Baron Jochen stepped in front of the table and everyone took a seat to listen to the Baron's words.
"I am pleased to inform you that there is no longer a ghost in the castle. Evidence shows that there was one, but it has probably moved on. It was probably a vengeful spirit that was looking for a certain person and after the attack realized that Marina was not the right person. I would like to thank the priests of Osmirnis for their great work. For your safety, they will stay here tonight so that you can safely leave for the dungeon tomorrow."
The Baron continued, "And while we're on the subject, I want to emphasize that while this first dungeon won't be too challenging, I still hope you learn to work together and take your roles seriously. This means that the tank will pull the enemies while you provide proper support, without individual actions. Think of this dungeon as if you could die at any time, as in a dungeon appropriate for you. I'll question you individually later, as it's off to Imp Castle two days after that. So rest well, because tomorrow we're off."
Mortis and the others went to their chambers. As Mortis passed the maid in charge of them, he suddenly said to Helga, "I feel like I'm missing a shirt. I hope no stalker stole it to sniff it as if it were soap."
Helga looked at Mortis in shock and muttered softly, "I bet it's that bitch from Marina. She's always staring at you like you're a piece of meat."
The maid turned bright red with embarrassment, not hearing exactly what Helga was saying. Mortis smiled mischievously at her, but Helga didn't notice. She wondered how he had found out about it. Did he have it in for her and want her to carry his child?
As soon as they arrived in the room, Mortis and Helga undressed, and he lifted her up to carry her to bed.
The next morning the equipment was clean, as it had become routine to clean it every day. They dressed, met in front of the castle exit where a large carriage was waiting for them. The baron distributed healing and mana potions, which they all gratefully accepted. Then they got into the carriage. Already here there were problems, because there were only two benches, and Marina did not want to sit next to a peasant, especially not next to Martin, who nevertheless sat down next to her and admired her.
The baron placed the two women next to each other and the men opposite. Marina did not like the arrangement, but she had to comply. Helga was less and less able to hide her annoyance with Marina, which led to a tense atmosphere in the carriage.
The journey went smoothly and quickly. In four hours they reached their destination. Soldiers received them at the dungeon to make sure that only announced groups entered, or to clean the dungeon if no groups came for a long time.
The soldiers explained that the dungeon consisted of five levels, had an intermediate boss and a final boss. The levels got harder the further down you got. However, they did not reveal which monsters were the bosses. The soldiers wished the group good luck and led them to the entrance of the dungeon.
Inside the dungeon, the group formed up. Martin lined up in front, shield raised, followed by Sandro with two one-handers. Mortis and the two women positioned themselves behind Martin. They moved further into the dungeon and soon encountered a group of five goblins.
Martin flashed his sword and delivered an angled blow that hurled a beam of light at the goblins. The goblins charged at Martin with knives and clubs. Sandro struck from the side, Mortis from the right, Marina cast ice and fire spells, while Helga fired balls of light. The goblins were quickly defeated without the need to activate shields or heal.
After several such groups, they reached another level of the dungeon and faced the intermediate boss, a Hobgoblin Shaman. Martin attacked, supported by Sandro and Mortis from the sides, while Marina and Helga used magic attacks. They defeated the shaman after a hard fight, and a copper box appeared, containing gold and an intelligence ring, which Helga proudly received.
The group continued their exploration of the dungeon, fighting goblins in different armor and weapons, until they finally reached the boss room. A massive Hobgoblin awaited them. Mortis, Sandro and Martin attacked while Marina and Helga used their support spells.
The boss lunged to attack, striking Martin and temporarily stunning him. The men focused on the boss while Helga placed protective shields on Martin and Marina. After an intense fight, they managed to defeat the boss and a copper box appeared. Helga opened it and found gold as well as boots with increased strength, which Sandro accepted.
No sooner had they received their drops than a wall opened, and a colorful vortex of mana appeared in the opening. Astonished, Helga asked, "What is that?"
Marina replied, "That is the portal to the outside."