Khenal
patreon
Chapter Two-Hundred Eighty-Nine
🕑 Added 2024-09-10 02:03:57 +0000 UTC__________
Olander
__________
He hasn’t felt this apprehensive about a delve in a long time. On paper, he should have nothing to worry about. Looking around his suite and all the notes, though… that’s a lot of paper trying to reassure him.
He shakes his head, trying to clear it as he prepares his pack. Knowing each and every piece of gear he’s bringing helps him focus on what has him so uncomfortable with delving Thedeim. He’s not worried about dying, at least. Even if the dungeon has been playing some kind of long game, even if it turns murderous on him, he’s confident he’ll be able to get out.
It’s the rest of the town that he’d need to worry about. Thankfully, while his gut is telling him to be wary, it’s not screaming at him about danger. Ironically, those are the situations he does the worst in. If some dungeon just needs to be knocked down a couple pegs and quarantined, that’s a simple, if dangerous, task. In a murderous dungeon, if he were to somehow fall, someone else would be able to take his place, or a group of people. Either way, the threat will be handled.
The upheaval from Thedeim isn’t that kind of situation, unfortunately. He can’t slash and fight his way out of accidentally destroying the local economy if he upsets the dungeon. “Just a normal delve,” he tries calming himself, going over the myriad of reasons that won’t happen. He’s hardly inexperienced with dealing with dungeons, even if most of his experience is with belligerent and murderous ones. He won’t accidentally upset it by fighting. The dungeon even wants to fight him, wants him to face the zombie Rocky.
He spent some time going over the detailed report on the zombie scion, and he’s very glad he did. With any luck, he’ll get to watch a few adventurers have a match with him, so he can get a feel for what he’ll be up against. No matter how many reports he reads, they won’t compare to getting to see the scion fight with his own eyes. A lich that fights with its fists is a difficult concept to wrap his head around, but there’s far too many reports for him to ignore it.
He could go to the local Adventurer’s Guild and ask them directly, but why not go to the dungeon itself? Which is why he’s preparing his adventuring kit. He’s not bringing his full kit, much as he’s tempted. His cover as an experienced adventurer will let him bring a lot of things, but his best armor and weapon will be dead giveaways for his identity, as well as some of his more potent trinkets. No, better to bring his well-used things, the sort of stuff that bears the marks of use, wear, and repair.
The memories that come with them will also sell his cover, as well as help calm his nerves as he comes close to finishing his preparation. He could go to the guild, maybe interview a few of the members before he delves, but that’d just be putting it off. He has a mountain of notes scattered around and over the desk in his room. No, the time for the accounts of others is over. If he wants more, he’s going to need to get some firsthand experience with the dungeon Thedeim.
He’ll probably still visit the guild after his delve, though. That kind of rowdy atmosphere is just the thing to help him cool down after a good delve. He smiles at the rising sun as he exits the inn, enjoying the cool sea breeze. The morning still has a bit of a bite to it, but the locals don’t let it slow them as they go about their jobs.
There is one last temptation to face before he enters the dungeon, and he is not strong enough to resist it today. That troll definitely knew what he was doing when he gave Olander a sweet roll with his order the other day. The thought of sweet cobble bread has been bouncing around his mind ever since, and it’ll be just the thing to give him the energy to have a productive delve!
He gets it fortified, of course. One doesn’t turn down a good buff, no matter how overleveled they might be for a dungeon. He’s had stronger buffs, but he can’t offhand remember having a better breakfast. Hopefully the baker continues to level. Considering the line as he leaves for the dungeon, there’s no fear of her stagnating.
He enjoys the treat as he enters through the gates of the manor, mentally noting the subtle change in the air that denotes a dungeon’s territory. It’s only his training and experience as an Inspector that keeps his stride steady as he feels the attention of the dungeon settle upon him.
He’s felt malevolence, felt cold calculation, emotionless weighing of how much mana he’ll make. He’s felt the joy of a toybox, the hunger of a murderous, but never something like this. Warmth is the simplest way to describe it, with a strong undercurrent of curiosity. Other dungeons always seem to wonder how much mana he’ll give them, but this one feels like it wants to see his reaction to what’s in store.
