirk despite the danger.
Thanks Veronica, that is such a comforting thought. He shook his head as he felt her humor wash over him and calm his nerves.
They walked on in silence for a short while before the forest gave way to a large door set on the side of a rocky wall. There were magic runes and symbols carved on it and a thick black chain went across it. "Is this the end of the dungeon floor?" Gavin wondered as he looked around to see the green field around them, then back the way they came and the edge of the dark forest.
Astrid nodded. "It is. Each floor will have a door similar at one end. It does not appear until the floor's dungeon boss is defeated." Her words were short in explanation as she lifted her hand and pushed against the polished surface. The runes lit up and the chain fell away as the door swung inward.
Torches filled sconces in the wall beyond the door as the staircase led them deeper into the dungeon. It was only a few short minutes of walking before they reached the door at the end of the staircase.
"Before we proceed, you need to know a few things about the next floor boss." Astrid said as Kara hummed a mindless tune nearby.
"Okay, what would that be?" Gavin turned his attention to the blonde Valkyrie.
"Beyond this door lies the second floor. It is a massive cathedral home to the Vampire Demi. They are a race of quasi-immortal beings created by Lord Thanarion." Astrid began as she turned to face him.
Oh great, immortal vampires? How in the seven hells am I supposed to kill them? Gavin's mood turned sour as he considered possible meanings to the quasi-immortal wording.
"They are skilled magic users; you don't have a chance in an upfront battle using magic. You must learn to see through their deception and illusionary spells. There is also a curse on this floor. If you stand still too long in one spot, your health and mana will slowly be drained. Also, be mindful of the shadows, for many assassins' dwell in them." Astrid's cold tone could cool a man in the desert as she gave him all the information.
"Well, that is deceptively helpful." Gavin complained as he took a deep breath. He felt his mana, now fully recovered thanks to Kara's magic and his eyes glowed a deep red as a result. He strode forward and placed his hand on the door. The same runic symbols that were on the first door glowed faintly as the door swung inward and Gavin took his first steps onto the second floor.
Not sure what to expect, Gavin was surprised by the dark stone walls that surrounded him. The walls were lined with torches that lit up at his approach, but Gavin noticed that they did not provide enough light to illuminate every corner of the hallways.
The smell of mildew, mold, and dampness filled his senses as he walked forward, ears alert. I wonder how many enemies I'll have to fight this time to pass.
Quest alert received.
Defeat the immortal arch enemy known as the vampire.
Ten enemies remain.
Reward. Instant level up.
Bonus quest. Complete the second floor without becoming enthralled to the enemy.
Reward. Instant skill level up of user's choice.
Well, that answers that question, doesn't it? The fact it gave two very useful rewards from the system tells me it's going to be a long fight. Gavin considered his options. These were supposed to be resistant to magic and had a larger mana pool than he did. So brute force was going to be his option.
I believe that is a good summation of the situation, master Gavin. Veronica chimed in, reading his thoughts on the matter.
Gavin felt his mana surge through his body as that familiar burn in his veins started. The bones in his limbs cracked and grew in length as razor sharp claws extended from his nails. His tail grew from his back and his mouth elongated into a wolfs snout as black fur manifested over his body.
"Time to ring the dinner bell." Gavin muttered as he threw his head back and activated one of his skills. Hunter's Howl activated.
Gavin roared at the ceiling, his rage filled the entire cathedral crypt, alerting everything with a consciousness of his arrival. Astrid and Kara took a hesitant half step back as the effects of the Hunter's Howl washed over them, but they did not run.
Movement caught Gavin's attention as a pale figure lunged from the ceiling above him. Gavin barely managed to jump back and avoided the creatures' clawed nails. Gavin's red eyes narrowed on the Demi Vampire in front of him.
Thin with pale skin, it had long black hair pulled back from his face. Pitch black eyes filled an impassive face as he regarded Gavin with amusement. "A wolf? I heard your kind went extinct, and yet here you are, defiling the wonderful air."
"You can talk?" Gavin was surprised and didn't expect actual conversation from the dungeon enemies. The wolves never uttered a sound beyond a snarl or a growl.
"We aren't all mindless beasts compared to the first floor." The vampire responded as he threw his hands out and an earie black mist filled the hallway and obstructed Gavin's vision. "Come in deeper, if you dare." His mocking laugh echoed against the stone.
"Damn it! Quit playing games and just fight already!" Gavin roared as he focused his mana on summoning a ball of light magic in his hand. The ball illuminated the hallway, eating through the black mist to reveal the vampire had vanished. Cold, cruel laughter echoed through the halls.
