There was another path on the other side of the ca.n.a.l.

The group took up a combat formation. Alexander was walking ahead, his pet was walking behind the group. The warrior was followed by Anna and Dan. No one wanted to come across an unexpected surprise. The sinner was ready to use 'Autodafe', Anna could slow down the sudden appearance of a very strong enemy. But there were no strong adversaries. Alexander waved his two-handed sword like a twig and with one stroke killed the rats of level 3.

Nick followed the group's combat unit. But he didn't have to interfere in the fight to get all the experience points to the new clan members. John guarded the company against behind, along with the bear. Only Alexander called his pet.

The group followed the route they received from the Warriors Guild. Alexander began to meet level 10 rats, but these opponents did not slow down the movement of the squad. Soon the group reached a dead end, in this part of the dungeon there was no channel for dirt and everyone was walking along a narrow aisle, which ended with a stone wall. Players received a message.

*

[Attention! The location of the Minotaur Labyrinth has been detected. Location type: Dungeon.

Attention! A temporary rebirth point detected. Do you wish to make a binding? Yes/No]

*

"All the facilities are at our service. We all do the binding. Don't worry, the other rebirth points won't go away," said Nick.

The dungeons were different from the usual sewers. The aisle was wider, the height also increased, everyone felt much more confident. Alexander called Teddy in so the squad could deal powerful damage to any enemy. Soon, the players noticed the first opponent. It was a tall monster with a human body, which was not covered with armor. The monster's head was the head of a bull with a big ring in its nose. The Minotaur had a large ax with two blades in his hands, but the longhorns of this monster were more frightening. Dan read the monster's description in a loud voice:

*

Minotaur

Type: normal

Level: 25

Life: 20,000

Damage: 1200-2200

Overview: This monster was created during the experiments of an evil sorcerer. Terrible experiments have increased the physical muscle ma.s.s of this warrior, far beyond the normal proportions. The head and mind of the monster are affected by the transformation, which makes a Minotaur fighter ready to do anything to win. To intimidate the enemy, he uses the remains of those who were killed as weapons or jewelry.

Minotaur attacks can stun for a long time. Don't let the Minotaurs surround you, or you may end up in constant shock from the blows, eventually, you will die.

The Minotaur also recovers twice as quickly as normal monsters.

*

Everyone saw an unpleasant decoration on the powerful chest of the Minotaur. It was a bundle of pieces of skulls and other human bones. There was nothing wrong with this stupid ornament.

"Calm down, Teddy. Wait for the team," ordered Alexander. "Attention, everyone. We're working carefully. Anna, slow him down. Dan works 'Autodafe' and don't worry, Teddy and I will tear him up in a couple of hits."

That's what happened, usually and beautiful. The inquisitor's skill light flashed in the hallway, and the Minotaur went towards the group. Anna threw the 'Swamp' at the enemy, reinforced the defense of the Berserker and the bear. Suddenly, the warrior's body grew in size and shrouded in red smoke. The warrior and the bear threw themselves at the monster and hit at the same time. The Minotaur of level 25 stood only one attack. It only managed to lift its ax above its head to strike and flew back already killed.

It made an impression on the new players.

"Dan, accept the invitation to the group and work with a dead body. You're a dungeon expert."

Dan went up to the Minotaur and took the trophies. He stepped out of the group and said:

"We can take the skin off the Minotaur. It's a rare craft material. The horns need to be taken too, Anna, you'll need them. I wonder if Jeweler's specialty affects what characteristics? Work requires dexterity and intelligence. Horns can be processed by a jeweler."

"If we can, we'll take them off. Alexander, throw me an invitation, it's my specialty," said Nick and went ahead.

There was no terrible b.l.o.o.d.y spectacle. Nick pulled a special freshening knife from his inventory and touched the body of the Minotaur. Without skin, the Minotaur looked more intimidating and disgusting. But before anyone could see the body, it quickly disappeared.

"This is how we work in our clan," said Anna. "Quickly, boldly and with profit!"

"I got 2000 points of experience. Really impressive," smiled Emma. "I'll look at the skin later, I've got ideas."

"A s.e.xy leather suit! I suggested it first! Emma, I hope to get a share of the profits from the sale," said John.

Emma laughed and promised to think about the offer.

The group went ahead. Pretty soon everyone realized that going through the dungeons was boring and not interesting.

