We entered the fog and Declan moved up to the front of the formation just behind Jace. His lantern held high as the dome formed around us.

  The land here was small, veering left and right or being completely separated by the black water. I activated my mana sight but nothing materialized in my vision.

  My body tensed as the enhanced perception caused my body to tingle with danger.

  Something was wrong but I don’t know what.

  A large splash echoed far off in the distance and everyone flinched. Weapons lifted and we settled into a combat stance, however nothing else moved.

  Ripples appeared along the water from within the fog that pushed at the dome but my mana sight didn’t pick anything up. Which did nothing to settle my nerves. Everyone was on high alert as we reduced to a single file line across a particularly small patch of land.

  My body practically vibrate, primal alarms screamed about an unseen danger. I scanned the area with my Mana Sight but nothing coalesced into the shape of a monster.

  There was another splash behind us and to the right. We all snapped in the direction but only ripples broke the surface.

  “What the fuck was that?” someone called out.

  “Anyone see what it was?” I asked around.

  A sudden shriek pierced the air, my eyes snapping to the source of the sound. Sage was on her knees before a severed arm holding a familiar spear.

  ETHAN.

  There was a scream in the fog followed by a gurgling sound.

  “We have to save him.” Sage was on her feet again.

  “Declan, can you expand the dome? Even if it is only for a minute. Theo, anything you can do with your water magic?” I said as I scanned the direction of the scream. My swords at the ready.

  “I can try for a few seconds but it will drain the rest of my mana.” Declan replied quietly.

  “I can try but my level isn’t very high.” Theo answered at the same time.

  “Do it.”

  The dome suddenly expanded and Ethan could be seen trying to swim towards us with one arm.

  “Help me.” Ethan cried as he swam as hard as he could. A green glow already enveloping him as Kira began healing.

  “I will throw my tethered sword. You grab it and hold tight, I will pull you to safety.” I quickly lifted my Jian and was about to throw it when Ethan erupted into the air in the teeth of a giant crocodile. Ethan screamed as the powerful jaws clamped around him.

  A mana arrow struck the crocodile the same time as my tethered Jian pierced the monster. The crocodile roared releasing Ethan from his jaws, falling into the water with a splash. Ethan laid still, face down in the water.

  Ethan’s limp body caused the mana to boil in my body and I yanked the crocodile to me with all my strength. It flew out of the water, giant twenty five foot long crocodile sailed through the air.

  Shanira hit it with mana arrow after mana arrow as it sailed towards us.

  As it approached at a high speed I stabbed my Gladius directly through its skull in a piercing strike.

  Puncturing Strike proficiency increased

  Drownjaw Killed – 125 xp

  I was about to retrieve Ethan when two more Drownjaw’s ripped him in half from two different death rolls.

  Sage screamed again and threw fireball after fireball at the crocodiles. The fireballs hit the water causing a small eruption of water but the crocodiles were long gone. Sage collapsed to the ground in a heap and the water became eerily still once more.

  “Run to the next section of land!” I shouted unsummoning my swords, picking up Sage and running with the group.

  “I… can’t… hold… it…” Declan cried as he collapsed to his knees as he made it to a small island of dirt. The lantern dimmed before going out completely. The fog snapped back into place covering our island up to our knees.

  Fuck this is perfect ambushing conditions.

  “Group up. Flynn give mana stones to Declan. Sage will have to rest to recover. Stay alert. Protect each other and yourselves.” I said as we formed a circle around the injured and ranged players. Flynn was giving Declan handfuls of mana crystals. I placed Sage next to Declan and summoned my swords.

  My eyes watched the fog for any sign of attack as I formed my part of the circle, my back to Kira.

  Mana Sight Proficiency increased

  Flow State activated

  Enhanced Perception Proficiency increased

  The windows appeared and disappeared in a flash as a ripple in the fog in front of me indicated the first attack.

  The gaping maw of a massive crocodile broke through the surface of the fog at a ridiculously fast pace, even with Flow State activated. The monster was almost on me when I reacted, the Jian sword in my left hand colliding with the giant snout of the crocodile deflecting it. As my Jian moved the crocodile to the side my Gladius was already moving as I drove it upward with all my strength.

  The sword tore through the neck and out the back as the Drownjaw died.

  Parry Proficiency increase

  Puncturing Strike proficiency increase

  Drownjaw killed – 100 xp

  Congratulations on leveling up. Accept the rewards?

  Yes/No

  Yes. Three stat points flew into Mana and two into Stamina.

