As we descend into the fourth floor, we step out into something completely unexpected.
We're on a small island. Maybe fifty feet across, surrounded by ocean. The water stretches in every direction, impossibly blue and clear. I can see the sandy bottom beneath the shallow areas near the shore.
Beyond that, the water deepens to dark blue, then black. No opposite shore. No land at all except this tiny island.
The sky above is strange. Not quite real, with that same artificial quality as the jungle floor's ceiling, but showing what looks like a perfect sunny day.
[Lucien] "A maritime floor. These are rare in dungeons."
He looks around, taking in the expanse of water.
[Lucien] "This is definitely a high-level dungeon. Probably one of the highest difficulty on the continent."
[Wright] "Mm-hmm."
I'm trying to figure out how we're supposed to get across this. There's no visible path. No bridge. No boat. Just water.
[Wright] "Lucien, can you fly and scout ahead?"
[Lucien] "I can't take flight. The dungeon seems to be restricting it."
That's annoying.
[Wright] "Aiko, does the camper van have a function to drive on water?"
[Aiko] "What? No! It's a van, not a boat."
[Wright] "This is another world, after all. Who knows what's possible?"
I pull up my Online Shopping interface and search for boats.
The cheapest option is a small rowboat.
Price: 80,000 mana.
That's way too much, and it wouldn't fit everyone anyway.
I'm curious, so I scroll to the most expensive option.
A picture appears of a massive cruise ship. Multiple decks, swimming pools, theaters, the works.
Price: 2,000,000,000,000 mana.
Two trillion mana.
I stare at the number.
[Wright] "When will I ever be able to afford that?"
[Sylphaeris] "What are you looking at?"
[Wright] "A cruise ship that costs two trillion mana."
[Sylphaeris] "What's a cruise ship?"
[Aiko] "It's a massive boat that has everything. Think of it as a city inside a ship."
[Sylphaeris] "Wow, a city inside a ship?"
Sylphaeris's eyes sparkle. Well, I'm never going to be able to afford it.
While I'm lost in thought about impossible purchases, the others start exploring the island.
The angels survey the area, taking notes. There are no monsters visible. At least, not on land.
[Takeshi] "Hey! Look at this!"
He's crouched near the water's edge, pointing at something in the shallows.
I walk over.
There are shellfish scattered along the sandy bottom. Shrimp, clams, mussels. All of them larger than normal, with shells that shimmer with faint magical light.
The tide pools near the rocky parts of the island are full of them too, clustered in the crevices and shallow basins.
[Aiko] "They're everywhere!"
The group starts gathering them, collecting the shellfish in makeshift containers. The angels help, and even Sylphaeris seems interested.
I activate Appraisal on the various creatures.
---
[Appraisal]
Mana-Infused Shrimp
Crustacean that thrives in magically saturated waters. Meat is sweet and tender with a subtle magical essence that enhances flavor. Rich in nutrients. Highly prized for culinary applications.
[Appraisal]
Pearl Clam
Bivalve mollusk that filters energy-rich water. Produces small pearls occasionally. Meat is firm and slightly sweet with a clean oceanic taste. Excellent for soups and stews.
[Appraisal]
Azure Mussel
Shellfish with distinctive blue-tinted shells. Meat is rich and buttery with high concentration of magical minerals. Pairs well with aromatic herbs and white wine. Considered a delicacy.
---
They look delicious.
An idea forms.
[Wright] "With these ingredients, we can make paella! Let's have that for lunch."
[Takeshi] "What's paella?"
[Wright] "Spanish rice dish. You'll love it."
[Wright] "Everyone, gather as many as you can carry. We're having a feast."
The group enthusiastically collects shellfish. The angels are surprisingly efficient at it, working in coordinated teams. Sylphaeris uses magic to gently pull some from deeper tide pools.
Aiko summons her camper van to use as a base.
I pull up my Online Shopping interface again.
For paella, I'll need saffron threads, rice, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, paprika, white wine, chicken stock, and lemon.
And most importantly, a proper paella pan. A wide, shallow pan designed for cooking over open fire.
I add everything to my cart. The total comes to around 50,000 mana. Reasonable given my current capacity.
I checkout. The drain is noticeable but manageable.
Boxes materialize in the camper van's kitchen. All the ingredients, perfectly packaged.
I also need a fire pit. I step outside and use earth magic to shape the sand, creating a simple circular pit lined with stones from the rocky area. I gather driftwood that's washed up on the shore and arrange it in the pit.
By the time I'm done, everyone returns with their haul.
Buckets and containers full of shrimp, clams, and mussels. Way more than we'll need, but better too much than too little.
[Wright] "Perfect. Let me get started."
I head into the camper van's kitchen first to prep.
The shrimp need to be cleaned and deveined. I work through them quickly, removing the shells and cleaning each one. The clams and mussels get scrubbed to remove any sand or debris, then rinsed thoroughly.