Two killing machines were doing all the work. When the corridor led to the big hall, nothing changed. Those monsters were stupid! They didn't react at all to the appearance of players. Dan caught the pace of the battle and called the monsters to the entrance to the hall under the deadly blows of the warrior's sword and the claws of a bear. When they killed about 10 Minotaurs, the fighters had time to recover. Dan and the ranger were collecting trophies. Axes were rare weapons, Nick was happy with the future profits. The weapons were immediately handed over to the New Players. The experienced players were strict and persistent in this matter. Alexander did not insist, but everyone was aware of the need and benefits of exercise. The guys increased the load, but they went slowly and did not feel tired. Alexander immediately said that no one had to run. Running is panic, running is a violation of the order and the group will do without such situations. Everybody in the corridor was safe under the protection of experienced players, and the pets were called in just in case. The appearance of a big cat and a couple of strange wolves did not cause panic, but a complete breach of order and calmness. p.u.s.s.y was already used to Anna's insistent caresses. Now, new lovers of touching the soft and velvety have thrown themselves at her.

Dan did not listen to any objections and gave the cat a quiet rest from the game and twelve clinging women's hands, who wanted to grip and touch and stroke a cute and amazing creature named 'p.u.s.s.y'.

The group walked the corridors of the Labyrinth for about 4 hours. Everyone was tired of this walk, which was more like an excursion. Dan would sometimes stop the whole group and carefully write down the symbols that met on the walls. Beginners have explained the specialty of the sinner.

Once, the group stopped and ate. The conversation was about the subtleties of the distribution of characteristic points for future cla.s.ses. Beginners learned that the clan does not attack the personal stock of points of Glory. But reputation does not matter to the players of the clan. They rely on the reputation of the clan itself, but even in this matter, the players are not interested in the sharp increase in the reputation of the clan. The clan has many secrets and mysteries, and players do not want to attract attention to them. In the dungeon, it was possible to count on confidentiality, and the newcomers learned some of the secrets of the clan. But many secrets were left in the castle for individual study. Carefully reading the work of Dan, who will soon be joined by Betty as the painter, can help well in the development of characteristics. The most difficult situation was waiting for Kate. The new inquisitor could read Dan's notes on the development of this cla.s.s, but she was not allowed to look into the book Bestiary. Dan said that developing the skill of 'Cognition of Evil' requires a personal introduction to the diversity of local monsters.

It took the players six hours to get through the Labyrinth. They realized it when the group reached the big hall with the boss on the far wall. Dan made everyone happy with the description.

*

King Minotaur

Type: normal

Status: Boss of the location

Level: 29

Life: 104000

Damage: 2500-6000

Improved skills:

'Axe Master'. The weapon in this monster's hand is as dangerous as its master. This skill increases weapon damage and allows the use of special tricks and ax fighting techniques. [8/10]

It opens up skills:

'Stun'. Skill stuns the enemy. The time an enemy will spend in a state of inability to move increases as the skull increases. Cooldown: 60 seconds. [10/10]

'Cutting through the void'. This skill increases the chance to ignore your opponent's armor and cla.s.s abilities. Cooldown: 120 seconds. [10/10]

Cla.s.s skills:

'Invincible'. This skill increases protection and gives immunity from many types of damage. [7/10]

It opens up skills:

'Inevitable Death'. This skill greatly increases the speed of the monster's movement, helping him to overcome his own weight. [8/10]

Battle skills:

'Heavy hit'. Skill increases damage to enemies and throws them back. Cooldown: 200 seconds. [9/10]

'Angry roar'. The monster makes a roar that stuns and damages the enemy. Cooldown: 200 seconds. [8/10]

Immunity to weapons:

Stabbing: 30

Cutting: 30

Crus.h.i.+ng: 40

The magic of fire: 25

The magic of water: 20

The magic of the air: 25

The magic of the earth: 20

*

The king was scary. The Minotaur sat on a throne that was decorated with skulls. At the feet of the monster, which ended in hooves, stood his ax, the weapon was the height of an ordinary man. The monster itself was apparently twice as tall as a human. But the figure of this monster inspired special respect. He had unnaturally wide shoulders, muscles on his bare hands protruded powerful and large knots. From the muzzle of the bull to the side of the players were looking at the eyes in which the red fire was burning. The horns of the beast were long, straight and bound with steel at the ends.

