A helping hand
Casks was guiding the group through the valley. Hera tried to compare the environment around her to the room outside the dungeon, but everything looked different. They didn't pass through the narrow path, the colors seemed wrong, and there wasn't a single crypt or mausoleum around. It was like the Naga never decided to make this place their graveyard. While they walked, Hera asked some probing questions to Casks. It was the first time she went inside a dungeon where people remembered her, and the explorer wanted to know what she actually remembered. In the end, this version of the Naga was the same that joined the entire group, not the one that was jealous of Darni and Hera when she was alone in the dungeon.
After about 10 minutes of walking, Casks noticed a few other people moving around and waved to them, "Let me formally welcome you to Spiral," the Naga smiled.
Spiral was the name of the city she was currently living in, and it was located inside the spiral path that once was locked behind the stone doors with a spider drawing. The Naga had created several structures inside with some guard posts near the entrance. Hera was in awe of the stark difference from this place to the version that she knew. In the actual room, this place was just a somewhat bland tunnel that didn't have much to show. Here, the center of the spiral had an incredibly detailed drawing. It showed forests and mountains, oceans and islands. There weren't any creatures or people, only views, marvelous and incredible views that were true works of art. The colors would blend together, hiding some details that could only appear after you paid close attention. On the other side, the walls had been carved out, creating large neighborhoods. Even without walking inside, they could tell there was some farmland and forges around.
"This... Is amazing!" Shane gasped as she saw the dozens of Naga walking around and talking with each other.
"It really is. Look at those drawings!" Chiton, one of the dwarven mages, gasped. He pulled back his hood, revealing his short black hair and pierced ears. He had a goatee that framed his face well and gave him just a tiny bit of a mean look. A look that was almost washed away by the blue and purple robes that covered his entire body.
"I know!" Casks smiled, "Every time someone joins our city, we ask them to add to the mural. If they don't know how to paint, we give them time to learn and put a little bit of their journey here."
"So these places were all places that the Naga who live here visited?" Blue asked.
Casks nodded, "Yeah. Spiral is a place free from all the politics of other kingdoms. It's a room where those who fought, traveled, and became pioneers in their field come to retire. Everyone who lives here will be remembered for something they've done elsewhere. But here we wanted to remember their journey, the path that led them here."
"Isn't that a bit mean?" Alex frowned, " You guys are removing yourselves from your homes and removing the possibility to teach the new generation."
"Not entirely," the group looked to one of the Naga who was approaching to see Asher with a smile on his face and a book in his hand, " We may have excluded ourselves from our civilization, but it doesn't mean we don't know what happens there. Every year a few of us go on a trip, visiting the various kingdoms and cities where our brethren live, and we see if there is anyone who shows promise. Either for their talents, drive, or dedication to one of the fields that were mastered by our people. If that's the case, we invite them to join us here temporarily, of course. They can learn, grow, and develop their skills until it's time for their own adventures," Asher smiled at the group, "It's lovely to see you all again."
Casks and Asher guided the group through the city, explaining each district. Most of the farmland was close to the exits to avoid any issues with monsters going too deep into the city, and in the middle of the spiral path, the heavy industry was located. It was a bit of an odd setup but the explanation was that they did it that way to protect the resources that were being poured into those areas. Since most of the people in this city were masters in what they did, the weapons, armor, spells, and other artifacts being created were too dangerous to let fall into the hands of a random person because of a monster attack.
"What kind of artifacts are you talking about?" Shane asked, the idea of being able to witness the Naga's work firsthand made her very excited.
"Pretty much anything that we want. Despite having these dozens of workshops, only two or three are ever working at a time. Mostly because there's no reason for us to work without stopping," Casks continued but gestured to one of the forges that glowed with an orange light, " There are some exceptions, of course. Naph, for instance, is still crazy about making weapons. But now, she's more focused on quality over quantity. The last weapon she created took, I want to say, 2 years to be completed."
"Actually, it was 3 years. You forget the time she took to make the scabbard," a voice came from behind the group. As Hera turned around, she saw a massive 12-meter-long white snake with one silver eye and one green one. On top of that, there was a familiar white Naga with green eyes, "Hello everyone. I didn't know you were coming by."
"Darni!" Hera and Shane gasped. The Naga hero looked older and stronger. His arms were wider, and he had a small scar on the side of his face.
Darni left Chika's back and started greeting everyone. It didn't take long for Rris and Naph to join in while the rest of the Naga continued to move around without interrupting the group. It wasn't like the rest of the people who lived here were ignoring them, but as if this wasn't an uncommon occurrence.
After a while, Hera stepped toward the giant snake. She might not like Daskka very much, but she never seemed to have a problem with Hera herself, "Hey Chika, how are you doing?" she had a sad smile on her face, remembering what happened to the real version of the snake. Another thing that made her remember the version that was killed because of her was the small crocheted blue Naga hanging around her neck.
Surprisingly, Hera got more than just a feeling as a reply, 'Sad,' Chika said, using her connection to the Naga.
'Why?' Hera asked the same way.