The bell peppers get diced. The tomatoes get roughly chopped. Garlic gets minced. Lots of garlic, because paella needs it.
I bring everything outside along with the paella pan, olive oil, and seasonings.
The fire is burning well now, hot coals forming at the base. I position the paella pan over the heat.
Olive oil goes in first, heating until it shimmers. Then the garlic. The smell hits immediately, sharp and aromatic. I stir it constantly to prevent burning.
Bell peppers and tomatoes go in next. They sizzle and soften, releasing their juices. I add paprika, letting the spice bloom in the oil and coat everything.
Then the rice. I pour it in and stir, letting each grain get coated in the oil and spices. This is important. The rice needs to toast slightly before the liquid goes in.
I add the saffron threads to the chicken stock and pour it over the rice. The liquid should just barely cover everything. The saffron turns the stock a beautiful golden color and releases its distinctive earthy aroma.
I arrange the seafood on top. Shrimp, clams, and mussels, pressing them gently into the rice. I add a splash of white wine for depth.
Then I don't touch it.
This is the key to paella. Once everything is in the pan, you let it cook undisturbed. The rice on the bottom should develop a crispy crust called socarrat.
The smell draws everyone to the fire. Saffron, garlic, seafood, all mingling together.
[Takeshi] "It smells amazing!"
[Aiko] "What's that yellow color?"
[Wright] "Saffron. One of the most expensive spices on Earth."
[Lucien] "The preparation technique is fascinating. Very different from our cooking methods."
About twenty minutes later, I check the rice. It's absorbed all the liquid, each grain tender but not mushy. The seafood is cooked through. The shrimp pink and firm, the clams and mussels opened and steaming.
I remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Then I cut a lemon into wedges and squeeze them over the top.
[Wright] "It's ready."
We gather around the paella pan, and I serve portions onto plates.
The first bites are met with enthusiastic reactions.
[Takeshi] "This is incredible!"
[Aiko] "The rice has so much flavor!"
[Angel 1] "The seafood is perfectly cooked!"
[Lucien] "The saffron provides a complexity I've never experienced before."
[Sylphaeris] "This might be your best dish yet."
I eat my own portion with satisfaction. The rice has that perfect texture. Tender but with a slight bite, and the bottom layer has developed a beautiful crispy crust. The seafood is sweet and tender, enhanced by the mana-infused quality of the ingredients. The saffron, garlic, and paprika create a depth of flavor that's both rich and subtle.
As we eat, we discuss our situation.
[Wright] "So... we can't continue."
[Lucien] "Not without a vessel. And even if we had one, maritime combat is extremely dangerous."
[Angel 2] "The water is almost certainly full of sea monsters."
[Lucien] "We could go back and prepare ships, but fighting at sea is difficult even with proper equipment."
[Aiko] "Maybe there's another way? Some dungeons have alternate paths."
[Angel 3] "We've surveyed the entire island. There's no other path, no hidden passage."
[Wright] "Guess we have no other choice but to head back the way we came."
[Takeshi] "We're heading back?"
[Wright] "After we finish eating. No point rushing."
We continue the meal, enjoying the paella and the surprisingly pleasant weather. The artificial sun is warm but not too hot. The sound of waves lapping at the shore is peaceful.
Eventually, we finish eating and pack up.
[Wright] "Alright. Let's head back."
---
We make our way up the stairs and reach the third floor boss room. The massive chamber where I fought the Earthshaker Wyrm.
And standing in the center of the room, exactly where it died before, is the wyrm.
Alive. Whole. Completely restored.
[Lucien] "It respawned."
[Wright] "Guess we're fighting it again."
[Takeshi] "Already? How long does it normally take for bosses to respawn?"
[Lucien] "Usually several days at minimum. For a Calamity-class monster, it should take weeks."
[Angel 1] "The dungeon's regeneration rate is abnormally fast."
The wyrm spots us and roars, the sound shaking the chamber just like before.
[Wright] "I'll handle it. Everyone stand back."
This time, I don't wait for it to attack first.
I channel mana throughout my body and rush forward. The wyrm opens its mouth to breathe molten stone, but I'm already moving, weaving past the attack before it can fully form.
I leap onto its neck in one smooth motion. It tries to shake me off, crystal spikes erupting from its scales, but I know the pattern now. I dodge each one by inches, moving with practiced efficiency.
I drive my fist into the same spot as before. Right between the eyes. The impact cracks its skull. Before it can recover, I leap over its head and bring both fists down on the back of its skull where spine meets brain.
The same finishing blow as last time.
The wyrm's head slams into the ground. Its body convulses once, then goes still.
Ding! Ding!
Level-ups, though fewer than the first time.
The fight took less than two minutes.
[Lucien] "You... you just defeated it even faster than before."
[Wright] "I knew its patterns this time."
[Takeshi] "That was insane!"
A treasure chest materializes, but this time it's different. Smaller. Made of darker wood.
