Chapter 59 (1/2)
It was around 2 o’clock in the afternoon when Glendel followed Regina and the rest of their group, driving their convoy down the road towards Donnyton. While it had been cleared by some enterprising individuals, in preparation for Donnyton’s expansion, but it hadn’t been very professionally done, and the road was quite bumpy.
But still they made it to the town, and slowly headed up, a group of 60 some women and Glendel, following after Regina.
To their surprise, the attitude at Donnyton was grim as they arrived. Almost the entirety of the village, almost 1200 hundred people, gathered around a tall pole that was erected on the slope between the NCC village, and the Classer Compound.
Through the crowd, they saw Mrs. Hamilton, and Regina walked over. “Miranda, what’s going on?”
Miranda Hamilton turned to the group of new arrivals and smiled. “...I apologize, this has just been a very intense morning. The kept dungeon was improved to level 10, and when it reached that level, there were some changes. Increased difficulty, but also increased time compression. So you needed to spend more time there. Apparently up to a week. The first group to go in, when they realized they weren’t going to be kicked out after 24, started rushing for the boss, to escape before they ran out of food.
“Ultimately, they were able to make it, but… “ Mrs. Hamilton’s eyes were slightly wet as she looked to the monument, where three names were being carved into it by a serious faced Sam. “Their squad leader died defeating the boss. He was…. He was one of the original 12 or so that received a class from Donny, on the first day. It’s just… a sobering experience.”
Regina nodded slowly, a sympathetic expression on her face. “Death is always difficult-”
“Especially when it comes so cheaply.” Mrs. Hamilton said bitterly. But then she wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to the group. “But I won’t trouble you with the details. Come, I’ll take you to Donny and Nul.”
****
When they got to Donny, Daniel was also there, and Daniel took the time to explain a little in regards to classes, what little they knew, about the three options, and where they came from. He also explained the mentor system. Then he proceeded to talk about why some individuals were currently just raising their skill level, in the hopes of getting a better 3rd option.
“Actually, Ma’am.” A voice interrupted, “If you would like to wait a few minutes and let us ahead of you in line, we can finally test this hypothesis.”
An older man with short, grey hair and two axes strapped to his back walked up with a portly, bearded man.
“What do you mean, Sam?” Daniel asked.
But Sam didn’t respond. He was just smiling slightly at Regina. Who, in fact, was smiling back, her mouth creeping ever wider.
“As long as it’s no trouble,” Sam said slowly.
Regina controlled her face, her smile fading to twitching lips. “No, be my guest.”
If Glendel didn’t know better…. Were these two flirting….?
“Ah…” Sam said, turning to Daniel. “Well Jerry just insists, he has to know whether this means anything, raising skill level. I’m telling him patience, it’s only been a week, but-”
“Someone has to be the first.” Jerry interrupted, and stepping forward towards a blandly smiling Nul.
Everyone was quiet for several seconds. Then Jerry swore quietly.
“Well shit. Now I feel like an idiot. The current power option. It’s Leatherworker. This shit fucking works. Fucking hell man, why didn’t you stop me?!?”
But Jerry wore a wide grin as he turned around and faced Sam, who slapped him on the back.
As the two left, Sam glancing over his shoulder towards Regina as he walked away, Regina’s group discussed their options. By the end, everyone had decided to wait, working their skill level up by helping out around the village.
Everyone except 1 person.
“Are you sure?” Regina asked her eyes curious.
Glendel nodded. “...Yes. If we are going to be here, I want to get strong, as quickly as possible. I know I might be able to find something more suited to me if I work at it for a while but… I’m just going to go for it.”