The newcomers were able to get a good look at the boss, then they went into the corridor. Nick, John and the pets blocked the monster's way to the newcomers. They prepared their weapons for battle but had orders to interfere only in extreme danger.

Dan reminded the warrior that he could block all the boss's skills except battle skills.

"Anna, we'll go ahead. We can't let his roar hurt the others. Don't rush to the slowing down. Stay away from us," said Alexander.

"The spell will get him out of this place. But I can go back further. If you keep him in my sight," replied the sorceress. "I remember the rules, just in case, I'll be ready to hit him with 'Swarm'."

"Your creepy Swarm is a problem. The monsters go blind and start throwing themselves in different directions. Don't worry, Teddy and I can handle it. Dan's going to make him an almost normal piece of dangerous meat with a lot of health. Slow him down and I can dodge his ax," said the warrior.

"Ladies and gentlemen, watch closely and enjoy the show. For you, the masters are performing in our rodeo arena! Brothers Alexander and Dan, supported by teddy-baby Teddy and the redheaded Mistress of Dirt and Nasty Insects. Deadly number! The extraction of meat for steak," announced John's cheerful voice.

No one smiled, and Dan quietly corrected the a.s.sa.s.sin:

"You need to learn the words 'matador' and 'corrida', brother. Come on, Alexander, I'm ready. Guys, girls, I hope you'll excuse my appearance."

Dan turned his face to the boss and started turning into a weird monster. He stood with his back to the group and the players were able to see the sinner's figure increase in size, a sword appeared in his hands that inspired an inexplicable sense of danger. The armor on the sinner's body made an unpleasant rattle from afar and also changed its size, adjusted to the change of the size of the holder.

"Our chief expert on the dead, a brave scout and a spy in the dark, Draugr Dan," whispered a.s.sa.s.sin.

Kate looked at the back of a sinner with interest. She was not afraid at all, but very interesting to look at this inquisitor. So he took a few steps forward and raised his hand. She did not see, but she already knew that there was no place for stupid effects in the work of the inquisitor. The gesture of 'Autodafe' was simple. It was light in the hall. The monster got back on its feet and went to the Inquisitor. At that moment, a puddle of mud appeared at his feet. The Minotaur even stopped for a few seconds, then he took a step forward and everyone saw how strong jets of dirt kept the monster from rapid movements, it seemed that a magical puddle sucks out of the monster speed and agility.

Berserk had already rushed towards the Minotaur, and a bear was running beside him. The king raised his horned face higher and roared. And Alexander and the bear fell and rolled on the floor towards the Minotaur. The beast began to lift its huge ax and all froze in terror. But at that moment Draugr jumped out to meet the monster. A large stock of spirit and warrior skeleton skills helped Dan to calmly survive the attack of Raging Roar.

The bones of his hands held the big sword firmly, and the sinner's movements were almost invisible. Dan's attack made the boss scream in pain and accept the fight with a new enemy. They started fighting and everyone couldn't take their eyes off this fight. It was noticeable that Dan could easily handle the Minotaur. He dodged ax blades, he knocked ax blows aside and wouldn't let himself get hurt. A few seconds later, Alexander came up from the floor and screamed with rage. And then all the newcomers saw a terrible sight. The warrior turned into a piece of rage and anger, with his powerful blows he did not just inflict wounds, and he immediately cut off a Minotaur one hand. The sword in the hands of the warrior flew and struck at lightning speed. The strip of life above the boss's head began to shrink right in front of his eyes. Anna cast a spell of weak healing from the school of water magic on the warrior and the bear and continued to follow the battle closely.

But it was no longer a battle, but a beating of the enemy. Not a minute later, the boss fell into a large puddle of his own blood. Next to him fell to the knees of the warrior and quickly began to drink fatigue recovery potions and mana regeneration potion.

The figure of the sinner began to shrink, squeaking with the metal armor and Dan again turned into a normal player with a human face. The sinner turned towards the group and smiled. Then he respectfully nodded to Alexander:

"Not bad, not bad, but it seems to me, my friend, that you didn't do your best. I got a lot more out of you during the duels."

"I kept him under control. I wanted to improve my sword-fighting skills. An opponent with an ax is a good experience. Level 20 bullfighters couldn't be useful," laughed Alexander. "Very good! We completed the quest and got 1500000 points of experience per group. Accept the invitation and see what happens to the trophies."