  The refreshing wave of energy clearing the growing headache from over using Mana Sight.

  There was a shout and I turned as Logan was dragged under the fog layer.

  My heart erupted in my chest as panic threatened to over take me.

  I have to save him.

  I was about to windstep when there was a colossal roar, but it wasn’t from a monster.

  Logan suddenly surged out of the fog a few feet away. A Drownjaw held above his head, he brought the beast down on his armored knee with a CRACK that echoed through the area.

  The monster was dead or paralyzed as the sound of breaking bones stopped echoing through the marsh.

  Logan bent down picking up his massive axe, how he knew where it was I had no idea. He swung the axe with one hand and a spray of black blood flew into the air.

  Logan returned to his position giving me a nod before turning back to face the fog.

  Declan stood up, sweat still dropping down his face but he lifted his lantern. The dome slowly took shape pushing the fog back a few feet. Four Drownjaws were uncovered to be creeping up the island under the fog. As the fog rolled over their backs they leapt, however players were already attacking. Victor had stabbed one with his billhorn while Gregory drove an axe into it’s head. Shanira had fired an arrow into the eye of another and sent a second mana arrow into the same spot. The arrow entered the ruined eye socket and exploded, the top of the Drownjaw’s skull erupted in a fountain of black gore and white skull fragments.

  I faced the last two, the leapt for my legs at the same time. With Flow State activated they still moved quickly but I had lots of time to react.

  I leapt into the air, front flipping over them. As I sailed over them I stabbed both of my swords into the skulls of the monsters, detonating dual Kinetic Bursts. The impact pushed me higher and I landed behind the Drownjaws as the notifications rolled in.

  Drownjaw Killed – 125 xp

  Drownjaw Killed – 125 xp

  I closed the windows before rushing back to the group.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  “Jace, Declan find a path forward. We need to move. Make sure we give Declan mana crystals if he needs it.” Jace and Declan began moving immediately, choosing wide paths to give us ample time to react to Drownjaw ambushes.

  Sage was finally able to walk on her own after some rest. She remained shell shocked over Ethan’s death.

  We were ambushed six times by the Drownjaw but we fell into a simple combat routine. Someone would spot the attack, I would activate Flow State and Mana Tether, impaling the creature on my sword, dragging it to the ground.

  The other players would jump on it and kill it together. Even when multiple attacked we would separate into groups and kill them together. Always moving, praying we would break the fog layer.

  After another hour of attacks and constant moving we finally broke through the fog layer. Running up another hill away from the water. We were all sweating and panting but refused to let our guard down.

  I activated Mana Sight and scanned the surroundings. Nothing appeared and I gave the all clear.

  Declan collapsed to the ground panting along with several others.

  I began taking heavy breaths trying to settle my heart rate while surveying my surroundings.

  The terrain was rocky here. Mana Crystals intermingled with giant grey stones.

  “Everyone okay?” I asked but noticed Sage bawling her eyes out while Gregory and Victor comforted her solemnly.

  “Ethan had saved her life in a house fire last year. Sage always said she would repay the favor one day. So his death is crushing her” Theo said as he walked up next to me. His voice broke as he spoke as he fought tears un his own eyes. “It is crushing all of us.”

  “Take your time to recover,” I said sympathetically. “ When you are ready let us know.”

  Theo nodded and went to join his friends.

  I turned to stare back at the marsh below.

  “What are you thinking?” Kira asked walking up to join me.

  “We need to get stronger.” I sighed.

  “You’re going to do something stupid again, aren’t you?” She turned to stare into my eyes.

  “I would say it is the least stupidest of stupid plans, if that is any comfort?” I smiled.

  “It’s not.” She pouted. “Okay, then I am coming with you.”

  “Of course you are.” I sighed again. “Let’s get Logan. He will love this.”

  We found Logan with Jamie, Jace, Gideon and Flynn.

  “You guys want to farm some Drownjaws?”A wild smile settled onto Logan’s face as I spoke.

  “Fuck yes.” Logan beamed.

  “Sure.” Jamie agreed.

  Flynn nodded, while Gideon looked at Shanira.”Whatever to get stronger.” He turned to me. “Ready.”

  “Jamie, do you have a taunt ability?” I asked as we began walking back towards the fog.

  “Kinda.” Jamie replied sheepishly.

  “Kinda?” I gave him a questioning look.

  “…yes” he said quietly.

  “Okay? Kira do you think your mana shield can push the fog back, just so we can see where the water is.”

