NOVEL NEXT Chapter 46: Agreement
Zolis jumped and chopped down on a couple of nearby low branches, dropping them to the ground. She and Filthy dragged them to the center of the clearing. Geth took a seat with them and gestured to the opposing log for Hulk, Harris, and Farris to take a seat.
The three men looked at Zolis with a bit of anxiousness. Just how strong did she have to be to chop through a 2' thick branch with one strike? Most of their group had wanted their Attributes to be well-rounded.
As the three took a seat, Geth began to explain to them the process of taking over a Dungeon, taking ownership, and some of the benefits that it provided. Then he finally gave his pitch.
"There is a Dungeon not far from here. It's one of the reasons you've suffered constant attacks from Goblins. I want to offer to help you take the Dungeon as a place to live." He said directly.
Hulk became a bit solemn and thought about it. After a moment he asked, "And what do you get out of this, exactly?"
"When we finish the Dungeon, you will claim ownership, but I will take the portable Dungeon Crystal. When I get back to base, your Dungeon will be annexed into my Valhalla and you will be a sub-branch off of us.
When you contribute cores, metal, or other necessary materials, they will be sent directly to our Dungeon Inventory. In return, as we craft weapons, armor, or find Skill Cards, they will be placed into the Dungeon hub.
From there, they can be bought with the contribution points earned from donations. Also, you will gain extra Guardian slots based on the Level of Valhalla. I can place stronger Guardians at your entrance than you currently have the capability of hunting.
From my understanding, with each Dungeon annexed, every Dungeon under our jurisdiction will also gain extra member slots. I'll be honest, we aren't lacking in skilled craftsmen or strong warriors. We are lacking manpower for farming and harvesting materials. Otherwise, I would have no interest in pursuing this."
For a while everyone was silent. Hulk leaned his chin on his fists while he was thinking. Both Harris and Farris seemed to be in thought as well.
Farris was the first that spoke up. "I think we should go for it, Hulk. It's better Geth, who we've known for years, than ending up being forced to serve under someone like the two who attacked Goki."
Then it was Harris' turn to speak. "I agree, and we haven't Leveled as fast as the monsters. It will become more difficult for us to kill them as time goes on. If Valhalla's parties are taking the risks, I don't mind contributing for funds to gear ourselves."
Hulk stayed silent. After a few minutes, he came to a decision. "Very well then." He stood up and looked Geth in the eyes, Geth did the same. They shook each other's hands while Hulk said, "Our lives are in your hands. Now, where do we go from here?"
After searching for a few hours, Geth and the others found the entrance to the Goblin Dungeon. It was quite a bit different from the Dungeon that Geth had conquered.
This Dungeon seemed to delve into the ground beneath a large tree. The entrance was sloped into the ground, giant roots framing the opening and also acting as stairs heading downward.
'Damn, this is cool. It seems like it would be an easier location to protect.' He glanced at the surrounding area. 'Then again, it wouldn't be a hard location to ambush people coming in and out of the Dungeon.'
There were six of them hiding in the thick brush. A large open clearing was laid out in front of them with the Dungeon tree perfectly in the center. 4 Goblin Swordsmen and 6 Goblin Mages were guarding the entrance.
Filthy had already scouted the area and killed a few Goblin Assassins that had been hidden among the trees. He gave the cloaks he collected to the three newcomers.
"Filthy, will you be able to take the mages out from here? If needed I can bring them closer." Geth asked him. There were almost 100 yards between them.
He wasn't insulting the man, but the ranged equipment he had was in rough shape. Even the arrows were barely more than sticks with some arrowheads Geth had made.
Filthy thought for a moment before speaking. "Get them within 50 yards and I can pick them off. If you can keep them apart, I'll start with the ones in the back and work up. They won't know that their comrades in the rear had fallen."
"Got it, I'll do what I can." He stored his cloak and moved away.
Geth moved in a wide circle, heading away from the area where his party was hiding. Eventually, he'd made his way to the opposite side of the grove from the others.
It wasn't that they couldn't rush out and take the Goblins. He was worried that if they managed to spot the entire group, the creatures may flee into the Dungeon, alerting the Dungeon mobs.
Once Geth was settled on the other side of the grove, he jumped out of the brush and ran to the right of the creatures. He had crossed about a fourth of the distance to them when the first Mage spotted him.
It shrieked loudly, alerting the rest in its group. They all turned to see a single shirtless human with a glowing stick running towards them.
After a brief moment of confusion, the creatures became angry at the sight of the intruder. What creature would have the audacity to take on ten of them head-on?!
The Swordsmen started sprinting in his direction while he made his way closer to the Dungeon entrance. The Mages started preparing to cast their spells.
The spells met with Geth before the Swordsmen could get close. four Fireballs and two Ice Spikes slammed into him. He brushed the fire off, while the spikes barely left scratches.
Geth laughed loud enough for them to hear. At the same time, he barreled through the Swordsmen, knocking them all to the ground.
The fury of the creatures took over the small amount of sense that they had. Not only did this human intentionally provoke them, but now he was laughing?!