Nick approached the corpse of the Minotaur King and took out a knife. Richard and Jack got close, and the girls didn't get to know the remains of the monster. In fact, all the girls were confused. They saw for the first time how a normal and calm man, who enjoyed his care and heartfelt attention, turned into a real monster during the battle. Anna approached her new girlfriends and immediately understood their condition. She smiled and said:

"Yes, sometimes they scare me. Memories of myself scare me even more. I never told you how I got so many levels. Read the history of our clan. But believe me, girls, for a while, I actually turned into a witch. I was very happy, I remember very well how happy I was to be able to help kill skeletons."

"I got to level 15, plus seven points of Glory and +1 to the Spirit," whispered Jane. "I ran around town for almost a month and carried notes and letters from the citizens to get level 10. Now I'm not surprised at the speed of your development, Anna. But uncle Alexander looked really nasty."

"An ordinary man for dirty work," said Bella. "He likes to kill mammoths and all sorts of b.l.o.o.d.y entertainment. Girls. I wouldn't be surprised. If those a.s.sholes cut a piece of meat off the boss and actually make steak."

"I will calm you down and disappoint you, Bella," murmured Anna quietly. "These bloodthirsty monsters are about to make poor Dan actually eat a piece of meat from this overgrown bull."

"Boo! That's disgusting," said Emma. "The cla.s.s is a sinner with his secrets. You'll find out about them at the castle," smiled Anna.

The men went back to the girls. Their faces expressed full satisfaction with the results of the dungeon.

"Return to the house of Turin. We're overloaded. The Minotaur weapons are heavy. You can eat in the house and go to war with snakes," said Nick.

Girls wouldn't listen to the ranger. They were looking at Dan's face with interest. The sinner chewed something, his face was an expression of thoughtfulness and weak disgust with the process. They had not yet known the disgusting name of the sinner's skill!

It took the group two hours to get home. Lights and signs were already burning in the streets of the city, lighting up the Dor and inviting them to have a good time. In the house of the dwarf everyone quickly cleaned up and sat down at the table. The food supply wasn't over yet. The newcomers gladly continued their acquaintance with the dishes of the gnome kitchen.

"And how does the meat of the Minotaur King taste?"

Dan looked at Jane and smiled sadly, but answered honestly:

"It's not delicious, it can't be eaten without adding spices. Dwarf spices work wonders, I always carry a supply, with these spices can tolerate any inconvenience."

"Have you eaten many different monsters? I ask out of academic interest," continued Jane.

"I haven't eaten the meat of ten monsters yet, I hope my skill will begin to work and benefit me. As long as it's not of any use to me."

"That's not a good topic to talk about. Are we going to the snake dungeon, or are we going to wait until the morning? I suggest we go and work until midnight. Then we can rest and leave town in the morning," said Nick.

Everyone agreed with the offer to continue working. The new clan people wanted to get to the castle and get their cla.s.ses.

In the sewer system, as the squad walked to the new dungeon entrance, Alexander let Richard and Jack work against the rats. The guys were doing good. Alexander answered Bella's question and admitted that without the help of the Inquisitor, they could have killed the Minotaur King. But they were all in danger of dying and being reborn several times. Alexander liked the boss, he did not run on the ceiling, poisoned, dangerous and honest opponent.

The group reached the right place and entered the dungeon of the 'Lair of Snakes'.

In the new dungeon, everyone made a binding to the point of revival and went to explore a new place and new monsters. Dan brought clarity to the quality of the new enemies.

*

Underworld Snake

Type: normal

Level: 26

Life: 22000

Damage: 1300-2800

Description: The origin of these monsters is mysterious. It is not known whether they are victims of the curses of powerful magicians or the birth of evil. These creatures are very strong and fast, able to stun, sometimes pierce their victims to the bone. Fear the venom of these monstrous snakes, the poisonous bite inflicts damage many times greater than that of an ordinary snake.

*

The usual monster hunting has begun. Snakes proved to be a more dangerous adversary than Minotaurs. These creatures were smart and had time to spit poison on their enemies. Alexander was always drinking the antidote. But he was good with snakes, which were slowed down by the spell of the sorceress. Anna was happy, Emma was happy, with the snakes they received new material to develop their specialties. Emma planned to make a lot of ladies' handbags and other elegant haberdashery.

