Heroes, Magic and Monsters

I had no idea how much time passed when I woke up. I looked around. Worm's corps lay on the dungeons floor. Near its mouth was pool of green blood. Lava worm was dead. I stared at it for a while, not believing that I actually managed to kill him.

Then my senses came back. All my body hurt. I touched my head. I had large bump, but at least my skull was not broken. My hand got the worst of it. It was covered with blood, and I did not even want to look at it. I tried to cast Cure spell, but managed it only after second try. I used Cure spell to heal my arm, and managed to heal most of it.

I approached worm's body. Adventurer guilds records mentioned that no monster will approach a floor guardian's lair. So I should be safe for a while. I needed rest. I needed to restore my mana and cure at least some of my wounds, or I will not be able to leave the dungeon alive. I can barely walk. One of my legs badly hurts, and I am limping. That's really bad. God dammed worm.

Well, no use to just sit around and wait. My mana will restore regardless of my physical activities. I used my dagger to break off some of worm's scales and cut out his magic stone. It was bigger than my fist. Am I rich again!

I heard that strongest monster had magic stones as big as human head. It could be used to illuminate a capitol for at least ten years. They costed hundred orichalcum coins, and one orichalcum coin was worth hundred gold coins. Level one monster magic stones were as big as my pinkie's phalanx, and costed single copper coin.

It took me some time to get acquainted with money in this world. Now I knew that smallest amount of money were small copper coins. They were a little bit bigger than one centimeter. Then there were middles sized copper coins that were one and a half centimeters large, and were worth two copper coins. Largest copper coin was the size of one ounce gold coin, and was an equivalent of five copper coins. Silver and gold coins hade the same size, with the same value. Smallest silver coin value was ten small copper coins or two large ones. The same was with gold coins. Smallest gold coins value was ten small silver coins. Most commoners earned less than ten gold coins in a year. Orichalcum coins had only one size. As big as smallest copper coin, their value was ten small gold coins, or two one ounce gold coins. Most valuable coins were made from adamantium. Also only the size of small copper coins, their value was ten orichalcum coins, or one hundred small gold coins. Adamantium coins were rear and most of them ended up in kings and nobles treasuries.

Wonder how much this magic stone will bring me, if I can manage to escape dungeon alive. I also tried to cut off worm's horns, but managed to get only damaged one, when my sword broke. Crap, my greed will definitely be the death of me.

An hour or more passed before I felt rested enough to try my attempt to leave he dungeon. I again used up all my mana to heal my leg. At least I should be able to run now. It will still hurt, but I will be able to do it, if my life will depend on it.

All my arrows were broken or damaged by lava, so I took out my spare quiver. At least my magic bag survived the fight, unlike most of my close. I expected my bow. It was not broken, but had a crack in it. I guessed that it will be good for two or three shots, before it breaks.

I waited a while longer till some of my mana restored and I could move again. I needed to leave. Do not know how long dead floor boss will scare of other monsters. Better leave, before I found out. I limped to the stairs. Climbing them was a torture. I looked at the third floor. At least for now it was empty. I hope, I will get lucky and leave the same way as last time, without monster encounters. I was half way through when rat monsters run towards me. They were holding their noses high, smelling the air. Dammit, they smelled my blood, like sharks in the water.

With wounded leg, I cannot outrun them. I had to fight. I killed two of them using my bow, before it broke down. I risked and killed one more using Magic arrow. I did restore some of my mana since I still was able to fight. I took my broken sword in one hand and dagger in another. Second rat jumped at me and I used my broken sword to lunge it in its mouse. Rat monster fell on the ground, coughing blood. Last rat bitted my leg, and I cut my lip, trying to suppress a scream. I hit monster rat with my dagger and severed rat's spine. Rat fell on the ground, but not before biting out piece of meat from my leg. That was my good leg!

I finished last wounded rat, but left my broken sword inside its mouth. I was too tired to take it out, and I have little use for broken sword anyway. I cut off peace of my cloak and used it to bandage my wounded leg. After a short rest I continued my escape. Now I limped on both legs.

Somehow I reached the stairs to the second floor. I rested in the middle of them. Blood continued to drip from my wounded leg. I again used Cure spell and managed to stop the bleeding.