He tries not to swallow his current bite too heavily, but can’t hide the look of caution as the Voice crawls out from under the porch, making a direct line towards him.
“Ah, Olander! Come to officially accept the quest? From that pack, looks like you’re here to do more, too.”
He slowly nods, trying to find his footing with the Voice. “Yes. I’ve heard a lot of things about delving you, so I figured I should get a look around before joining Berdol for the official inspection.”
“Cool. You want a guided tour?”
Olander eyes the rat cautiously. “Is that… normal?”
Teemo shakes his head. “Nah, but you’re not normal either. I don’t know exactly how strong you are, but the Boss says he doesn’t have much that could challenge you. He figures the best way to keep you from being bored is to show you around a bit.”
He fights the urge to squint at the rat, suspicious of how self-aware the dungeon is. “What would that involve, exactly?”
Teemo shrugs. “Mostly me following you around, pointing out things the Boss thinks are cool. Oh, and helping you get around. The Boss has a lot of territory, so it’s easy to miss things if you don’t know what to look for.”
“I’ve read the packet… though they did say it might be out of date. That’s the whole point of doing the official inspections, right?”
Teemo smirks and nods. “That’s what they tell me, yeah. So, is there anything in particular you want to see?”
“I think I’d most like to meet as many scions as possible. The packet says over a dozen scions, but…” he trails off as Teemo nods.
“Yep, Boss has a lot of them, though a few are still out on expedition. I don’t think it’ll be difficult to meet the ones still here, though. I’d suggest starting with either Poe or Tiny, since they’re the closest.”
Olander takes a moment to recall the information on the scions. “That’s the raven and spider scions, correct?”
“Yeah. Tiny is over in the hedge maze, while Poe is just up on the roof.” Teemo points, and Olander can see Poe peering over the edge at him. The cold calculation that’s missing in the presence of the dungeon itself is there in full in the look the raven scion is giving him.
“...I don’t think he likes me much.”
Teemo just scoffs and waves off his concern. “He’s not nearly as mean as he looks. I’ll head on up and meet you there? You can have some fun with the encounters in the manor, or head straight for the attic. There’ll be a boss there, but I don’t think you’ll have much trouble with it.”
He heads for the porch before stopping and turning back to Olander. “Oh, and don’t forget to take the quest from the porch! I know you said you accept, but the aranea are making it an official quest. If any others catch your eyes, feel free to accept them, too. Just take the plank with you. Simple.” he parts ways with Olander with one more wave before vanishing under the porch, leaving Olander alone with only a few other early delvers.
With little else to do, he approaches the porch, letting him read what’s on the multitude of hanging signs. A subtle glance upward lets him see the aranea stationed in the rafters. A few are looking through peep holes to see the gates and approaching delvers, while others tend to the dangling threads holding up the plaques like strange decorations. He browses them for a couple minutes, surprised to see ones even suggesting delves in Hullbreak or Violet. None catch his eye, until one drops down to dangle right in front of him.
Prize Fight Rocky
That’s the one. He stares at it for a few long moments, wondering if he should accept or not. He wants to, no doubt about that, but he’s walked into enough traps over the years to be suspicious of something he wants so badly. Because if Rocky is as strong as the locals believe, Olander the retired adventurer might not be victorious. He could take the loss without worrying for his life, in theory, but could he personally accept that?
Could he let a challenge like that pass him by, let a chance to truly cut loose slip through his fingers just to try to avoid politics? He takes the plaque, already knowing the truth inside himself. Blowing his cover is worth it to have a real fight, to have to try, to strive for victory. Accepting the quest pop-up is hardly an afterthought as he pockets the little piece of wood. It looks like he has a little over a week before he’ll get a chance to really get the measure of this dungeon.