"Use whatever magic you want. It makes no difference to us. We will feast on your blood and make you one of us."
"One of us. One of us." Multiple voices echoed that sentiment as Gavin looked around for the sources.
"In your dreams blood bag!" Gavin roared his fury ignited as he threw the ball of light magic down the hall. It revealed every nook and cranny of the hall. There was no place for another vampire to be hidden.
Gavin slowly walked forward as he remembered what Astrid said about a curse that would drain his mana and health if he stood still for too long. He noticed a distinct scent that filled his nose when the vampire dropped down. It was of rusted metal and death.
Not rust, but dried blood. Veronica corrected him gently.
Right, that makes sense I guess, still gross.
Gavin slowly made his way through the bottom of the catacombs. The original hallway he entered continued straight for some time until it suddenly opened into an intersection with three other directions to choose from.
"Great, now which way do we go?" Gavin wondered as he lifted his head and tried to sniff the air. The problem was there was too much mold and mildew in the air. He couldn't trace which direction that vampire went down. Suddenly Gavin cried out as a blast of fire magic hit him in the back from the path to the right. He could smell the singed fur along his back as another blast of fire struck.
A cackle ran through the hallway as a blast of air came from the left and hit him in the face.
"Okay, now this is getting old quick." He remarked as he ducked low to the ground and slapped his palms against the floor and earthen spikes erupted from the floor of the catacomb, spreading quickly down both paths.
He could hear nothing more as he ended the spell. He sniffed the air and this time he picked up the faintest odor of rusted metal, or blood as Veronica informed him earlier. It came from straight ahead and he ran forward at full speed, Astrid and Kara left behind at his sudden outburst of speed.
"I gotcha now." He grinned like a madman as he closed the distance with one of the vampires. The vampire had a shocked expression on his pale face as Gavin closed the distance much faster than he anticipated.
"That shouldn't be possible." The vampire muttered then choked on a cry of pain.
Gavin grabbed the vampire's collar and slammed him against the wall. The vampire cried out from the impact as the wall spider-cracked behind him. He clawed at Gavin's chest; panic filled the vampire's eyes.
Gavin gritted his teeth as the vampire's claws slashed against him. He expected some kind of intense pain, but he looked down to see the claws barely broke skin. So, they are magically skilled, but physically weaker. They can't pierce my skin. "Those aren't claws on your hands. These are true claws." Gavin snarled in his face as he ripped his hand away. Blood erupted from the vampire's neck as its life essence flowed freely.
The thick, black blood covered Gavin's body as the vampire gurgled against the wall, its hands attempting to stop the blood loss. The light went out of the vampire's eyes as he crumpled to the ground at Gavin's feet.
One of ten vampires was defeated. Nine remain.
Gavin grinned at the message that appeared at the bottom of his vision. These guys aren't so tough. Pleased though he was at having defeated one of the vampires so easily, Gavin was grossed out by the putrid stench of blood that covered his body and filled his nose.
"Damn it, I can't smell anything other than this assholes blood now." He complained as he looked at his body. The faintest sound of a striking boot caught his attention from up ahead. Gavin turned and started to walk towards the source. The sooner he defeated these guys; the sooner he could take on the floor boss.
As he made his way through the lower catacombs of the castle, he entered what appeared to be a dining hall. It was old and in obvious disrepair. Tables lay busted and chairs snapped in half. Broken mugs and plates were smashed on what tables remained standing. Dark red stains covered the white linens. Even the bar counter was ruined beyond what Gavin would consider salvageable.
Bones from discarded bodies littered the floor. Gavin could barely walk through without hearing the crunch of bone under his foot. Rats scurried from his path as he moved through the carnage.
His ears stood straight up as he carefully looked around. He checked the corners of the room when suddenly two vampires lunged from the shadows like true assassins. One had his arm raised and a blade of shadow magic like a sword formed in his hand. The other had a whip made of fire. They both struck out with their magical weapons at Gavin.
He rolled, quickly dodging both their strikes as he regarded them carefully. A wave of fire came flying at him. He had no choice but to throw up a rock wall from the ground to block the torrent of flame as he ran to the side. Right as he did so, spikes busted from his own shadow. Gavin cried out in pain as one of the spikes pierced his side.
He gritted his teeth as he struck down with his hand and smashed the base of the spike before he pulled it out. Yup. That's the magical skills I was expecting from Astrid's warning.
