28 Chapter 28 (1/2)
Chapter 28
”Come on, you're so close.” Rue's voice was distant, and it took James a minute to focus on her. The days had come and gone, and they were nearing the end of the seventh day of the adventurers being in the dungeon. That meant, counting his initial 24 hours in during his 'tutorial' James was nearing his 200-hour mark, and the completion of Sleep is For the Weak. He glanced weakly at his character sheet, his eye struggling to stay open. The 10000xp reward from the achievement would put him into Tier 2. He just needed to stay awake a little longer.
”This is hell.” He grumbled as he shook his orb, trying to wake himself. Whoever designed this achievement, was a jerk. James had marathoned games before in immersion, but he was usually constantly doing things. As much as he was fascinated with his role of being a dungeon core, there was only so much amusement to be had, meaning there was a lot of down time.
”Will this help?” Rue waved a hand, and a large mug of coffee appeared in front of him. He could literally see the steam rising from it, and ironically, there was a little eye formed on the top out of cream. It was a kind gesture, and he really could use a caffeine boost right about now, there was only one problem.
”And how am I supposed to drink that?” He wasn't sure if the AI was purposefully messing with him, or if her character hadn't thought of that fact. The pixie shrugged, and took the coffee in her hands, gingerly taking a sip.
”Well, if you're not going to have it, I will.” She had bags under her eyes, as she had spent the last two days awake with him, at his request. If it wasn't for her company, he would have failed the achievement on the sixth day. His willpower was wavering.
”You do that.” James was browsing slowly through his tabs, trying to push past the mental fog hanging over him. Had he done everything he could? Was he maximizing his resources and time?
”Ah crap.”
”What is it?” Rue glanced over his shoulder, her cute form pressing close to him. For a second, he felt the drowsiness lift, though another fog quickly fought to take over.
”I forgot to start another research project.” He had been so good about starting brand new research the moment another finished. Mainly because he knew ever little second counted, and because he was interested in what research would unlock next. So far, he had 2 levels in Enhanced Research, 2 levels in Loot, 2 levels in traps, 2 levels in mobs, and 2 levels in boss research. After James had finished his first level of mob research, he had chosen to wait 24 hours for a 2nd level in Enhanced research, utilizing that 2% decrease to research times to speed his progress a little. It seemed every time he reached a new level in research, the amount of time required doubled. Any and every reduction in time would be helpful.
His last research had been his boss mob level 2 research, and it ended roughly 10 hours ago. He had just wasted 10 hours of research time. Ugh.
”Well, at least you caught it now. What are you going to research next?” Rue was being unusually kind right now, and James was certain it was because the AI could tell he was nearing his limit. He assumed messing with someone that was sleep deprived wasn't as amusing for the pixie as when she was picking on him when he was rested.
”Hmmm.” James read blearily over the options, before decided to pump another level into Enhanced research. It would take a little over 47 hours for that research, but it would be worth it. In fact, James made a mental note, which was probably his fifth or sixth page of mental notes, to just research enhanced research up to level 5, before working on the others. Time was of the essence after all.
”I'll do another Enha-” A yawn broke out, and he fought to stifle it ”nced research again.” He made the choice and closed the window, just as a flashing light from his instance tab caught his attention.
”They're back.” James felt a little more energy rush into his form, as he pulled up the instance tab. Sure enough, a party of five had just walked in, all comically wearing an entire set of demonic farmer gear. The Knights of Ni had returned for one last dive.
”Going to place another bet?” Rue rubbed her hands together greedily as the group walked in, and James had to grin. His pixie was insatiable, she had a larger gambling problem than he felt he did, and he was a gamer.
”What is it this time?” They had been placing bets every time the group came in, and James had a feeling Rue was taking advantage of his sleep deprived state to make as many resources as she could. So far, she had won over 100 resources off him, and he had only won 20.
”100 resources,” Rue eyed the group, almost inspecting them, before she grinned. ”I bet they make a comment about a holy weapon. Perhaps a grenade.” Her eyes were sparkling, energy flowing into her. He wasn't sure if she was excited about the group, or the caffeine was taking effect.
”Deal.” James had no idea what she was referencing, but there was no way that would come up. He was really looking forward to an easy 100 resources. It would help him touch up his floor even more. The floor was really coming along, though he knew it would still be a while before it was perfected. Through various achievements, he had earned a lot of resources, enabling him to put up various small structures, enlarge his corn and wheat fields, and even implement a resource storage unit, which looked like a grain silo, next to his barn. As a Tier 1, Rank 9 Dungeon, with one storage unit, he could now hold 2000 resources. He had a little over 100 left currently and was sure with the extra 100 he won from Rue, he could finally add in the tractor he wanted to for aesthetic purposes. 200 resources for a big green tractor.