Chika looked over to Darni and Casks, 'They want children.'
'So you are jealous?'
'No. Casssksss sssick. Can't lay eggsss.'
Hera looked over to Casks and saw that she seemed to be fine, 'Are you sure?'
Chika nodded, 'Heard her talk. No healer can help. But I know how.'
'You know how to cure her?' Hera tilted her head, and Chika nodded again, 'How did you find out? I mean, you are not exactly a healer.'
'Odd eye lizard told me. Need to hunt ssspecial mole.'
'Odd eye lizard?' Hera stopped to think for a moment. The first thing that came to mind was the chameleon guide, but he was very rude, and she didn't expect someone like him to be willing to help Chika, 'Do you remember his name? Was it Percy Bodwitch?'
'Yesss.'
'Ok. Do you know where the mole is? I can go kill it for you.'
'I know where it isss. I need to kill it. My fangsss mussst deal the lassst blow.'
'That's a bit more complicated, but we can work with that. Can you lead us there?' Hera replied while completely forgetting she was inside a dungeon. She only wanted to help the Naga, who seemed to finally be having a happy and peaceful life.
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You have discovered the Dungeon Quest.
The Naga are having some trouble due to the appearance of a few moles that are stronger than usual. These monsters pose a threat to their infrastructure, and they are asking for your help.
Collect pelts to help them create repellents that will protect the city forever.
First time rewards:
80 000 gold, Spiral Supplies
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You have discovered the Hidden Quest of the Eternal Bond dungeon [Hard Mode]
Chika discovered a way to help Casks and Darni have children. The snake companion must find and kill a specific mole and bring back its heart infused with her own venom. Follow her to locate the specific mole and help her kill it.
Chika must deal the killing blow on the creature with a bite, or the quest will fail.
First time rewards:
80 000 gold, Chika's gift.
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You are the first to ever enter this dungeon. If you complete the Dungeon Quest, you will receive the following bonus rewards:
+ 1 Level, Spiral Gift
The following reward will be upgraded if you complete the dungeon and the hidden quest.
Spiral Gift -> Spiral Masterwork.
These rewards are permanently forfeited if you leave the dungeon without completing this quest.
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"Wait, what happened?" Farica asked as the notifications appeared in front of everyone.
"What's this about a mole problem? Are those the same we fought before?" Mylo asked.
"What? How do you know about that?" Asher asked.
"Sorry, everyone. That's on me," Hera quickly jumped in, not wanting the Naga to realize they were inside a dungeon. This could cause problems for the first-time rewards, and she didn't want to risk that, "I was talking to Chika, and she told me the full story. You guys could use some mole skins to protect the city better, right?"
Darni nodded, "Yes. A couple days ago, a few of our Crafters came up with that idea. We could enchant the skins to ward off any moles that might want to come closer to the city. The idea is just to create a permanent fear spell of sorts that makes it look like there is a very strong predator in here, and since we don't want anyone else to get affected by it, we need the skins," Darni looked at Chika, "Thank you for suggesting this. Everyone seems to be too busy with one project or another to help out, and we don't want to impose."
Chika nodded and sent out a more condensed feeling to all those around them, 'I guide.'
"Oh? It might be good for you to stretch a little," Darni looked back to the rest of the group, "Chika is offering to guide you to where the moles are located. Would you be willing to help us? We will reward you for this, of course."
Everyone nodded, agreeing with a suggestion. The Naga gestured for them to follow him a long while he went up the spiral to the exit on the other side. They all had to pass through this spiral corridor, and they could see the differences between this place outside the dungeon and here. About halfway to the city, Barlac noticed a cut that formed the side of a door in the central pillar and pointed it out to Hera; he was about to ask a question when the Countess put a finger on her lips, telling him to stay quiet. She then gestured to his tablet, and the man sent her his question. Hera read it and replied, 'correct. Lantra's grave should be there. The Naga are sensitive to the subject. Let's avoid mentioning it to them during this first clear. Maybe next time we can try.'
Realizing that other dwarves could notice that possible entrance, Hera sent a message to everyone saying the same thing. She expressed that if the Naga got angry, they might fail the quest instantly. It was just a possibility, but she didn't want to risk it. Everyone got the notification and pulled up their tablets. After reading, there was a brief moment where all the Royal Explorers, plus Shane, nodded at each other in synchrony.
After about five minutes, they were on the upstairs exit, and Darni gestured to their left, "You guys are in a big group, so you might take this path. There are more moles here, which would help a lot. We need as many of their skins as we can get. But, if you guys are worried about their number, you can take the right path. There are smaller groups, which should be enough to last us for a while. We just won't be able to expand the city without going out for more pelts."
'Chika, where should we go?' Hera asked as the snake gestured to the right path, which should be easier.
Hera looked to the rest of the group, "I think we should go to the right. You know, just to be safe. We shouldn't be overconfident," she said, trying to sound worried, but the team understood that they should let Chika lead the way as the quest told them. Darni and the others nodded and waited for a while as Chika guided everyone towards the objective of the hidden quest, and a mission she didn't want to fail.