Khenal
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Chapter Two-Hundred Ninety-Five
🕑 Added 2024-10-01 02:16:39 +0000 UTC___________
Olander
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Back in his suite, the elf pores over his notes, trying to make sense of what he saw from Rocky. Never in his wildest dreams did he think the zombie scion could do what he witnessed. He’s never seen liches do something like that!
His thoughts are even more jumbled than his workspace, though the mess of ink and papers is making a valiant effort to keep up. He looks mad as he scribbles, writing at a pace to make any trained scribe jealous as he records his thoughts. He calms as he goes, letting the questions remain on the paper he placed them, to be taken in turn without worry of forgetting anything.
He sighs as he finally puts the quill away, and gets to organizing. Much of his scribblings are either outlandish worries or wild theories, and can be easily put aside for later. In fact, looking over his thoughts now, he sees only two immediately important things: Thedeim provided the seed for Rocky’s fighting style, and Rocky’s affinity prowess is unheard of. Put side by side like that, it’s not much of a leap to guess that Thedeim has a deep understanding of affinities, too.
It lends all the more credence to the insane theory he is somehow a Lost dungeon, sealed away and only recently opened to the outside world once more. It’s a crazy idea, that he would be somehow trapped beneath Fourdock for ages, but he can’t imagine any other explanation for not only his growth, but the power of his scions.
Power he seems to be willing to share with his protege. He doesn’t know what judo is, but if it’s as strong as Rocky’s boxing, Onyx is going to be the strongest scion from a toybox ever recorded. Her being a shade already makes her rare, and even if she genuinely seems friendly and a little innocent, she’ll be a true nightmare to anyone unfortunate enough to earn the ire of her or her dungeon.
He jots that thought down and turns to his notes on Rocky’s fighting style, recalling how the zombie moved. His dexterity rivals the nimble fey, while his raw power is at the level of the strongest beast, and his magic…
It’s hard not to be in awe of it, even after all Olander has seen. On the other hand, it’s so impressive because of all he’s seen. Among scions, he’s only seen archliches wield opposing affinities with any amount of control and skill, and only a handful of mages can do the same. He recognizes the difference between Arcane affinity tricks and actual opposing forces, and Rocky was using the real deals.
Even more, he wove and utilized them like they were the same affinity! Teemo’s teasing words echo in his mind, but he can’t accept them. That is not how fire and ice work. He’s fought alongside enough friends and against enough foes with those affinities to know how they’re used. And, if the pamphlet from the Dungeoneers is correct, that’s not all of his affinities.
How can a single zombie have more affinities on his own than most entire parties?! A zombie, of all things! If he was a lich, it’d make at least a little sense, but no. He grumbles and stands, beginning to pace and try to burn off some energy.
He hasn’t felt this apprehensive since his final trial to become Crown Inspector. And just like back then, though there is some fear, there is a lot of eagerness, too. Sure, Rocky could cause untold devastation if he decided to, but any Conduit could probably do even more. Even more important to Olander, however, is the challenge Rocky can give.
The way he moves, the way he uses his affinities! There’s going to be a lot of people trying to mimic him in the coming years, Olander is certain of it. A fighting style like that should be translatable to delvers with minimal issue. If he wasn’t so used to his glaive, he might even try to dabble. Unfortunately, from everything he saw in that fight, the style is almost exclusively punches, with the occasional headbut thrown in for good measure. Olander needs both hands on his glaive to use it properly.
He stops pacing as he remembers something. It doesn’t take him long to find the paper in his notes, and he nods at the forethought of his past self. He should interview some of the adventurers. They’ll have a different perspective on Thedeim, but also should have better details about Rocky. He’s supposed to accept challenges, so getting to talk to them could give him a better understanding of how to get the most out of his impending fight with the surprising zombie.
He cleans himself up a bit before heading for the Adventurer’s Guild. Looking fresh from a delve is one thing among adventurers, but showing up covered in ink rather than blood sends a certain message, no matter the glaive at his back. It doesn’t take him long to look presentable as a semi-retired adventurer, enjoying a bit of down time, and soon he walks through the doors of the guild.