  Kira stepped forward as we reached the fog layer, lifting her hands. A blue mana shield spread forward pushing the fog back. Not as well as Declan’s shield but enough for us to see the water ten feet in front of us.

  “Okay, we try and attract them by splashing the water and Jamie’s taunt ability. Then bait them back out of the fog and engage them here in a kill box. Any questions?” I met everyone’s eyes and they all nodded.

  “Okay, lets move quick so Kira can drop the barrier and not tire herself out too quickly.” I began moving towards the water with Logan and Jamie while everyone else set up a combat formation.

  I lifted my sword and slapped it against the water with the flat of the blade. Logan followed suit with his large battle axe, sending a large wave into the fog.

  A few more splashes and suddenly something boomed against the mana shield. Then again as the giant forms of the Drownjaws smashed against the barrier.

  “Back up now! Jamie get ready to activate your skill.” I called as I bounded backwards.

  We returned to the group as Kira began sweating. “Drop it, Jamie do your thing.”

  Kira dropped the mana shield and the fog snapped back to ten feet in front of us. There was a loud splash then silence.

  “HEY! OVER HERE!” Jamie shouted as he stepped forward shield raised, his voice loud with an odd pitch. A wave of mana rolled forward into the fog and three splashes echoed through the fog.

  I stared at Jamie as he backed away. His face was ashen and his eyes were wide with panic.

  What the fuck.

  The sound of heavy foot slaps on the ground drew my attention back to the fog.

  Three Drownjaws emerged from the fog. Shanira immediately released two shots from her bow as they emerged, stunning the two she hit. The third advanced on Jamie, it’s white eyes locked on him with hyper focus.

  Jamie stumbled backwards, fear washing off him like a wave. I reacted instantly, grabbing him and wrenching him backwards as the Drownjaw lunged.

  Logan intercepted it with the flat of his axe, flipping it onto its back. Flynn and Gideon were there in a heartbeat bashing into it as Logan watched the other two inch forward once again.

  Jamie screamed and thrashed against my hand in pure terror and the two Drownjaws began rushing towards him.

  “Jamie, snap out of it.” I shook him but his eyes had already cleared and he lifted his sword and shield.

  “Sorry, I’m back. Side effect of the skill.” Jamie said sheepishly.

  Logan had already severed the leg of one of the approaching monsters while Shanira and Kira pelted it with arrows and missiles.

  I engaged the third with Jamie and Jace as it attacked, pushing off its back legs to lunge at my mid section.

  I parried it’s head with my Jian which sent the giant head into Jamie’s waiting shield.

  I quickly sliced it’s two legs off with my Gladius and moved out of the way so Jamie and Jace could finish it off.

  End of the Line Proficiency increase

  I looked around and the rest of the Drownjaws were already dead.

  “Let’s take a break to regroup before trying again.” I called around before turning to Jamie. “What the fuck was that?”

  “My taunt skill doesn’t make me the biggest threat. It makes me prey so appetizing it can’t be ignored. The skill works on every monster nearby, including bosses but it works by enhancing my fear. Mana sends my fear out to act like prey before a predator but the downside is I feel all that fear as well. It makes it hard to think straight.” Jamie looked down, his cheeks red with shame.

  “Okay, we can use this and I think the more you use it the more you can adapt to it. If the proficiency gets high enough I am sure the side effect will lessen.” I tried to sound encouraging but I can see why he was hadn’t used it before. “Next time give us a heads up though. So we can work around the side effect.”

  “Yeah sorry about that.”

  “Alright let’s plan for more kills.” I said as the group gathered.

  “Kira, have you recovered enough?” I asked as I saw she was still breathing heavy.

  “Yeah just a minute.” She took a few combat breaths and straightened.

  “Jamie’s taunt skill comes with a side effect that you just saw but I think we can prepare for it and bring him to the back of the group until the skill deactivates. Make sure to leave him a kill though so he can also level up. What levels is everyone now?” I asked.

  Probably should have asked before but oh well.

  “Ten.” Logan was the first to comment.

  “Same.” Kira and Shanira said together.

  “Nine.” Flynn said quietly.

  “Eight for me.” Gideon followed up.

  “Six.” Jace scowled as if he was ashamed of his level.

  Everyone turned to Jamie. “Seven.”

  “Okay, that’s good. Let’s get everyone to level ten. Try and maim the monsters you are fighting and Gideon, Flynn or Jamie will finish them. Any questions?” No one spoke up. “Let’s get to it.”

  We did the same tactic until almost everyone was level ten, killing Drownjaws and sometimes Mirelurkers. The monsters slowly took longer and longer to be attracted to the mana barrier. In the end Kira collapsed before any more monsters attacked.