Lucien opens it.
There's no gold inside. Just a single item.
A small, metallic object that looks like a smooth, polished stone. It's oval-shaped, about the size of a palm, with a surface that shimmers and shifts between silver and black. Strange runes flow across its surface like liquid.
[Lucien] "I've never seen anything like this."
He picks it up carefully and examines it.
[Lucien] "I don't recognize the enchantments."
I look at the object and activate Appraisal.
---
[Appraisal]
Ananke
Shapeshifting artifact that bonds permanently with its user upon activation. Can transform into any tool or weapon the wielder can clearly visualize. Transformation is instantaneous. Quality and durability match the user's mental image and magical abilities. Grows stronger as the wielder's power increases. Once bonded, cannot be stolen, lost, or destroyed. Will always return to owner.
---
I stare at the description.
A tool that can become anything. Anything I need, whenever I need it.
[Wright] "Can I take this one?"
[Takeshi] "What is it?"
[Wright] "Shapeshifting artifact that binds itself to the user upon activation. Can turn into any tool or weapon. Growth-type scaling."
[Aiko] "That sounds incredibly useful!"
[Lucien] "That's definitely a legendary-class item. Those are extraordinarily rare."
[Wright] "It'll be helpful for farming. Having something that can transform into anything will let me enjoy living the slow life more."
[Lucien] "Farming... You were the one that defeated the boss, so it's your right to claim it."
Aiko and Takeshi nod as well.
I hold Ananke and channel a small amount of mana into it.
It pulses once, warm against my palm. Then it sinks into my hand. Not painfully, just merging. I feel it settle somewhere in my core, like it's become part of me.
When I focus on it, I can feel it respond. Ready to transform into whatever I need.
[Wright] "It's done!"
[Sylphaeris] "Lucky you. That's quite the find."
We continue through the cave and up to the second floor. I lead the way, defeating monsters as we go. We make our way to the boss room. The Verdant Guardian is there, restored just like the wyrm.
The massive creature rises, roots and vines moving around it.
[Takeshi] "Can I take this one? I want to test the new gauntlets."
[Wright] "Go ahead. Just be careful. It's stronger than it looks."
[Takeshi] "I've got this!"
Takeshi charges in, his Wyrm Scale Gauntlets glowing. He combines fire magic with physical strikes, burning through roots and cracking bark armor.
He does well at first. Moving fast, landing solid hits.
Then the guardian adapts. Vines burst everywhere. Takeshi burns through them, but more keep coming. A glancing blow sends him sliding back. A vine slams him into the wall.
A massive vine crashes down. Two more catch him, slamming him to the floor.
The guardian raises both fists for a finishing blow.
Lucien moves. His shield intercepts the strike.
[Lucien] "Aiko, heal him. I'll draw its attention."
Aiko rushes over, her hands glowing with healing light. The injuries close, his breathing steadying.
[Aiko] "Be careful!"
Takeshi gets to his feet.
Lucien keeps the guardian occupied, his shield absorbing the heavy blows.
Takeshi circles around, waiting for an opening.
The guardian slams both fists down. Lucien pushes forward with his shield, forcing its arms upward. The chest is exposed.
Takeshi charges. He channels everything into his gauntlets.
[Takeshi] "This is it!"
His strike connects with the core. The impact is explosive. Fire erupts through the guardian's body. The bark shatters.
The guardian collapses, dissolving into light.
Takeshi drops to one knee, breathing hard. Sweat drips down his face.
Aiko rushes over, concern clear in her expression.
[Aiko] "Are you okay? That looked really dangerous."
[Takeshi] "Yeah... I'm fine. Just tired."
[Lucien] "That opponent may have been too advanced for your current level."
Takeshi nods, still catching his breath.
[Takeshi] "You're probably right. Thanks for the backup."
The treasure chest appears. More gold, and another Nature's Blessing charm. The gold is split and one of the angels takes the charm.
We take a break to let Takeshi catch his breath, then we continue through the jungle environment. Oversized trees, hanging vines, oppressive humidity. Monsters roam the undergrowth, but they're the same ones we fought before.
We continue to the first floor. The labyrinthine passages feel almost familiar now. We move through them with confidence, the angels barely needing to consult their maps.
The Ruinkeeper Golem waits in its chamber, stone body covered in glowing runes. I step forward and shatter it with a few strikes. The final treasure chest yields gold and a Mana Reservoir Ring. One of the angels takes it.
We emerge from the dungeon entrance into real sunlight.
[Wright] "Let's head back before it gets dark."
We make our way through the forest. Birds singing, leaves rustling in the breeze, monsters fleeing in fright. All is right in the world.
The sun is low in the sky by the time we see the familiar sight of home.
The farm fields spread out before us, the newly planted crops growing steadily. Tree houses now dot the landscape, warm light glowing from windows. Smoke rises from cooking fires.
We're back. It's good to be home.