He gets a few curious glances, but most don’t pay him much mind. The thin orc at the bar watches him for a few moments longer than the others, before returning to preparing drinks and food for the relaxing adventurers. Olander is moderately certain Karn the Slight knows who he is, but the rogue is polite enough to not go spreading that around.
As much as he’d like to leave the guildmaster to his business, he really does need some advice for who to ask about advice against Rocky. He takes a seat at the bar next to some variety of birdkin with a smoking pipe. An eaglekin, perhaps? He’s never been good at differentiating the birds of prey. He’s smoking an interesting blend, which makes the wait more pleasant than he expected, until Karn stands before him.
“Olander, yeah? I hear you’re helping out the Dungeoneers?”
The elf nods casually. “I am. I also have a quest in the local dungeon.”
Karn grins at the understatement. “Oh really? I’ve heard a couple rumors, but I‘m definitely not running a betting pool on how it’ll go.”
Olander snorts at that. “Well, who would I talk to to improve my odds? I got my first hint of what he’s capable of yesterday, and I’m hoping to learn a bit more.”
“You can ask pretty much anyone, really. I think only Aelara’s and Vnarl’s groups have resisted the urge to go a round with him. If you want my advice, though… I think it’ll take a different Olander with a glaive to beat him, and even that wouldn’t be a guarantee.”
The smoking birdkin chuckles at the absurdity of the Crown Inspector visiting Fourdock, and nods at the sentiment. Olander raises an eyebrow at that, and addresses him.
“Really? Have you faced Rocky then, friend?”
He nods and takes a drag from his pipe, savoring it before exhaling and elaborating. “I thought I could handle him once. I have both wind and fire affinities, and I’ve never seen an undead withstand my conflagration spell.” He chuckles at himself, taking another drag before continuing. “I felt like a fledgeling again. What portions he didn’t simply dodge, he suborned to his own use. He danced through the spell, gathering what portions he wanted, before darting forward with a punch. I barely knew it was coming before I woke up in a healing slime. The spectators tell me I was launched clear out of the ring and into the strange denizen.”
He smiles at the memory, tapping out his pipe onto a provided tray. “It’s good to be reminded there are still greater heights to soar to.” Olander eyes the birdkin as he talks, getting a feel for his level. He’s certainly not new to adventuring.
“Just one hit?” he asks for clarity, and the birdkin nods.
“One hit. Many of his fights are decided in one, though he’ll sometimes take the time to soften people up before going for the finish. His fight with Rhonda, Freddie, and Larrez is one everyone remembers.”
“A party? Did they win?”
He squawks in a laugh. “Goodness no! But they put up a spectacular fight. You should try to get them to share the tale themselves.” He turns to look out into the rest of the guild. “I don’t think they’re here right now, though.”
“Do you know where I can find them?”
“Respect their privacy, Jirt,” interjects Karn, and the birdkin nods.
“I’m sure you’ll bump into them around town. A goblin mage of a sort, an orcish paladin, and an elven swordfighter. They’re young and more casual than most of the adventurers here, so they don’t really want publicity just yet. But mark my words, they’re going places.”
Karn nods at that description, and Olander does his best to commit that to memory. “What about the groups that haven’t fought him yet?”
Karn nods at Jirt before walking off to tend to other adventurers, leaving the two to chat. “Both groups have their reasons, though I can only guess.”
“What do you guess?” asks Olander, quietly placing a coin next to the adventurer’s pipe. He casually scoops both up and starts idly packing the pipe as he thinks.
“Well, for Aelara’s group, it’d be a bit of a conflict of interests, I think. Aranya and Yvonne are both Residents. I’m hardly a Dungeoneer, but I understand those with close ties to a dungeon don’t generate as much mana as those unfettered? They get plenty of adventuring out in the wilds, scouting or dealing with Ranger business. As for Vnarl’s group…”
He pauses, using a finger to create the flame for his pipe. “I think they’ve had enough of Thedeim’s scions. They provoked Poe to a fight by threatening Yvonne. After knocking them out, Thedeim imprisoned them until they could escape through the gauntlet. Their relationship is warmed now, but I think they’ve had their fill of fighting his scions.”
“Are they here?” asks Olander, eager to hear their side of the battle. Jirt looks out over the guild once more and nods.