Gavin let loose a feral snarl as he narrowed his gaze on both the targets. One of them was already moving, his hand stretched out, and a large fireball went flying towards his head as the other vampire threw up a wall made from shadows that blocked his escape.
Gavin looked around for an exit, but it was too late. Gavin covered his face by crossing his arms in front of him and braced for the impact. The heat of the flame was the first thing that Gavin felt as he struck the backs of his arms. Then the burning fur filled his nose as his anger rose. He was faster than them. Stronger than them. How in the heck did he let himself get taken by surprise like this?
Alert. Health is at one hundred points out of one forty. Veronica's warning filled his mind as he threw his arms to the side and let loose another howl. Hunter's Howl activated.
Gavin didn't expect much from that skill against vampires. So, he was pleasantly surprised when the effects worked. Both vampires froze as Gavin roared his fury and used the skill. I guess it was a good choice to increase the intimidate skill after all.
Gavin watched both vampires frozen with fear as they just stood there. He ran over to the first one, since the effects only last thirty seconds, he didn't have much time. He grabbed the shoulder of the vampire and thrust his clawed hand through the chest, its undead heart in his palm as his hand exited through the back. Blood spurted out from the wound onto Gavin's chest once again as he squeezed his hand and the heart dissolved into fine dust.
A second Vampire was defeated. Two of ten.
Gavin grinned as he withdrew his arm soaked in the blood of the vampire and looked at the second one. He had a theory to test as he walked over and gripped the skull of the vampire and lifted him up in the air. "You guys are extremely fragile physically, aren't you?" Gavin asked the vampire, but no response came as it was still under the effects of his skill. The arm of the vampire twitched slightly, and the vampire suddenly grunted.
He pulled his legs up and kicked off against Gavin's chest. Gavin let go in surprise as he jumped back clear of the vampire. There was some strength in those legs. Which begged the questions. So why am I able to overpower the vampires so easily? Is it a shifter trait I don't know about? Or a wolf thing?
"You shouldn't be this strong. Your strength, it's like the stories of ancient legends." The vampire uttered while fear took root in his heart.
"It doesn't matter! If I kill you all the glory will be mine!" The vampire roared in fury as both his arms ignited with flames. The fire grew in brightness that illuminated the entire mess hall. "Die you mangy mutt!" the vampire screamed as he threw his palms towards Gavin, and a massive wall of fire came screaming towards Gavin.
Gavin heard the crackling of the flames and could feel the heat even from this distance as he quickly debated what to do. Then an idea came to him as he decided to take a page out of Tessa's book. He concentrated on his mana and dived into his own shadow momentarily while the wall of flame went harmlessly over his head.
The vampire started to celebrate when he didn't see Gavin. "Haha! You must have been devoured by the flames of hell." The vampire laughed boisterously in celebration as he looked around and didn't see his large black were-wolf opponent.
"Think again." Gavin muttered as he jumped out of the vampire's shadow and grabbed him by the back of the neck. With one quick twist of Gavins' wrist, the vampire let out a cry and crumpled to the ground.
Three out of ten vampires were defeated. Seven remain.
Gavin looked around as his chest heaved from his exertion. His limbs burned slightly from work, but he was pleased. He had taken out three vampires so far. From what Astrid said these weren't weak creatures and their magical spells certainly had some power over them.
His back still burned from the earlier impact and his arms were sore from blocking that second strike. He could feel his stamina slowly depleting as his were-wolf healing began to take effect in mending his minor injuries. Perhaps on my next level up, I'll spend everything on stamina to help with that were-wolf healing skill.
Gavin rolled his shoulders as the pain lessened in his back. He wanted to get this place done and over with. The dark cliché castle was creeping him out. This felt like a videogame level he'd played a thousand times back home, and he never liked these kinds of levels.
He quickly walked through the tunnels, head on a swivel. He wouldn't be taken by surprise again. He continued along the path, going up a flight of stairs and beyond as he eventually ended up entering a giant room. It appeared to be a throne room in an ancient castle. Thick stone pillars, cracked with age, lined the walls the length of the room. Old tapestries hung from banners in the ceilings and a single chair made from a black material stood at the back of the hall.
The throne itself was stuff made from nightmares. It looked like it was made from bones of their victims. A single wide seat with bones protruding from the sides for arm rests and a tall back that was lined with skulls of different races across the top. Dark red steins littered across the white bone of the chair.
"I take it you must be the floor boss." Gavin muttered as he took stock of the large, opposing creature that sat in the giant black throne. The creature looked up from where it had a strange looking beast by the neck. The vampire looked up from his position and continued drinking from the carcass.