Just two floors left. A short break on the stairs and back on my way. Second floor I managed to cross without any monster encounters. Guess I was lucky, that I killed all monsters on my way down. Again short break on the stairs and Cure spell. At least I stopped limping. One of the caverns had snakes in it. Four or more they were resting in caverns left side. I stayed as far away from them as I could, but they still smelled my blood. Snakes started crawling towards me, but exit was not too far away. I run as fast as I could, and managed to get out of the cavern. I continued running, until I could barely move my legs. I need stamina potion. I stopped, heavily breathing. Just a short rest. Then going again. Never was so happy to see the exit before. I walked farther from the dungeon to make shore that my blood does not attract any monsters.

I washed myself in the stream and felt little better. Then I used all my mana on Cure spell, and fell asleep.

* * *

Bird chirping woke me up. I moved and discovered that my body still hearts. I took last of my food out of magic bag and had some breakfast. Or lunch, judging from suns position. Cure spell healed rat bite on my leg, I checked it out. Not even a scar. I was worried about the scars, on my cute little body, but apparently Cure spell could take care of it.

My spare clothe were in my magic bag, so I changed to them. After that I expected my hair. They looked bad, lava burned half of them, and with heavy heart I had to cut them. I loved my long hair, have no idea how long it will take to grew them back. Burn in hell worm!

I was rested and food helped me get more strength back. I drunk water from the stream and returned to Grimsburg. At least I looked worth than I felt, when I returned to town. Gate guard looked at me, but did not say anything. I was not first adventurer who returned after a really bad day.

I wanted to rest in the tavern, but did not have a single coin on me. So first let's visit the Adventurers guild. I saw Leone and waved to her. After seeing my bruised face she immediately approached to me.

- What happened? Why are you alone? Is anybody hurt? Do you need help?

I waved her off.

- I'm fine. Looks worth than it actually is. I was alone so no one else got hurt, but I need to talk to you, in private.

I looked inside her eyes and Leone nodded:

- Come with me, - she took me to the back room and I took a seat in front of her.

- Well, can you tell me what happened to you?

- Forget it. I wanted to ask you something. If I sell you something, will the guild keep my involvement a secret?

- If that's what you want, then of course. We can keep our dealings with adventurers confidential in such cases.

- Good, - I took out the worm's magic stone and passed it Leone. Her eyes widened and she loudly swallowed.

- Please wait here I be right back.

She hastily exited the room, and I put the stone on the table.

Leone returned with the guild master and he sat down and took the stone. He carefully studied the magic stone and placed it in front of him.

- Leone tells me that you wanted to keep the selling of this magic stone confidential, - I nodded and he continued: - Understood. My I ask you, how you got it?

I grimaced: - No, don't even want to remember it.

- Very well, - he smiled, - I see that you had quit an adventure. Do you have anything else to sell?

I nodded and took out my loot. I started with the small staff, and then took out the honey.

- Can you tell me how much it is worth?

He opened the bottle and smelled it: - Is this the honey - bee honey?

- They looked more like wasps to me, but guess so.

Fiord nodded and closed the bottle: - It is worth at least four gold coins. It's very valuable and rare. Nobles use it as a remedy to restore their lost men's strength or to increase it. Do you have more?

Men's strength? I wanted to ask if they have a sleeping disease or something, when I realized what he meant. If I would have been a proper girl, my face would be bright red by now. Instead I decided to pretend that I did not hear anything and took out one more bottle. I decided to keep one to myself.

- Not bad loot. Are you sure that you want to sell it to us?

- Can I get an elixir as part of my payment? - my arm still hurt, and I was worried about restoring its full mobility. Elixirs were far better choice, than healing potions in such cases. I knew that Adventurers guild sold healing potions, but was not sure that they had elixirs in their inventory.

- We can arrange that, - Fiord looked at Leone. She nodded and exited the room.

- Do you have anything else?

I started with wasp stingers and finally took out lava worm scales. I kept worm's horn since I had another plans for it. Fiord carefully examined the stone like scales.

- Can you tell me what these are?I grimaced again.

- No. Besides you won't believe even if I tell you. Just appraise them, or whatever you usually do in such cases.

- As you wish. Now, about the magic stone. Stones of such size are called Magic gems. The biggest of them are national treasures. This one isn't big enough to be a national treasure, but it will still earn you around ten orichalcum coins. We will need to appraise it, before I can tell you its precise value. Also I doubt that we have enough resources to pay you right away. I am sorry. Will you be able to wait?

- That's not a problem.

Leone came back and gave me an elixir. Unlike red healing potions elixir had golden color. I opened the bottle. "It smells sweet" thought I to myself. I drunk the elixir and warmth spread through my body. It was sweet and tasty. All my wounds immediately healed. I took a look at my arm. Perfect, smooth skin, not even a resemblance of a scar.

