A group of three entered the association's building dropping in a few stamped papers to show that they have just finished their latest mission.
"Good work Mr. Khan"
Matthew Khan and his two new party members have been cleaning up a lot of the easier C and harder D - Class missions. From subjugating monsters to taking care of some bandits.
To his right is Rokhan, a warrior that showed great promise and to his left is a hunter named Zo. Zo has been a hunter for the past 5 years, a D - Class sharpshooter.
With one month left until he can finally get his second mana circle, he decided to try his luck with his new party. Though they have only known each other for a few weeks, these two have proven themselves worthy of his trust.
"We're headed east, to the Lesser Lich's Labyrinth"
Labyrinths are fortresses that create monsters. They are recurring meaning that even when the current master of the labyrinth dies, the Labyrinth will simply recreate said master.
When the Kingdom is peaceful, most of the powerful adventurers are tasked with clearing the whole area but due to the war, such an area can overflow. The monsters will the leak out creating a mass panic for the under-powered nearby populace.
Matthew and his small party have decided to go on an expedition, to try and get the loot that Matthew was seeking.
A piece that can get him a powerful puppet, one comparable to the personal puppets of Geppeto or Mag.
"A Boneclaw's soul orb."
He discussed this with the two of them and they already agreed, they have witnessed his skills and know that he would not be doing this without a few plans.
"It has recurred only a few days ago, our goal is not the boss room. Our main goal is a C - Class boss at the 3rd floor of the Labyrinth. If someone already got it then we'll come back once the B-Class party demolishes the boss. I need that orb."
Rokhan has been relatively happy with his current job description. He always felt like he needed to serve a person that was actually worth serving. Upon seeing this kid's skills and the way he handles the party he decided that he'd stay for as long as he could.
He serves as the party's main tank which lets Matthew play the role of a Mage, either through the use of the "Seasons" puppets or the use of his mage puppet. Should the opposing forces overwhelm him in any capacity the puppets follow. He is usually supported by the Rook or Knight puppets.
Zo on the other hand is only here for the money. As long as he's getting paid then he doesn't mind being ordered around.
Their group worked rather well with each other. Mostly because they all understood that small talk just doesn't work for them.
Their form of communication with one another is minimal, only giving out orders or information that are necessary.
Unlike other parties who grow to be almost like a family, this one is clearly for business.
"I know this is too dangerous for the two of you but here's something that might change your mind"
Two pouches filled with silver coins.
"100 silver each, I'll give you 100 more if we get what I need, does that sound like a plan Zo?"
Zo smirked and nodded.
They travelled by horse, it took them about 7 hours to reach the entrance to the labyrinth.
Matthew pulled out a map showing them the lay out of the labyrinth.
"The main route for the extermination is the staircase to the right, but we can use an old formerly hidden staircase here at the western side. Splitting up is not an option, if we accidentally encounter anything above C-Class then run."
They left the horses in the care of a nearby camp. Camps are usually placed near labyrinths so that they can warn the nearby residents should a leak come through.
"After the entrance there should be a long hallway."
Matthew pulled out summer and placed her on his back, he also took out a pawn puppet and carried it with his left hand.
"Rokhan carry this pawn with you, I'll stay in the middle. Zo, scan the rear whenever you can."
A standard formation.
The Labyrinth usually only lets a group go through the floors one at a time. The staircase to the next floor only opens when the monsters have already been defeated. Like levels to a game's dungeon.
Using the formerly hidden pathway they can skip the 2nd floor and go directly for the 3rd. It's a one-way ticket upstairs.
Though they would still have to fight off the monsters in the second floor if they wanted to go back down, fighting the Boneclaw while they are fresh and fully capable is better than fighting it after they have already suffered major injuries.
This hidden path is used by the B or A -Class parties to go right into the top floor. Where the boss, A B-Class Lesser Lich is present.
They have prepared a few things to be a bit more effective in this dungeon. The monsters in the lower floors can be considered D-Class or lower.
The monster population consists of the undead. To prepare for them, they bought all sorts of holy items stuck in their inventory.
Their best investment is the silvered edges of their weapons. While silver-tipped arrows and a silver weapons in general were expensive, they were a well-needed upgrade for such an area.
The party of three made a b-line for the stairs.
The skeletons and their different assortment of weapons did not stand a chance. They were already weaker than the monsters that the party is used to encountering, giving them weapons that are effective against these undead creatures simply made it easier for them to finish things up.
Rokhan and his halberd took care of anything that stood in their way while the puppets cleaned up the rest.
Zo killed the skeleton archers before they could even draw their bow.
They soon reached the staircase.
"Ready yourselves, the third floor has some real D - Class monsters"