He probed the dungeon a little bit. However ultimately it became clear we couldn't kill anything in it. Everything was a increible level 100. It made them the strongest things within our area. We knew there was stronger beings further in the region we were in.
However since we were on the coast of three different regions it was hard for anything to grow that strong. Due to the constant travel of adventures, patrols and skirmishes between the nations. It was the thanks to the forest and mountains that allowed so many monsters to exist.
If Merli's mom was still around she would be almost quadruple their level. I shook my head, wondering how we were gonna even kill one. 17 ugly fucking dog things wandered in circles. They were truly like a rpg monster wandering in aimless directions.
HM pondered. "We could lead one over and team up on it."
I shook my head, "The corridor is too small. If we attract one it could easily attract more."
Merli frowned, "they are hideous."
I had to agree. When I was told what dungeon monsters were like I knew what I had in mind. However these were crude imitations. It was like play-dough in the shape of the dog. It had no eyes and was a sharp grey color. The place a snout and eyes should've been though was a glowing red gem. Indication of its level.
Gnar pointed, "If, If we can make a wall that they can't get past we could spill oil and lit it up. We could kill them like that."
I spoke, "Does that give us the loot?"
Gnar shook his head, "No idea, however I know for sure if it did, it wouldn't give as much as if we killed them directly."
I scratched my chin. "Think we can lure them out of the dungeon?"
Merli shook its head, "Nope, they would vaporize. In fact I think us being at the gate is the only reason they haven't noticed us."
I pointed, "HM run in and then run back."
"WHAT! SIR, NO!"
Gnar nodded, "That is actually a good idea your are light and if we tie a rope to you we can just yank you back quicker."
HM shuddered looking at Merli. Who already had a rope in reach. HM looked down in glum acceptance. "Okay, tie it around me."
So we did and HM stepped at the very edge of the gate. "Here I go..."
She didn't take a step forward and before I could push her Gnar did. She stumbled forward and al the dungeon beast turned to her. Three instantly turned into a sprint. Before HM had the chance they were practically on top of her.
We yanked her back quickly and I caught her as she went over the gate's line. One of the three that sprinted forward hit the gate line as well and made a instant sizzling sound turning into muk that splashed and evaporated.
"PRRGHG? FFFFFFRUG...."
The rest of the dungeon beast's made incoherent noises as they looked around. When they seemingly found nothing they begun blundering away back to their original places. Only to follow their simple crawl.
"Well that was interesting..."
Merli laughed, "THAT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. Did you see how fast those things moved?"
HM Shivered, "Hey, I got an achievement for it."
Oh I forgot others can get those. Its just not very common since they aren't weirdos. "What rank?"
HM raised an eyebrow, "There's ranks?"
Gnar gave a sigh, "So its just a common one."
HM smiled again, "It raised my dexitery by one at least. Also makes me 0.25% faster in the dungeon! Whatever that means."
How mystical, "What is it called."
HM raised her hands, "It is called, Dungeon Explorer I hardly know her.... I don't get it."
Gnar gave a chuckle and I shook my head. Some mediocre joke as an achievement. Merli sighed, "So we are back where we started."
A goblin came over, "Council! Orcs have spotted some strange movements at our borders. Also a tribal envoy has been sent with a declaration of our surrender."
"The Fuck?" The goblin respond my remark with a passing of a note. I looked it over, it was well written and rather formal. Though it didn't minced words and was rather direct.
Gnar frowned, "I'll head over and prepare the warriors. Akira are you gonna face them head on? I doubt they will launch a sneak attack."
I nodded, "This isn't a declaration of surrender this is a declaration of attrition. They have more people and are gonna cut off our hunting rounds."
Merli nodded, "This is true, HM take your squad and move into the kobold trenches."
We long set up for an attack on us. We only lacked the ability to attack others. I sighed and grabbed the two gate doors to the dungeon and slammed then closed. The beasts may not be able to leave, but we didn't want it to be open due to its pressure. I waved to the Kobolds, "Cover it up."
They all rushed around and threw a tarp across the entrance. I motioned to the kobolds and they all ran off. "Welp, Let us have some fun."
Which ever clan or tribe that was attacking us is about to turn into sweet "E-X-P."
Merli shook its head, "You know you are the reason monsters have a bad name."
"Wha? But its true, killing is the best way to level up. Specially since it doesn't effect the gain you can acquire through training."
Merli laughed, and trotted up the small hill. "Let's go then."
I took out the axe that sat on my back. I breathed in, "I can't wait to test this baby out."