It was a standoff that lasted several tense moments until the vampire tossed the drained husk to the side and wiped his lips. His black eyes shone with malice as he regarded Gavin at the other end of the hall.
"You must be the latest favored brat from the Koray." The creature responded with a lilting cadence. "We do not need to fight young wolf. Come, drink by my side and together we can forge an army that can take on the gods themselves." The Vampire Lord's lilting cadence was laced with mana as he spoke softly to Gavin.
Gavin took one step forward, then another as the magic filled his mind and clouded his thoughts. He's right. Is it even worth to continue struggling through this dungeon? Gavin wondered as the thought of joining the Vampire Lord in front of him was all too appealing.
Gavin! Snap out of it you damned fool! He is trying to enthrall you and make you his slave. Since when did the feral beast of a wolf want to become somebodies bitch?! Veronica shouted in his mind as a new message popped up.
Alert. Mental manipulation detected.
Veronica's words and the message distracted Gavin enough that he shook his head and used the claws on his right hand to tear down his left arm. The pain of the injury helped to clear the magic from Gavin's mind and his thoughts became clear.
"Nice try, you undead bastard. But I will leave here with your head." Gavin snarled as he howled.
Alert. Enthrallment disabled by users' actions. Attempt by the enemy Vampire Lord failed.
The Vampire Lord lifted his hand and seven cloaked figures dropped down from the ceiling. All of them had their arms raised at Gavin, different elemental spells poised to strike.
"I expect results." The Vampire Lord's lilting voice filled the room. "Bring me his body alive. I want to drain him myself." His command echoed with power and authority among the other vampires.
Alert. Floor boss detected. New quest received. Defeat the floor boss. Reward. One elixir of restoration.
Gavin grinned like a madman. His inner wolf was hungry for a battle, and he found himself surrounded by seven powerful vampires as they all aimed their spells in his direction. Fire, water, corrupted Light, Darkness, Earth, and Air elemental spells were sent flying his direction simultaneously. The very air crackled from the power of so much magical might being used at once.
Gavin glanced around, his head on a swivel as he did the only move he could at the time. He crouched low and jumped high into the rafters of the throne room. He grabbed onto one of the rotted wood beams and quickly swung his feet. He propelled his body forward as he landed behind one of the vampires.
The vampires reacted quickly, just not quick enough as Gavin slashed the throat of the one vampire in front of him. He crumpled to the ground as Gavin started running once more around the room. He jumped, dipped, dived and dodged the spells the remaining six vampires hurled at him.
The Vampire Lord raised his hand towards Gavin. Gavin could feel his senses altering as he found himself standing in the center of the forest from the first floor. He stopped midstride and looked around in confusion.
"What the hell?" Gavin muttered as he searched for the enemies that were just in front of him moments ago. Where did the castle go? How did I end up back here?
Suddenly Gavin cried out as he felt a blade of water slice down his chest. He swiped with his hand. Nothing to see. Nothing to tear.
Alert. Illusion magic detected. Alert. Health down to ninety points.
Multiple messages appeared one after the other as Gavin growled low in his throat. Veronica, what are the options here? I can't see them to kill them.
Analyzing. This is just illusion magic Master Gavin. You are still located on the second floor in the throne room. The culprit appears to be the Vampire Lord from the throne. A concentrated blast of mana should enable you to break through the illusion spell he placed you under. But be warned, using so much mana will risk running out and force shift back into human form.
Veronica's warning filled Gavin's mind. Another strike of magic landed against his back. He swung out with a clawed hand and again, hit nothing but empty air.
"Screw the risks." Gavin growled as he closed his eyes momentarily and focused on his mana. A sufficient blast of magical power huh? He recalled recently the way Veronica controlled his mana against the first-floor boss. He focused on his anger and the pain in his body as his arms trembled. His mana manifested around him as a dark red curtain. A powerful wind began to pick up around Gavin as he opened his eyes.
They glowed deep red as his anger mounted. He threw his head back and roared to the heavens. The sound echoed all around him as his mana blasted out in all directions. Dark red blades of mana made physically sliced through the throne room, ending the spell.
The air shimmered then shattered like broken glass as the spell was cancelled out. The blades of red mana sliced clean through the stone pillars as the wind picked up. Tables flew in all directions as the other vampires struggled to remain on their feet. Their black cloaks billowed out around them.
The lesser vampires were able to dodge the amount of blades at the start. But they were soon overwhelmed by the sheer number of mana infused blades that sliced everything apart they came into contact with. Multiple messages appeared to Gavin.