“They’re in the middle there, the troll, halfling, and wood elf.” Olander follows his gaze and nods before standing.
“Thanks. Enjoy your pipe.” The birdkin nods and settles in as Olander approaches the group, earning a squint from Vnarl as he gets near.
“Do I know you? You seem familiar.”
“Probably not. I’ve been mostly around the capital for years now.”
Vnarl’s squint intensifies before he shrugs. “So were we. We probably bumped shoulders somewhere. Anyway, you need something?”
“Well, I have a quest to fight Rocky, and I hear you’ve tangled with some of Thedeim’s other scions? I’m trying to get a better feel for what I’m up against.”
The halfling snorts where the other elf looks a bit sympathetic. For his part, Vnarl just grins. “Hah! Maybe that’s where I know you from then! Thedeim has your face plastered everywhere he can put those notices!”
“So can you help me?”
The troll shrugs and motions for him to take a seat. “I probably shouldn't, I bet on Rocky, but I’ll do what I can. We’ve steered clear of Thedeim's scions after Poe.”
Olander gratefully takes a seat. “I heard a little about that, but would you like to explain? Oh, I’m Olander, by the way.” He offers his hand and they shake it in turn, introducing themselves.
With that out the way, Mlynda speaks up first. “We were stupid and thought we could take on the world. If we took the time to gather info like you, we’d probably still be in our old guild.”
Hark chuckles and elbows her. “At least that worked out well for us. Slim Chance is a way better guild.”
Vnarl nods. “And Thedeim’s a way better delve than anything in the capital, too. Anyway, there’s not all that much to tell about the fight, honestly. We had the bad luck to discover Poe’s titles. Even before he embraced them, he took Hark out of the fight.”
Hark winces at the memory and nods. “He swooped down from the roof, grabbed me, and bounced me off it, a tree, I think a second tree, and then the ground.”
Mlynda continues. “He directed the crows and ravens around to attack us, and even with a combination attack, Vnarl and I were pretty beat up by the time we dealt with the other birds. Then the expeditions returned. We never stood a chance.”
“Is that why you haven’t challenged Rocky?”
All three laugh, with Vnarl explaining. “A bit, yeah. Mostly though, we’ve seen him fight. Whenever someone gets the idea to challenge him, we try to be there to watch.”
Hark finishes the thought. “I don’t know if we’d even lose in an interesting way. We’re kinda midrange specialists. Even without the ring keeping things close, I think he’d close the gap no matter what we do.”
Olander hums and nods at that, recalling what Jirt said about Rocky dancing through his conflagration. “Any other advice?”
The group shrugs as Mlynda speaks up. “You could try the guild library, if Karn doesn’t mind. It has a lot of accounts of delves in Thedeim, and pretty much everyone writes about their bout with Rocky.”
Olander nods at that and stands. “I think I will, and I’ll pay for your next round, too.”
The trio grin at that and raise their mugs in a salute as he goes, and it’s not difficult to get Karn's attention once back at the bar. “The next round at Vnarl’s table is on me, ok? And can I check out your library?”
Karn nods at the first, and after a few second’s consideration, nods at the second. “That should be fine. Just try not to get in the librarian’s way. She’s been busy organizing, and I don’t want you to mess her up. It’s just up the stairs, can’t miss it.”
He nods and places a few coins on the counter before following the directions, and is surprised to see a familiar face among the tomes. “Tula! I didn’t expect to see you here! How goes your search?”
She brightens and smiles, placing her books on a counter so she can greet him properly. “Olander! I still haven’t found whatever an ice sage is, but this library makes up for it! The organization is…” she trails off and blushes a bit, realizing he probably doesn’t understand the intricacies of handling books. “Well, it’s novel and incredible, but I won’t bore you with the details.”
He laughs. “Well, I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself! Hang on, you have a fly in your hair. Let me…” He reaches toward her, only for her to flinch away and stop his hand.
“No! She’s… well, they’re all assistants, I guess?”
Olander gives her a confused look. “Assistants?”
She nods. “I think the local dungeon is into books! I’ve tried asking around, and apparently he has a bee scion, and these are some of her helpers. They’re very polite.”