- Leone, you handle most or miss Avone's party's business, right?

- Yes, ser.

- Good. I will appoint you as her exclusive receptionist. Make sure that her business with the guild is kept confidential and worn other receptionists that any information about Avone must be disclosed only after her approval. That is what you want, right?

- Yes, that will be great.

- I can't promise you that no information will be leaked, but whenever something like that happens we investigate such cases and deal with them accordingly. Any guild worker that loses our trust is immediately fired, and usually has trouble to find a well paying job. Other guilds and even nobles need Adventurers guilds help in one way or another and try to keep good relations with us. Can we help you with anything else?

- Can you take care of my hair? - I asked Leone jokingly.

- Certainly, - Leone nodded: - I will be right back.

She exited the room, before I could stop her, and guild master laughed.

- I will leave you to that now. Leone will take care of the rest.

Still laughing Fiord took the Magic gem and left the room. I sighed, that was in a way exhausting. But it went better than I expected. At least now I will be less noticeable and avoid unwanted attention.Leone came back with comb and scissors. She stopped behind me and brushed my hair. It felt surprisingly pleasant. No one brushed my hair before.

- Gods! What did you do? Cut them off with a sword?

- Of course not. Don't be absurd. I used my dagger.

Leone sighed and continued her work. She needed half an hour, before she was satisfied with the result. I think she liked it too much and that is why it took longer than it should have.

- Good. That's much better. You need to take better care of your hair.I expected my hair. It certainly looked better, but was only shoulder length not tail bone length, as before.

- Do you think it will grow back?

- It will in time, - Leone smiled: - But it will need time, and you'll need to take better care of yourself. My I suggest buying a comb and brushing your fair once they are at least waist length.

I nodded. Where do you even buy a comb in this town?

- Now let me appraise your loot.

Leone gathered the materials inside her magic purse and left the room. I fell asleep while waiting and woke up when she came back. I rubbed my eyes and yawned. Leone laughed and put a pile of coins on the table. This will be your earnings, counting the elixir. Eighteen gold coins, three silvers and five coppers. Elixir costs six gold coins.

- Thank you. Can I buy one more elixir?

- Of course I will bring it right away.

Leone took six gold coins and soon returned with one more elixir. I put it inside my magic bag and thanked her.

- Appraising Magic gem and gathering your payment could take several days. Please excuse us, but its rear for us to handle such valuable materials.

- That's fine. Thanks for taking care of me.

- That was my pleasure, - Leone smiled: - Is there anything else I can do for you?

- I would like to use the leveling crystal.

- Of course. Follow me.

Leone took me to the leveling crystal and opened the door for me. As usual she waited outside as I entered the room. I put my hand on the leveling crystal and familiar numbers appeared.

Elf, LV 10 - LV 13

Name - Avone;

Job: Ranger;Status:

Health: 15 - 16;

Mana: 90 - 120;

Strength: 9 - 10;

Defense: 5 - 6;

Spell power: 7;

Luck: 1;

Speed: 6;

Morale: Neutral

Skills:

Archery (Advanced);

Night vision (Advanced)

Possible skill acquirement:

- Scouting (Novice);

- Magic resistance (Novice);

Please choose one skill!

Killing the lava worm gave me three levels. Just how strong was he? I heard that after level 11, adventurer stats increased by one every time. Starting with Health, then Strength, Defense and finally Spell power. And then from the beginning. Every level also increased mana by 10. That was good. Slow, but steady, so to say.

Next my skills. Scouting again. Last time I decided against it and chose Night vision. Was not really interested in it. Magic resistance sounded more interesting, that would increase my survival chances if I ever encountered someone like the lich again. It use was obvious from skill's name. Probably it will not be very useful in the beginning, but more than worse it if I can get it to master or at least advanced level. Magic resistance it is.

I exited the leveling room and Leone glanced at me:

- Is everything all right?- Yes, thank you.- Please feel free to ask me for help anytime.

I nodded and thanked her again. I went outside and took a deep breath. I was feeling so sleepy, but I still needed to take care of some business. First clothe shop.

My familiar clothe shop owner took a look at leftovers that previously used to be my pants, shirt and the vest.

- You should throw them away.

- Can you fix them? - I asked stubbornly.

- I can restore them, except your vest, you'll need furrier who specializes in leather armor for that. But restoring your close will cost you four gold coins. You can buy several set of clothes, for that money.

- Restore them, - I put four gold coins on the table and she sighed.

- I will need at least a week to gather necessary materials and saw your close back.

- Fine. Can you recommend me a furrier?

