27 Chapter 27 (1/2)
Chapter 27
”Here we go.” James had figured out that not only could he set his instance's screen to alert when adventurers were fighting his boss or specific mobs, he could also set up an alert to let him know when certain adventurers had entered his dungeon.
As such, James had set an alarm to alert him whenever Z and his guild entered an instance. Because of this, he had spent the last 12 hours splitting his attention from watching more demonic farm shenanigans, planning out his dungeon layout, achievement hunting, and watching Z's group.
The achievement hunting had been renewed courtesy of watching Z's group. Before James had started just passively collecting his achievements, having too much fun watching the events in his dungeon, while also suffering slightly from a lack of sleep. In fact, he had almost forgotten to start new research when his loot research completed, having only remembered when Rue asked him about it.
He had made a mental note to apply some loot and trap related to his changes soon, waiting though for the first time his boss was slain. For that reason, with a level of mob research started, James patiently began hunting achievements as Z and his group did the same. Achievements after all seemed to be a quick way to level, at least early on.
By the time Z and his group had hit level 6 and returned to the dungeon with their upgraded gear, James had managed to complete over a dozen achievements, many thanks to foolish adventurers, and his higher leveled mobs. These achievements had helped him nearly fill his resources back up, and pushed him past the 20,000xp mark, meaning he had another rank up available.
”You better hope they actually succeed.” Rue had summoned her bowl of popcorn again, as James pulled up the instance with Z's group. ”You have a lot of work you've been putting off for this.”
She was right, he needed to rank up, apply upgrades to his mobs, all of which he had at least 2 upgrade points for, and begin modifying loot percentages. His mob research would also be done soon, and James was sure that would give him even more to do. He had to give it to the developers, they definitely made sure a dungeon would have plenty to do.
”I'm sure they will.” James was glancing over Z's group, noticing they had all returned with noticeably new gear. Oak had a new iron shield, and his sword seemed a little heftier. He had also seemed to purchase himself new armor, replacing the heavy leather he had covered himself in previously. Now he was wearing leather armor that seemed to be studded with metal pieces. A definite improvement for the reluctant tank.
Z and Elm both had matching bows, new cloaks and leather armor, as well as what appeared to be quivers full of arrows that appeared to have dicken feathers on them. James was curious how effective those arrows would be, and was surprised when Z killed a sacrificial lamb with a single dicken arrow. They were definitely ready.
Faust and Med Ic appeared to have changed the least, and while their robes seemed to be of a slightly finer material, James knew magic classes would likely require higher levels to begin purchasing their beneficial gear. Generally mages and clerics utilized various forms of amulets and charms to improve their abilities and powers, and those types of items just weren't going to be available this early on. It would take a while for crafters to begin being able to make such items, and James knew precious gems and metals were going to be impossible to come by currently, simply because he hadn't put them in his mining area yet.
”Wanna make a bet?” Rue was grinning at James as the group approached Old Man Jenkins. The boss was relaxing against a couple hay bales, his hat pulled low as he puffed on his pipe.
”More resources?” When he lost his first bet to her, 10 resources had magically been pulled from his available resources, and James was curious just what the pixie would do with them. He had to admit, part of him was nervous about giving her more resources. But at the same time, he was a gamer, and gambling was part of his nature.
”But of course.” The pixie flashed him a grin and a wink, as she nodded towards the group. ”20 resources says Z dies again.” So far, Z had one more death than the rest of his group, thanks to his surprise death by the sacrificial lamb. It was a fact the group had enjoyed mentioning every dive to the leader, much to his dismay.
”Deal.” James was certain the archer wouldn't fall this time. He knew the guild leader would do everything he could to avoid further embarrassment. He was also slightly curious what would happen if he won the bet. Rue only had 10 resources that he knew of. Could the AI just generate resources on a whim?
”You sure we are doing this?” Oak, continuing to appear to hate his roll, was looking from Z to Old Man Jenkins. The boss currently was puffing away at his pipe, barely paying them any heed.
”Yup, there are a few groups that just hit level 5. You know they are going to be pushing for instance first.” Z grinned as he raised a finger towards the sky, making what appeared to be a finger gun with his hand. ”I'm not gonna throw away my shot.”
”Really man, Hamilton? Again?” Faust and the others groaned as Z shrugged and grinned at them sheepishly.
”Hey, that soundtrack is still amazing.”
”It came out in like what, 2017?” The rest of the group started to spread out as Oak spoke.
”And? How long ago did Monty Python come out? Classics are classics man.”
”He has a point.” Rue was smiling knowingly as the guild leader finished his comment and took up a position near Elm, nocking a dicken arrow in his new bow. James added Hamilton and Monty Python to his ever growing list of things to research when he woke up. He didn't like not getting the references this group appeared to be making.
”We start on your taunt Oak.” Z drew his arrow back, and Elm did the same. Faust stood ready to cast a spell, and Oak nodded, taking a deep breath.
”Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!” As Oak yelled these completely meaningless words, a wave of force seemed to roll out from him, smashing into Old Man Jenkins.
The boss let out a roar as he stood, his eyes narrowing on Oak. Without warning, a flaming pitchfork was in his hand. If James had to guess, the taunt had worked.
”Let's do this.” Arrows ripped free from bow strings and smashed into Old Man Jenkins, digging deep into the boss's flesh. To his credit, even with all of his roaring, he managed to keep his pipe in his mouth, even puffing out bits of smoke between roars. As more arrows sunk into him, the archers doing their best dps, magical bolts smashed into his chest.
James could tell all of these attacks were having more of an effect than they had when the group was level three, and he had to wonder just what kind of increases the party had gained with their new equipment. Old Man Jenkins had 25 armor and magical armor defense points, meaning he blocked a flat 25 points of each type of damage, per attack.
”Looks like they upgraded.” Rue's comment pulled James from his mulling, and shaking his head, he pulled up Z's character sheet real quick. He didn't need to ponder such things, when the game would let him simply look up these stats on his own.
Z
Level 6 Archer
1550 xp