  “Okay, let’s head back and see how everyone is doing. Finalize your classes there and we will get moving.” As I finished speaking we headed for the top of the hill.

  “What level are you?” I asked Jace and Jamie as we walked.

  “Nine.” They answered simultaneously.

  “Fuck, so close eh.” I shook my head.

  “Sorry.” Kira panted beside me.

  “Need us to stop so you can catch your breath?” I eyed her up, prepared to catch her if she passed out.

  “No… I’m… good.” She said unconvincingly.

  “Okay, we get it. You are a tough badass. Now stop before you kill yourself.” I said as I halted in place holding her still as she swayed.

  “Thank… you…” She breathed.

  “I always have your back and stop being stupid. You have nothing to apologize for. You held back wave after wave of monsters with a relatively unused ability. That’s fucking brilliant in my eyes.” I gave her a wink.

  Kira forced a smile and we waited a few more minutes as she steadied herself. Jace and Jamie already long gone, discussing if they should hunt extra monsters on the way to find the boss.

  As we waited I surveyed the surroundings once more. The vast ocean of fog covered the valley.

  This was on a completely different scale then the previous dungeon. It was a completely different world. A different universe maybe.

  The implications once again weighed heavy.

  We are fighting a war against monsters in another world. We are DYING fighting against nightmares, just so they don’t invade the world.

  The unfairness threatened to overwhelm me and my swords shimmered into my hands.

  “What’s wrong?” Kira asked, having finally caught her breath.

  “We have to continue getting stronger. I am afraid this is going to keep happening. More frequently probably.” I looked into those green eyes, the glowing hazel burning into me as they stared back. “When I use Mana Sight, I can see the mana bleeding into our world. Changing it. I think its terraforming our world so those gods or whatever can continue invading. Maybe even making it easier to invade. What if one opens right in the heart of the city? Or a undiscovered gate breaks and sends their hordes flooding against our walls.”

  Kira’s gaze softened as she lifted a hand to my cheek. “Then we will get stronger. We will stand against that tide and protect everyone we can. Together.”

  I let my swords disolve and leaned into her hand, her warmth grounding me as my eyes drifted down to her lips. The urge to kiss her overwhelmed me and I found myself leaning forward. A look of surprise crossed Kira’s face but she quickly began leaning forward as well, lifting on her toes as I leaned down.

  Our lips met and the world melted away. Her soft lips melting into mine as the kiss deepened. My heart quickened as Kira's body pushed harder against mine, her lips parting eager for more and I was ready to oblige.

  Our lips met and the world melted away. Her soft lips melting into mine as the kiss deepened. My heart quickened as Kira's body pushed harder against mine, her lips parting eager for more, and I was ready to oblige.

  “HEY GUYS! WE ARE READY TO MOVE OUT. HURRY UP.” Logan’s booming voice was like ice racing down my spine causing me to freeze.

  WHAT DID I JUST DO.

  Reality came crashing down as be broke apart. Kira’s eyes were dazed as they stared into mine. Heat marking her cheeks as she blushed.

  I quickly stepped back as my own cheeks heated. “Sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  Hurt crossed Kira’s face in a flash as her eyes cleared but she quickly recovered. “Yeah what the hell were you thinking.” She jeered but I could tell her heart wasn’t in it.

  Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. She is your partner. You crossed that line and now she will be reassigned. Capta- I mean Deputy Chief Dipstick will have her on nights while you work days. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  As I berated myself Kira was already moving towards the top of the hill.

  …Fuck it.

  “Kira.” I grabbed her hand to stop her.

  “What Elias?” There was a look of pure exhaustion on her face.

  “You know what. I’m not sorry. In fact I wish I had done it sooner. We already lost friends and here I am worried about policy.” Kira’s face instantly brightened. “I know I already owe you dinner but I want to ask you on a proper date? I know it is a bit ass backwards after we just kissed but –“

  “Finally.” She said as she leapt into my arms, her arms wrapping around me tightly as my own instinctively did the same.

  “I will take that as a yes?” I laughed as I pressed my face into her hair.

  “It better be a proper date mister.” She pulled away too soon and gave me a look. “Don't think you can get away with just charm? You better impress me.” She gave me a wink before walking away with a spring in her step.

  “Yes ma’am.” I called after her, a big goofy grin already spread across my face.

  The grin was wiped away as I crested the hill. The solemn expressions of everyone around a fresh reminder of where I was.

  We still had a dungeon to close.

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