Olander still looks confused, but now that he looks over the small library, he can see a small hive developing in one of the high corners. “If you say so. Heh, Karn said to not mess with your system, so I’ll trust you. Do you have the book on the fights with Rocky? I’m doing a bit of research of my own.”
Tula is more than eager to show him where it is, and he lets her guide him. In a dungeon, he may be king, but this is Tula’s domain. He’ll follow her lead.
Comments
Aerowarrier
Huh, when did that happen? I’ve never heard of that actually being a thing, it just made sense to me
AssumedPseudonym
Khenal has already jossed this, heh. Suspicion of this (probably by Order) is why his assorted undead had a “(?)” after their type for a while and Khenal said he was even planning on doing it that way, but he ultimately decided against it and abandoned that arc. (I really hope during Thedeim thinks to ask about that the next time he’s at a board meeting with the rest of the gods.)
Pantheon
Imagine if you were sent to investigate this nice elven craftsman that everyone seems to like, and you arrive to find that Sauron the Great, Beloved By All, is de facto in charge of the entire region now and when you go to meet him all he does is sit on his throne and smile while occasionally offering you this nice food called popcorn that you’ve never heard of.
Pantheon
I can’t wait until Olander finds out that Thedeim is a god. Imagine how that looks from his perspective. A dungeon randomly appears in an unimportant town- and then blitzes their way to apotheosis with such explosive speed that no mortal authority it hasn’t already subverted is even aware of it happening, utterly crushing or conquering anything that gets in its way. That’s not something that just happens! Thedeim can only be a mastermind of staggering intelligence and patience. He bided his time below Fourdock for who knows how many millennia, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When he does, every action has been planned out, every obstacle has been meticulously catalogued and accounted for. By the time the crown hears about a weird dungeon and dispatches someone to investigate, Thedeim has already ascended.
Ethan Barrow
Good catch, i must have just had a brain fart while reading.
The-Guy-Who-Asks
I think the word used was incredible not indescribable.
Ethan Barrow
TFTC!! It's ironic to call a sorting system indescribable when it's whole purpose is to be described to make finding things easier.
BrokenLord321
His butler probably already knows ironically.
Durphymcbob
All of thediums undead are udead humans, but no one can tell via the levels of decay, I love that idea
Ben Bass
TYFTC! I am really enjoying seeing Olander’s reactions to exactly how different Thediem and his scions are and how much he has integrated into Fourdocks. I can’t wait to see how the fight actually goes!
whomp whomp
That is an insanely unique and awesome take and I've now incorporated it into my headcanon
Andar Drethnok
Freddy not Rocky
Kali Smith
Thank you for the chapter! I’m loving this build up to the fight! I wonder if Thediem will have the food court/mall section set up. And if bargaining creates mana…
Aerowarrier
Can’t wait to see Rezlar’s sheer panic when he realizes the Crown Inspector himself is in his town xD poor guy is gonna have a heart attack
Aerowarrier
Dude Teemo is gonna have so much fun with jokes about how something won’t happen until rats fly and then just start floating around xD
Aerowarrier
I wonder if Rocky has such a better time understanding Thediem’s thoughts than the others because he’s a zombie based on humans rather than one based on anything from this world, so what’s left of his brain is already programmed to think that way. It would explain why he’s the only one to really understand what TheDiem has been saying on a fundamental level, since pretty much all the others have needed him to explain it to them
Demonlord
What an amazing chapter 😊 Thank you very much 😊
LinaBoeckwurm
Oh I hope we get another chapter from Tula's perspective! Loving Olanders side! Honestly, the bits we've had with the two of them together really feel like really good chemistry between the two, and both of them being outsiders.... I have been loving their takes and views! This, this quiet buzzing of everyday life, the growth and excitement while technically nothing big is happening but at the same time... Somehow, everything is big and important even the small interactions.... This is why I love this story. You are amazing at writing about the daily life around a dungeon, making it a story we're all invested in!