The squad would walk the halls and get into the big rooms. The rooms had large numbers of snakes, but the 'Autodafe' skill worked perfectly in them. Dan attracted several snakes to the warrior and the bear, and they could easily kill poisonous enemies. In total, they met four rooms, and the squad reached the main hall with the boss.

Dan read the description of the big snake. The snake didn't scare anybody with its size. It was admired for its terrifying beauty. The snake's skin was light green, spots of darker color were scattered all over the skin, and these spots glowed with soft light. Two big canines were sticking out of the monster's mouth, the teeth were sharp and bent back, there was no poison dripping from the teeth, but no one doubted the ability of this creature to poison.

The snake with the beautiful name 'Silent Death' was a normal type, level 27 boss, with ma.s.s poisoning and strangulation skills. It has 90000 life points.

The fight with this beautiful opponent was a hunter's scenario. First, Dan stripped the boss of most of the useful skills that enhanced the defense and attack of the snake. Then a bear and berserk were thrown at it. Alexander sacrificed Teddy's life in cold blood. The bear ran a little ahead and got caught up with the monster first. The bear immediately sealed the rings of the snake body, and the snake stuck its fangs into the poor pet and began to strangle him. Alexander drank the antidote and began to strike quickly at the snake's head. Dan ran to the place of the fight, but he wasn't in a hurry to get involved. Anna was healing the poor bear. But it was obvious that she was wasting mana. The poison and power of the snake killed the pet quickly. But the berserk did not waste time and growled like a terrible animal with every stroke of his sword. He managed to strike a few quick blows and cut off the monster's head! But the fight didn't stop there. The body of the snake suddenly shut down when the pet died and disappeared from the game. But then the snake's body dealt a strong blow to the warrior with its tail. Alexander flew away a few steps, but immediately jumped up and rushed into battle again. The body moved quickly, but his movements were easily visible, the slowdown had its effect. All players froze and watched with excitement as the warrior dodged the snake's tail kicks. Alexander had time to jump high or almost fall to the floor of the hall, but then he made more and more blows. It was a very beautiful and terrible sight.

Dan kept a close eye on the fight. The sinner was watching and indignant that the warrior decided to deal without the help of 'Chain' skill. New people need experience! And these mysterious chains caused strange damage, and somehow drank life from the enemy. And now the warrior was demonstrating all the capabilities of his cla.s.s. And Alexander was doing well! Dan and all the other players saw that even without the help of the bear, the warrior would be able to finish off this boss.

Blood was whipping in all directions and pieces of snake's body were flying, Alexander was frightening with his screams and the view. But covered with blood from head to toe, the warrior managed to finish the snake before a new attack with battle skill.

"You're just some kind of monster! Now you have worked hard. Congratulations," said Dan.

"That sc.u.m killed Teddy! I was ready to eat her alive," shouted Alexander.

"I'm definitely going to like snake meat," nodded Dan. "Did you get any experience with the group? Nick! I want some pieces of this creature. The little snakes were delicious."

Nick laughed and got his knife out. All the players came up to the snake body. Strangely enough, this monster didn't cause any fear or horror to the girls. Emma shook her head as if she were sorry that the barbarian had ruined such a wonderful skin with his sword.

Nick made the party happy that he could get snake meat, but it was alchemy material.

"Dan can have one piece and that's enough for you," laughed Anna.

The players got 470,000 experience points each for pa.s.sing through this dungeon. Everyone scored 16 levels. Richard got to level 17.

The trophies made Emma and Anna happy. Red Nick looked at the rare daggers with poisoning with interest, but John told him that the castle has daggers even better. The castle will give everyone armor and weapons of rare artifacts.

The group was on their way back to the Dwarf Quarter. Everyone got tired and yawned. Everybody was sleepy.

The game required eating and sleeping. The player could turn off the hunger and sleepiness. But at the same time, he immediately received a penalty for all the characteristics. And this penalty increased with the number of continuous partic.i.p.ation in the game.

When players returned to the house of Turin, they parted and immediately fell asleep.

Newcomers were not worried about their fate. They hadn't yet left the Phoenix clan, they were performing the quest as a separate combat group. The newcomers wanted to make their transition to the new clan on their way to the castle.

Now the two clans were risking a confrontation. But the players from the 'Shoulder to Shoulder' clan were not worried about future problems. Some had no desire to think about future perspectives. Going to the dungeons of the city was too tiring for everyone.