- Three shops down the street. He is grumpy, but if anyone can put your vest back together, then he can.

I bought from her a cape with a hood that I could use to cover my head, and visited shoemaker and furrier.

Both of them also told me to throw away my clothes, but agreed to fix my equipment. It costed me two gold coins for the boots and three more for the vest.

Next on my list was apothecary. I took out the vial with spider poison and showed it to my familiar apothecary owner.

- Spider poison again? Your friend brings me regular supplies. Silver coin as usual.

He handed me a silver coin and I nodded.

- Last time we met you mentioned elixir called Gods mead. Do you know anyone who sells it?

- Not in our town, - he shook his head: - North of the town lives a sage, who makes elixirs that our town sells. Maybe he could make one. But he never leaves his home. We usually hire some adventurers to bring us elixirs from him. You'll need to visit him personally, but there is no guarantee that he can make one. But if anyone can in Grimsburg, then he is your best bet. But such elixir will cost more coins than you have.

Well, I usually bought from him only cheapest potions, so his opinion was valid. Not to disappoint, so I bought some cheap potions, to restore my stock. Two healing potions, three stamina potions and two more anti-venom potions costed me one gold coin ant eight silvers.

I was down to my last gold coin.

Finally I visited Ashurga the weaponsmith. He was working in his smithy and some human boy was standing behind the counter.

- Master is busy, - boy told me when I asked for Ashurga: - Hasn't left the smithy for days.

- Just tell him that it is Avone. He'll see me.

- Your not the first to say it, but no one had such luck in last few days.

- Just do it.

- Fine, - he sighed: - Wait here, but don't get your hopes up.

Boy left to the back, but soon returned. He looked surprised.

- Master will see you. But you will have to wait for him.

I nodded and checked the swords that Ashurga had forged. I needed a new sword and find one that was similar to the one that I lost. That was one of the best steel swords that dwarf blacksmith forged. I also chose a new bow. It was not as good as my old one, but it was impossible to repair my old bow, and there were no skilled bow makers in Grimsburg.

- Your early laddy, - Ashurga came inside the shop, cleaning his hands with a dirty piece of fabric: - Your equipment not ready yet.

- I know, don't worry about it. Have some more business for you.

- Oh, something interesting?

- Could be worth your time. I see you hired yourself some help?

- Yes. Had to agree to take myself an apprentice. Too much time in a smithy. Hey boy, go to the smithy, make sure it don't catch fire and keep the fire burning.

I waited until apprentice blacksmith left and shoved Ashurga lava worm's horn.

- What do you think about this?

Ashurga carefully expected the horn. Then he took a small hammer ant hit the horn from several sides.

- That a nice piece of monster material. Wanna sell? I'll give you a good price.

- No. I need a new sword. Can you forge me one from it?

- I can do that. Not enough monster material for a sword, but I got myself some orichalcum recently, - dwarf smiled at me: - Can make you a decent sword using them. But it will cost you. Judging from the horn's quality it will be fifty gold coins? Even counting that you brought me this horn yourself. Can you afford that?

- Yes. Can I pay you after the job is done?

- Have myself all I need to forge already, so that won't be a problem. Not for my best customer.

- I also need a sword that I can use until it is ready and this bow. How much they cost?I pointed at a sword that I liked.

- Six gold pieces for both of them.

I bitted my lip.- I only have one gold coin on myself, - I put the gold coin on the counter: - I'll be good for the rest in a week?

- Just take them, - he waved his hand and threw gold coin under the counter: - Pay me later. Trust that you will laddy. Now let's measure your hand grip. Show me your tiny elven hands first.

I did as told, and Ashurga took out several wooden bars. He told me to hold them in order to choose a sword hilt that would be most comfortable for me. He put aside one wooden bar that fit me best.

- Good. I assume you want similar sword to the one that you used before? Hand and a half, straight, double edged?

- Yes.Hand and a half sword could be used by one hand, but its hilt was also long enough to use it with both hands. Such swords were longer than the short ones, but not as long as longswords. They were perfect for some one of my length.

- Good, good. Good choice for someone your size, especially if you level up and increase you strength stats. I'll need to finish my current job, - he smiled: - And then get to work. It'll take me at least ten days to finish it. Never worked with such monster material. Will need to experiment a little first.

- I can wait. See you later, when I bring money for the sword.

- Take your time. Can pay me, when you pick up your chainmail.

I thanked the dwarf and took my new sword and bow. I felt tired and sleepy. I dragged my feet to the tavern and barely finished my dinner before falling asleep.