Until then, there’s delving to do. He can’t keep the smile off his lips as he explores the manor, even with how massively outclassed the denizens are. Even with the vast disparity in power, they manage to keep his interest. Though the first encounter could have been straight out of the Dungeoneer’s handbook, they quickly step it up with the encounters constantly coming from new, unexpected angles. He doesn’t need to use any skills to deal with them, yet if he were to slow, he’d start taking hits.
This dungeon knows how to challenge someone! If this is what the lowest of the dungeon has to offer, what about the scion made to fight? He eyes the timer as he climbs the ladder to the attic, wondering if he’ll be able to wait that long. The anticipation is already more painful than any delve he’s had in a long while.
Comments
AssumedPseudonym
They *leave* in a week. I don’t know about making it back to Fourdock that fast. It did get pointed out in the preparations for the war with the Maw that the trek to Southwood isn’t a quick one, even with the shortcuts Teemo made.
LinaBoeckwurm
Actually, not just Kindle, I have the paperback of the first book and the second book is on it's way to me right now. So at least in the Netherlands the paperbacks are available.
Raufgar
Indeed, since Destructive Inteference can be used on ALL spells and likely all spell effects. I doubt the king will look kindly into something that can easily grant access to his treasure vault or break his personal shielding.
Raufgar
Kindle only. And only in selected countries. Which is sad since I can't get it where I am.
Loren Loiselle
Have we seen what tier Olander's class is, yet
Ben Bass
TYFTC! Wow, Thediem really has Olander caught hook line and sinker! This is definitely going to be an interesting fight, and I think Olander is really going to enjoy the delving of Thediem. I am glad he was able to get through his apprehension and is now really interested in sparing with Rocky!
Eriach
He released the books?!
Eriach
Both!
mly85lc
Maybe zombies could fulling role of pioneer or compact sapper? Thous defined as one of fighting infantry, capable of providing 'organized and intelligent labour' for engineering operations. Be it bridges building. preparing field defenses, walls/barricades, pitched. Field encampments or makeing roads. Give them something like battel axe whit pickaxe head instead spike so they're can dig trenches. A Mediuim size shield for protection that can be carry on pack while working. A spear that can act as a trowing spear and say slig whit lead ammunition for longer range attacks. That takes care of fighting part. Then A knife, shovel and bunches of wood- stoneworking tools . A some backpack whit sturdy freame, and a bags of holding and they're good to go.
mly85lc
Zombies thought. They're one off MC few dungeon creatures whit ablity to hold tools and wepons soo they could be potentially go for both ways seeing They're better moments coordination. acumption They're are also bright that normal Zombies that is.
mly85lc
Then again if even ravens that die on scouting bring back information whit them after respawing. mayde its not that big a deal?
mly85lc
Dos eny one remember if Ravens and zombies have specialised either on rescue or fighting? Or are they're still on "normal setting"? I think Ravens could haven gone either way as theyry are air scout's so exstra sense for spotting things current state is kind of usfull. On the ohter hand fantasy's world then do have some epic air moster and land moster whit range attacks so better manuver ablity could come handy.
mly85lc
Plus if so accomplish and renewed old elf who says he don't have partner or two on capital.
mly85lc
Meh i kind of get . Strongest among old delvers type vibes form him. plus confidant of king. Add that titel of crown inspector. And he's bonded to have some seremonial official duties and conference alongside political duties even if he dont like them form time to time.
Markell
Last chapter with Arianna mentioned he’s coming back in a week having set up the new dungeoneers guild outpost
SpagettiSuppeee
Is Tarl coming back? Or just his reports, since he is opening a new branch?