Fourth vampire was defeated. Six remain.
Fifth vampire was defeated. Five remain.
Sixth vampire was defeated. Four remain.
Seventh vampire was defeated. Three remain.
"You fools are useless!" The Vampire Lord shouted as he stood up from his bone throne. Dark grey wings unfurled from his back as his eyes glowed a vibrant red now. His entire body trembled in fury as he held his hands out and blocked the mana blades with his bare palm.
He closed his hand over the blade, and it shattered instantly. "This is just one single wolf. Bring him down already, or I will kill you myself!" The Vampire Lord glared at Gavin until he noticed something.
The fur on Gavin's arms receded slightly before returning to where it was.
"He is weakening you fools. Strike now!" he instructed as he threw out his hands and spikes of shadow magic erupted from the ground at Gavin's feet.
Gavin staggered slightly as he jumped out of the way, barely able to dodge the sudden strike from the Vampire Lord. His breathing was ragged as he fought to maintain his shift.
Alert. Stamina is down to fifteen points. Mana is down to twenty points. Estimated time remaining in shift is five minutes. Gavin, you must hurry of risk losing this fight.
Gavin grunted his acknowledgement. That was easy for her to say. Gavin still had three vampires and the Vampire Lord to face.
Gavin clenched his fist as he struggled with the fight. He strained to breathe as he jumped back and threw out a fist, connecting to the vampire that foolishly charged in. "I'm not so weak to allow myself taken out by the undead." Gavin snarled in the vampire's face as he grabbed him by the cloak and pulled the vampire closer. Gavin snapped his canines around the throat and ripped back.
Blood covered Gavin as he spit the pale flesh out of his mouth and winced at the rotting taste that filled Gavin's mouth. "Damn, you taste foul." Gavin complained as he noticed the counter tik up.
Eight vampires were defeated. Two remain.
Gavin charged forward to the two remaining vampires. He had only one more use of this skill left today so he had to make it quick. As he ran forward on all fours, he threw his head back and activated his skill. Hunter's Howl activated.
The sound reverberated through the throne room, eerie and foreboding. The first vampire hesitated as he heard the cry from Gavin. Fear gripped his heart as he struggled to move but his body refused to listen. Gavin quickly closed the distance as he lunged, landing with all four limbs on the vampire's chest and with a quick swipe of his paw he tore the throat out before he jumped off.
He approached the second vampire and just as Gavin was about to strike, the vampire jumped back out of reach. Damn it, the spell didn't last on this one. Gavin cursed as he gave chase. The remaining vampire threw out fire balls to kill Gavin. Gavin dodged them by jumping into his shadow and reappeared behind the final vampire. He opened his jaws and bit down on the vampire's head, twisting and tore the head clean from the body.
Ninth vampire was defeated. One of ten remains.
Tenth vampire was defeated. Zero out of ten remain.
Congratulations. Quest completed. Ten vampires slain. Reward instant level up.
Gavin gasped as he felt new energy enter his fatigued body.
Level six achieved. Health, stamina and magic have been replenished. All skill cooldowns have been replenished.
Current quests active.
One. Defeat the Vampire Lord. Reward one elixir of restoration.
Two. Conquer the second floor without becoming enthralled by the enemy within. Reward. Instant skill level up.
A volcano of blood erupted from the neck as the body dropped to the ground. Gavin panted as he spat the head out and glared at the Vampire Lord that stood in front of his bone white throne.
"You and me left big guy." Gavin grinned as he felt rejuvenated by the level up. I have a feeling it's going to take everything I have to bring him down. Gavin felt a slight tremble go through his body at the thought.
The Vampire Lord laughed as his eyes grew into large saucers. He lifted his finger and a purple miasma of mana exploded throughout the throne room. It washed over Gavin as it flowed out around the Vampire Lord.
Alert. Interference detected from the Vampire Lord. Regeneration is reduced by fifty percent, and all cooldowns are paused as a result. Leave the Boss's domain to remove status effect.
Oh, seven's hells. Gavin grimaced as he felt the purple miasma of the Vampire Lord's mana wash over him.
"Not so fast pup. My domain, my rules." The Vampire Lord flashed a fang-toothed grin at Gavin as his body began to tremble. The Vampire Lord growled low as his body enlarged and grew in height. His cloak fell off his shoulders as his skin turned paler and grew tight along his body. His black eyes glowed purple with his mana as his wings flared out behind him. His low growl turned into a horrifying shriek, the stuff of nightmares.
It looks like this fight is just beginning. Gavin thought as he braced himself.