PickledTink
Hit titles are: Marshal, Marshal of Murders, and Lord of Unkindnesses. Marshall of Murders refers to him being in charge of Crows, a group of which are called a Murder. Lord of Unkindnesses refers to him being in charge of Ravens, a group of which are referred to as an Unkindness. There is a peek detailing all of the titles for each scion here https://www.patreon.com/posts/peek-updated-106329709
PickledTink
Just trying to imagine the look on Olander's face when Teemo finally cracks Gravity and shows off an entirely new affinity by doing the breaststroke through the air around him.
Raufgar
Thanks for the chapter~! You tried, Karn, you tried. It was a forgone conclusion that Rhonda's and Freddy's prowess will become known. Now it is just a matter of time before he meets up with them and Rezlar. Likely Rezlar will recognise Olander instantly, probably met him at a party or something.
Stormtrooper
Ah! That's what it was, thanks for the correction!!
Magnadra
Marshal of Murder, Lord of Unkindness I think... damn I am through the Audio books like 4 or 5 times I should know them
Zachary Hanson
Don't forget Marshal of unkindness!
Raufgar
Marshal of Murders, Lord of Unkindness.
ColdBlooded Network
I have been summoned and I weep in the glory of thine work word smith. This thread stands perfectly in place in thine tapestry of beautiful code. Though I await early the Day it shall grace my ears once again In a beautiful melody on audible.
Stormtrooper
Ah the good old Poe! Lord of Murders, if I'm recalling correctly
Tsume Eiranis
Thank you for the chapter. Looking forward to the bout and more :) Also, for edits: "He dexterity rivals the nimble..." <- should be "His dexterity..."
Anthony Felscher
TFTC!
Anthony Felscher
This is the real questions...
Cordell Patrick
It might be that space mages start showing up because of the novel use of the shortcuts Teemo makes and it might revolutionize the transport of the kingdom allowing him to continue his job but always return
Cordell Patrick
Oh this is gonna be a fun showing
Ch W
I wonder what the reaction would be if Thedeim said he was an undead dungeon. Tarl or somebody told Thedeim he's a lost dungeon and he replied.
Hello!
They were in the guild when the had the second bout with Rocky. Larrez was there and he drafted both Rocky and Rhonda into the Adventurers guild. Remember Larrez needed party members.
Carl Gherardi
Probably not. They weren't in the Guild then, and I think only the enclaves were in the crowd
Brandon C
Is Rhonda’s bout with Rocky where she got her class recorded? If so, she’ll be Olander’s new target for information!
chris Bell
Nawww he meet up Tula again i think this royal inspector will come out of retirement for four dock or retire there got a dungeon the enentertains him aswell as intrigues him, a love interest, with his expansions he will have more fun areas for more experienced adventures that town is about to have a boon with the oocean lanes reopening....definitely a great place to move laid back and relaxing with a growing eeconomy and plenty of exciting things to do in the future.
Herakilla
Thanks for the chapter! Always fun to watch someone with strength and experience trying to figure out all of Thedeim's rule breaking nonsense. I cackled at the recollection of Teemo's line about how the affinities work
David Rusk
Poor fool doesn’t know what he’s in for
Emma Baker
Thanks for the chapter. With all Thediem’s advertising, will Rocky’s arena have enough space for the audience? Can Teemo make more space?
Matthew Frasier
I am loving how the story is developing!! The lead up to the Maul fight was dark and stressful feeling. After the harbinger was sealed away it has been amazing! By no means am I saying I didnt like it, just to clear that up. Its all been a great ride! Light feeling and more dungeon development! Seeing towns people thriving because of Thedeim everyone enjoying life! Gosh I love this story! I'll do my best to continue to support you Khenal! You have quickly become my favorite author! Please keep up the amazing job! Every character, every chapter, all the world building peeks! It's all so great!
Black Esper
Thanks for the chapter.
Durphymcbob
Brain and brawn.
BrokenLord321
Ok these two are gonna make one hell of a power couple I'm calling it.
Marianamystery
Awww, this was such a nice chapter! It's good to see Olander learn more about the oddity that is Thediem, and his unorthodox scions. Good luck to you good sir, you will most definitely need it!
Durphymcbob
Olander and Tula have met once again! Good job olander doing research on your opponent before the big fight, i wish you luck. And the bees! Little friendly bookeeper bees that is just adorable.
David Rusk
First to comment!