Aerowarrier
Course he’d have to report in person every now and then, but that can’t be all too often realistically. Again, his job is almost entirely performed over letters anyway
Aerowarrier
I figure he probably doesn’t NEED to actually live in the capital. Most of his actual job is traveling to other towns and sending back reports, why can’t they just send the assignments to him when they come up? He could pretty easily just make Fourdock his new base of operations
Cha0sniper
It's actually really cool to see how excited he is
Durphymcbob
as much as i would love that, he does work for the king in the captial, but he probably could afford a vaction on on the coast of fourdock.
chris Bell
Haha he comes for answers leaves with alot more questions 😅 he in for a roller-coaster of ah that's why that makes sense wait he does what bahahaha
Logos
Thanks for the response. One thing that's probably influencing me is that when I started reading this story I could just keep clicking next. Now that I'm caught up I have to wait! Anyway, thanks for writing this great story. I always look forwards to tuesdays and fridays
Aerowarrier
I’m as excited for him to fight Rocky as the next guy, but I’m also excited for him going to the adventurers guild and meeting up with Tula again. That girl is adorable and the two of them hit it off before. Let’s be real, she’s gonna be the deciding factor for him sticking around more or less permanently as a lot of people have been assuming he will
Markell
Olanders fight is in a week… Tarl is coming back in just a week… oh boy fun times ahead.
Lord-Siver
thanks for the meal
Khenal
I don't really have a defined length for the peeks, but the chapters have been pretty consistently 1800ish words, though some do bloat to 2400 or more on ocasion
Ethan Barrow
TFTC!! I absolutely love the energy Olander is giving into this. This is gonna be amazing to read.
Elmithian
The method for dealing with the spell is... something Thedeim really doesn't think is wise to reveal to the world just yet. And when a fate dungeon has a really bad feeling about something... it is probably best to follow that feeling.
Liam
Thank you for the chapter, I can’t wait to see Olander and Rocky to Portland and all the strength there will be a bottle for the ages.
big man
I do feel like they are getting shorter but this may be them cooling down from all the writing with the maw.
MattUDFells
Don't forget the ice sage quest and the AntHIL academy
LinaBoeckwurm
This is going to be great! Olander is fun. Sounds like he is sooooooo going to burn his cover during the Rocky fight XD Either way, looking forward to it!
Logos
Is it me or are both the chapters and the peeks getting shorter? I've not done any word count analysis, but subjectively it seems like updates are over quicker than they used to be. It could also be that I'm just enjoying the story more.
Red Armadillo
The constant battle, can I wait so I can binge the entire delve/fight or do I keep being the addict and read every new hit as soon as it drops
Typhoonator
Oh man, this is gonna be fun. I doubt we're getting a time skip, but that chapter felt rather short. I'm listening to the audible versions of the first two books, and am lamenting the wait
C
Ugh. Now I have to hurry up and wait.
Geoff Urland
Great chapter! Totally random thought related to thinking about Oleander's reaction to meeting Thing: Has The DM forgotten about the life drain counter spell Thing came up with? It's seems like getting the word out about that would potentially save lives.
Speedsaber
And so it begins
Durphymcbob
Love,Sugar, and magic.
Tim Judge
I'm beginning to wonder whats in those ever so slightly addictive rolls. :-0
Herakilla
Thanks for the chapter! Now we have to wait even longer though!
Kia Vaderkit
Step by step, a story to be savored. Looking forward to the next few chapters.
Munirah Hutchinson
Aw! I love his excitement. I hope we get to follow his delve from both perspectives.
rawrfish1
THATS IT!?!?!?! I’m so excited for the orlander chapters!!!! Thank you for the reading! Can’t wait for him to encounter tiny though! His trip through the hedge maze will be a highlight honestly
BrokenLord321
Regardless of how this fight goes it's gonna be interesting and I ABSOLUTELY can't wait to hear the crowns reaction!
Daniel
How about all of the above? At least that is my reaction!
Marla Parraguirre
The DM enjoys a good challenge for his delvers! I'm sure Olander is about to become a kid at Disneyland for the first time. Ooh. I can't wait for the next chapter!!
Michael Phillips
Thank you for the chapter! Argh! Now I don't know what I'm looking forward to more, the prize match, the scions from Olly's perspective, or a return to the four seasons woodland extravaganza!
Staples01
Yay! Challenge officially accepted! TYFTC!
Durphymcbob
QUEST ACCEPTED. Ohohoh, the fun realy begins Olanders time for you to learn how we do things in thedium
