Silence fell in the director's office. Fortunately, Mr. Thogas had already half expected Tepo's answer. It would have been nice if the young adult just agreed, but it would've also been strange.
Therefore, the director had prepared a more enticing meal, which, in his opinion, no young adult could ever reject.
"Don't be so fast to decline, my friend. Do you even know why so many warriors are scrambling for dungeons?"
Although he would have loved to end the conversation, Tepo was still within the prison. He could only entertain the director now.
"Why? Because of the treasures within them of course."
"Right. And what is the biggest treasure a dungeon has to offer?"
Tepo was stumped. How should he know this?
"Who knows? Some kind of ore?"
"Of course not.", chuckled Thogas. "The biggest treasure every dungeon has to offer is its core!"
"Core? Aren't those falling from the sky?"
"Those are dungeon cores, which can be activated to form a dungeon. But within them is something called an 'artificial core'. This is the magical object all the warriors hunt for. Can you imagine what it can be used for?"
Looking at the director's teasing smile, Tepo had the urge to stomp on the older man's plump belly. But he held back and thought about this question.
Something which can stabilize a dungeon? It is called 'artificial core'? Could it be…?
With a shocked voice, Tepo exclaimed:
"Can artificial cores be used by those who couldn't awaken?!"
"Haha, you're quite clever, my friend. That's right, artificial cores can be used by humans, guiding them onto the path of a warrior. Furthermore, they can be used to raise the quality of all cores. Now you understand why they are the biggest treasures, don't you?"
Tepo was shocked by this revelation, but he had even more questions:
"Then why isn't this talked more about in school? Wouldn't this take a lot off pressure of the children's shoulders?"
"Sure, but do you think this is a good thing? In many worlds it is silently agreed upon not to let children know about artificial cores.
After all they have a big problem: they have no ranks. An artificial core will always be equivalent to the lowest common rank.
Now, in many places, including our Hurricane Kingdom, the theory prevails that a strong foundation is important for awakening. If we tell out children about artificial cores and they become lazy as a result, wouldn't we waste many warriors' potential?"
Overwhelmed, Tepo needed a moment to sort through this information. So, these artificial cores had their advantages and disadvantages. But for all those who couldn't awaken these cores were an irresistible gift.
"But if this is the case, couldn't we still hand out cores to more commoners? Wouldn't we build an undefeatable army?"
Rolling his eyes, Thogas answered:
"Do you think artificial cores grow on trees? There will only be more demand but never any supply. So many warriors want them to raise the quality of their cores. Who would ever sell them?"
Reprimanded by the director, Tepo felt that his question was indeed a bit naïve. How many dungeons could there be? How could they ever be enough for all warriors?
"Thus, I said I have a unique opportunity for you! This time, if you clear the dungeon, the artificial core will go towards you!"
After listening for so long, Tepo already expected this offer. He had to admit that this indeed an irresistible opportunity for someone without a core. But luckily, the young man wasn't included in this group.
Since his mind wasn't blended by greed, Tepo could take on a more differentiated perspective. As his thoughts raced, his suspicion continued to increase.
Could there be such a good offer? Compensation? Wasn't this like a pie falling from the sky? What an insidious plot. What are they planning? If they want to get rid of me in the dungeon, then why not do it right now?
The situation was too obscure for Tepo, but one thing was for certain. He could never agree to this offer.
Smiling brightly, the director observed Tepo's expression. But soon, his mood deflated. Why didn't Tepo show the eagerness one would expect? Could he really resist the alure of a core?
"Please thank the mayor from me, director. I am very honored that he would consider such a compensation. But…"
With every word the director's smile looked more and more strained. It can't be that they failed here, right? Impossible!
"… during my time here, I was able to cool down. I decided that the most important thing in life is family. From now on I will just get a job and support my mother. Thank you for everything. I have learned a lot here."
Tepo's voice sounded incredibly genuine. Especially the last sentence, he really meant it. But for the director this was unbelievable. A young man who seemed so keen on getting a core was declining his offer?
Suddenly the director laughed dryly:
"Haha, young friend. What a good joke."
"This was no joke, director. I mean it. If we are done here, I would love to leave. I'm certain my mother worries about me."
The director sighed. What could he do now? His orders clearly said not to force Tepo. Only if the young man entered the dungeon of his free will could they claim to be innocent. Only then would the kingdom protect them if necessary.
With a perfect plan in hand, the mayor was certain to succeed. Which young man could stay calm in front of an artificial core? Didn't you want to be a warrior? This was your chance!
And indeed, if Tepo didn't have a core himself he might have taken the risk despite his suspicions. But now the mayor's plan had failed, and the director didn't know how to continue.
Thogas looked at his assistant for help, but the young man only shrugged his shoulders. The director had to admit defeat.
Despite the situation, the old man did his best not to lose his composure. Never stopping to smile, he acknowledged Tepo's decision.
"Well, then. Although I think it is a pity, but I respect your wishes, young friend. You will nevertheless be a free man from now on. The warden will lead you out."
Tepmodus let go of the breath he held. He expected the director to turn towards violence, but fortunately the man had no plans to detain him further.
"Thank you, director. I will take my leave then. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, young friend."
As soon as Tepo stepped outside the director's mask fell. He gritted his teeth as he spat out:
"Ungrateful!"
"Boss, what should we do now?"
"Inform the mayor! This isn't our problem anymore."
"Yes, boss."
Tepo didn't overhear this conversation, but it didn't matter much. He didn't trust the director anyways. When an offer was too good to be true, it had to be fishy.
Fortunately, he was indeed allowed to leave the prison. Following behind a silent warden Tepo entered a small entrance building where he got his old stuff back. Next, they crossed a big yard full of patrols, before finally stepping out of a massive wooden gate.
Once outside, Tepo took a deep breath. This had to be the sweet smell of freedom all the criminals in his former life always talked about. After only a single day he had already missed it so much.
Now Tepo only needed to figure out how to get home. Just as he began to inspect his surroundings, his breath suddenly stocked. Not far from him stood a lonely woman. Glancing into her reddened eyes, Tepmodus felt his heart going out of control. Something was stuck in his throat, only allowing him a single word:
"Mom!"
The woman with long, healthy brown hair, nodded gently as she took a step forward.
Tepo couldn't endure his mother's gaze. The concern she showed let him feel incredibly guilty. It was so stupid of him to oppose the bigshots. It didn't matter that he was abused, dragged around, and almost killed. He could endure all of those.
But imagining the pain his mother must have felt hurt the deepest part of Tepo's feelings. He felt incredible rage and self-blame. But also anger and hatred towards Taren Raunej. One day the mayor would have to pay…
Now, though, Tepo buried these feelings at the back of his mind. He had to be there for his mother, supporting her. He quickly walked forward. Tepo opened his arms wide before mother and son hugged each other tightly.
"I'm so glad you're fine, Tepo!"
The young man's body shook. This was a mother. No accusation, no blame, only relief. Tepo wondered how he deserved this. How did he deserve a second chance with such a loving mother?
Feeling a wet spot on his shoulder, Tepo had to do his best to hold back his own tears. As he strongly embraced Reahva, Tepo knew this painful but sweet moment would be engraved in his memories forever.