Lucian and Annabelle both leveled up twice.
Lucian had also felt one of his skills level up during the fight as well but had ignored it then.
Annabelle got to level 11, and was offered a new skill. She told Lucian she picked a skill called [Minor Cure], “It helps get rid of debuffs or poisons, that kind of thing.” She had explained. He felt it was a sound choice.
The pair walked past the body of the giant spider.
“I got the ring in this dungeon, in a small chest in an earlier room. I figure this room might have something nice too.” Lucian explained as they approached the far wall.
The system had told them the dungeon was going to collapse, but they had time to do a little poking around.
Lucian found a cove on the far side of the room, again hidden behind plantlife. He pulled the vines aside revealing a larger stone chest sitting within it, “Would you like to do the honors?”
Annabelle laughed and stepped forward, lifting the edge of the chest open. She lifted a necklace from and examined it. Its chain was made of black metal, and a dark green stone hung from it.
Lucian looked at it, then back up at her, “I feel like you should have it, to be honest.”
She nodded, “Alright…” She put the necklace on and after a moment smiled, “Oh this is definitely good. It increases the potency of poison effects.”
“Yeah it definitely looks like it would do something like that.” Lucian laughed, “Fitting for a spider themed dungeon.” Lucian began to walk back towards the room’s entrance.
Annabelle turned to follow him with a smile, happy with her new item.
The pair cautiously made their way back through the dungeon - but didn’t encounter anything.
Without any obstacles, it didn’t take them long to make it back to the dungeon’s entrance. They climbed the staircase and emerged on the surface.
“Ahh, sunlight.” Annabelle squinted as her eyes readjusted.
Lucian groaned as his pupils dilated from the sudden change as well, blinking and rubbing his eyes, “That doesn’t feel great…”
Annabelle chuckled, “Serves you right for getting free skills.” She teased.
Lucian rolled his eyes as they finished adjusting, quicker than he felt they should - perhaps an effect of [Night Vision], he wasn’t sure.
“What's the plan now, captain?” She stretched briefly, looking at him expectantly.
“Why am I the captain?” Lucian laughed.
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“Because you’re a higher level than I am, obviously.”
“Alright, alright. I think we should head back - maybe get our hands on some camping equipment for future use.” Lucian pointed towards the center of the forest - and the giant tree that could be seen looming over the treetops, “I’d rather be prepared for the journey there. I assume you’re still coming with me?”
Annabelle nodded, “Yep! I’m sticking with you.”
“Then we go get equipment.” Lucian nodded, “Tents, sleeping bags, that kind of thing.”
“That sounds good. Maybe some proper food as well!”
Lucian nodded again, “Definitely that.”
Annabelle skipped off towards the treeline and Lucian followed her, “By the way, why were you saying your skills out loud?” He asked.
Annabelle blushed a little bit, “It’s not a chuunibyou thing or anything! It just feels right, like that’s what the skill wants me to be doing…”
Lucian nodded, “I get it. They come with instincts, almost.” Then he smirked, “But I wasn’t accusing you of that…”
“Shut it.” She mumbled.
Lucian laughed then paused for a few seconds, “Are your skills classed as spells?
“Oh! Yeah, they are!” Annabelle nodded, eyes lighting up with realization, “Ah! And spells should need incantations!”
“That would make sense. None of my skills are spells but I have been offered a few that were.”
“I guess I should take some non spell skills then.” She mumbled.
“Probably. I can activate my skills in rapid sequence - to great effect. But with spells you need to speak them which would slow that kind of activation down. So having at least one non spell might open up new strategies.” Lucian paused for a moment, “Oh, I remember. One of the skills I was offered was a ‘Silent Spell’. So it was still classified as a spell but maybe it didn’t need an incantation.”
Annabelle nodded, “That would also be good to get…”
The pair continued to chat about random things as they began the trek back through the jungle towards civilization proper.
After a while a giant centipede ambushed them - or tried too.
It leapt from the undergrowth at Annabelle, but Lucian stepped to the side and swung his hand. He connected a backhanded punch to the side of its head and sent it flying.
He shook his wrist, “Stupid bug.”
Annabelle clapped, “Well done! No sword?” It was over before she really had the chance to react more than flinching.
“It takes a bit to fully manifest. That one was faster than the last one. Didn’t want to risk it.” He shrugged, “I also didn’t want to waste Spirit. Just in case.”
It reminded Lucian to distribute his free points.
He put 3 points into both Constitution and Strength, bringing them to 29 and 60 respectively. The increase brought his Spirit up to 78 as well.
It took a while, but the pair eventually made their way to the edge of the jungle.
Annabelle whined, “I hate walking around so much…”
“Well, you are a witch, maybe you can get a flying broom.”
“God I hope so.”
Lucian put his hand up to stop Annabelle, “Wait.” His ears twitched. “I hear people.” Lucian quickly scaled a nearby tree to get a better view, peeking out through the leaves. A National Guard deployment was stationed on the road not far from the edge of the treeline. Lucian sighed and made his way back down to the forest floor. He looked at Annabelle, “National Guard.”
The pair moved closer to the treeline and Lucian shouted, “Hello! Don’t shoot, please!”
There was commotion from the group and a pair of guardsmen walked to the treeline, “Come on out, don’t worry!” One of them called back.
After a moment, Lucian and Annabelle made their way out of the jungle, “Thank you.” Lucian said with a nod to the guard who had spoken.
“You two look pretty good, considering the circumstances.” The guard looked them over, “You two need anything?”
Annabelle perked up, “Water would be great.”
The guards escorted the pair away from the jungle, “What were you two doing in there?” One asked.
“Long story short? Grinding.” Lucian shrugged.
“Ah, you two classed? We have one of those with us. Normally I would scold you for being reckless but you two seem no worse for wear.” The guard sighed.
Another guard brought them some water bottles. The pair quenched their thirst and thanked the guard.
After finishing his water, Lucian put the bottle down and looked around at the guards, “I feel like I should warn you all about something.”
“Oh? Information is always helpful.” One of the guards walked over and sat down across from Lucian.
“There’s a giant hawk that can shoot lightning somewhere in there.” Lucian said, “Believe it or not.” He gestured back to the treeline, “It nearly vaporized me. Though I suppose it was my fault for making myself seen and traveling in the treetops instead of on the ground like a normal person.”
“Oh. Well.” The guard blinked a few times, “I guess that isn’t all that strange, considering…” The guard mumbled before speaking, “I’ll pass it on.” He got up and walked away from the pair.
“Well. I suppose this is good and bad.” Lucian turned to Annabelle.
“What do you mean?”
“Well the government is involved now. On one hand, that probably means less people get hurt. On the other hand, it might make things more difficult for us.”
“Ah. Yeah, good point.” She grumbled.
“Well nothing to be done about that. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.” Lucian stood up.
Lucian went around to ask some of the guardsmen a few questions.
He learned they were trying to establish a perimeter around the jungle, and helping civilians evacuate further into the city. The disruption of utilities was fairly widespread, but further away from the jungle things were working fine, at least in areas that weren’t cut off from the grid by the damage.
After a few minutes, he and Annabelle left the group. They had camping supplies to buy and food to get.
