Once everyone else had joined them down in the entrance to the special dungeon, Marcus explained what he knew of the situation to them.
“I see, a dungeon that only a certain number of people can enter. Cannot say I have ever heard of anything like that.” Quillon said as they all looked at him expectantly.
They had been hoping that his, and more recently Mrazivy’s master the sword savant, might have told him something about dungeons like these.
Unfortunately, it was a bust, and none of them knew anything about these so-called special dungeons other than Roxene who could not divulge her information.
“Well, you said that this one was number eleven so there are probably at least that many. But if only so many can enter these types of dungeons, I doubt that anyone would want to publicize their existence or locations.” James said, throwing in his opinion.
“Also, it was difficult for even us to get down here. Obviously, I do not mean to act arrogant, but we are not weak compared to the majority of people. Only so many individuals or groups would have what it takes to push there way into a place like this that was home to a huge monster swarm.” Lyra said.
Nodding their heads, everyone was in agreement with both James’ and Lyra’s speculation.
If these special dungeons were this far out of the way and guarded by powerful monsters, it would be difficult to just come across one.
In fact, if it had not been for the tip the administrator had given Marcus, they probably never would have even found this place..
“Still, what do we do now? I think that we should head back to the castle and get reinforcements and more information.” James said.
Of course, the practical option would have been to head back and enlist the aid of people like Aria or even Gwyneira.
It was likely that one of them might know something more about this dungeon, and at the very least having their help would be a huge boon.
However, Marcus, Mrazivy, Quillon, and even Lilia disagreed.
“This is an adventure for all of us. Facing the unknown is part of the experience.” Mrazivy said, her adventurer’s spirit blazing.
“I agree we came down all this way to explore and face harrowing situations. I say we stay and see it through.” Quillon said, always up for a challenge.
“I want to stay as well. I want to get stronger so that I do not hold any of you back anymore.” Lilia said, a fire burning in her eyes.
“Well, you heard them, James. We came for an adventure and found one. No need to head back now.” Marcus said with a big grin on his face.
Sighing, James could see that he was not going to convince them to wait.
As a commanding officer he was always used to making the best decision to keep his knights from taking casualties, so in situations like these he would not risk their lives over something this unknown.
Nevertheless, he was not here as the leader of a unit but a member of a party.
With all of them now on board, they began preparing to enter the special dungeon which was certainly different from a normal one.
To start, the entrance here was actually just a teleportation gate that would take them to a different area that was separated from the rest of the world. Or at least this is what the guardian had told them.
As for what they might expect to encounter, it was apparently completely up to chance according to the guardian.
Though while they had not gleamed too much information from the guardian, they at least learned that this dungeon had one hundred floors, and that they could only leave after clearing ten.
Therefore, there was a decent amount of risk by entering, but that was not stopping any of them from wanting to try it out and see what sort of treasures could be found in a special dungeon.
In the best-case scenario, they might obtain some unique skill orbs and high-level crafting materials.
Still just because they were going in without consulting anyone, did not mean that they were not making sure to be prepared.
“Okay, everyone has at least one lesser elixir and five greater healing potions, right?” Marcus said while taking supplies out of his item box.
He had been carrying most of their equipment in his large dimensional storage, but dungeons could get hectic and its was important that everyone have their own methods of healing themselves.
Naturally this included the beast companions who each had a magic bag tied around their necks to carry anything they might need.
When everyone gave their acknowledgment, Marcus began pulling out some other random potions and handed them out to those who wanted them.
Soon, they had finished preparing their supplies and worked on formation strategies.
They had no idea what they might face so it was better to be cautious.
“Okay, Blitz, Lilia, Roxene, Aurelia, and Zareen will take the middle where it is safest, while James, Fallon, Eirwen, and I will take point. Mrazivy, Lyra, Aerial, and Quillon, you guys will handle the rear.”
Nodding their heads, everyone was fine with their rolls and ready to get going.
They had traveled down here in search of something spectacular, and while just the caverns themselves were impresses. Compared to this special dungeon they were just the icing on the cake.
Though before they went over to the teleportation circle, James turned towards the guardian, and asked, “Are you sure that there is nothing else you can tell us about this place?”
Unfortunately, the projection of the woman just shook her head, and said, “I have already explained everything as my parameters dictate. You will need to find out what lies within the ‘Realization of Self Perfection’ on your own.”
Shrugging his shoulders, James thought it was worth a try, even though it seemed they had gotten all of the information they were going to.
After that their group of thirteen moved over to the teleportation circle and waited to be sent into the special dungeon that only allowed a limited number of people to enter.
Luckily, they were the first ones to have found the place, and there were enough slots for all of them to be registered as users. Though they did take the majority, only having left eight slots for anyone in the future.
“Commence entrance to the Realization of Self Perfection.”
As soon as Marcus said this, the teleportation circle under them began glowing and in an instant all of them were warped away.
Feeling this familiar sensation of being teleported, Marcus braced himself for whatever might appear on the other side when they all reached their destination.
A moment later he felt himself on solid ground again, and he quickly looked around to gain his bearings.
Yet, as he did, he realized that something very wrong had happened.
They had all entered the teleportation circle at the same time, but now he was all alone in a stone room that had torches lining the walls.
“What the hell happened!? Where is everyone else!?”
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