The curly guy sat in the dining room, eating as if he had been hungry for a week, and bragging about his exploits:

"60 hiding places! 9 traps! I got 100.000 points of experience for successful disarming. I flew four times for the rebirth. Traps are more dangerous than dead people, though the banshees were difficult opponents. Velida, can I have another piece of fish cake? You're just a magician!"

"Did you kill the banshee? Nick, you're really cool," surprised Jack.

"First I saw the skeletons. Weak opponents! I gently, like a mouse, applied the skill of 'Hiding in the Shadow' and came up to this bone fool. And gave him a club on his skull! Yes, it was done quickly and accurately. The skeletons fell apart like weaklings. I killed 17 dead men. I don't know when you cleaned the city of them, but they come from somewhere. Normal guys, level 20. There's no problem with them. Oh, fish pie! You're great!"

"As you killed a banshee, she attacks with the magic of death!"

"I'm a humble intruder who doesn't like magic and other dangerous p.r.i.c.kly and cutting objects. I have the skill of 'Silence'.

I didn't notice it at first. He silences the enemy for 1 second in 1 point of skill development. That's silly, I thought, although the skill is useful. If you are suddenly caught or discovered, it is not necessary to hit a man with a club, it is not humane and rude. An experienced burglar will throw 'Silence' at the enemy and in 10 seconds will run very far. I heard about the banshee. I didn't like it. Beating a woman, even dead, is disgusting. But I didn't have a choice. I hid in the 'Shadow' and threw a coin aside. That flying lady flew close and I spelled her. It was a very sad sight. She opened her mouth and started screaming something, so I had to calm the rude girl down with my club. It's a great weapon. Shoulder to shoulder! It was yours, now it's ours! One for all! When do we go to the dungeon? I don't mind working."

The guy leaned back in the chair and enjoyed the attention the players were looking at him with.

"What is the distance to the enemy to successfully activate the 'Silence' skill?" asked Alexander.

"1 yard for 1 skill point. 10 yards (9.14 m)," said Nick.

Alexander rubbed his bald head and the thief realized that he had just signed up for a dangerous and complicated operation.

"In this new city, we have very dangerous enemies waiting for us. We have to shut their mouths, so they can't call for help. That's the way it is, Nick, that's the way it is," said the warrior seriously.

"An enemy attack immediately throws me out of my pitiful invisibility. If I don't get killed instantly and escape, I'm ready to help. But with my death, the skill stops," replied Nick, then smiled and added. "I'll be able to escape or I won't be able to escape, either way I'll attack. 50x50. That's a good chance for a job."

"Nick, you show Kate and me a gesture of activating your skill. We're going to attack right along with you. Our skill will definitely make us the boss's main opponent. You'll be able to retreat and prepare for another attack," said Dan.

"This is good news for me. I'm in! When do we go to the dungeon?"

Red Nick's optimism has lifted everyone's spirits. The clan's out on the road. It took those four hours to get to the dungeon, often stopping resting and have a snack in the fresh air. n.o.body paid attention to the quiet rain, it was another reason to quickly get to the dungeon and shelter from the weather.

The dungeon was inhabited by spiders. Kate was upset that they hadn't met any new monsters. The clan decided to make the most of the walks. Only newcomers to the clan were a combat group, and the veterans were guarded by peaceful specialists. The Battle Five were doing a great job. Kate summoned the monster to battle, Richard and Jack skipped ahead of the earthly Elemental called Betty. Jane, Nick and Emma were not involved in destroying the monster. Bella closely monitored the health of the group and helped treat and amplify the attack. Everything was going great and the Level 18 Underground Spiders didn't cause any problems. For killing each spider, the group received almost 10000 points of experience. Progress was fast and effective, the fighters were not distracted by the collection of trophies. Bella threw an invitation to a sinner and a ranger who quickly collected trophies and left the group. Richard took level 20 first and said he was ready to leave the group. He explained his decision and added that the warrior's partic.i.p.ation would be more helpful, and they would be able to work faster. He got out of the group and immediately joined Jane's guard. Then Jack picked up the level and left the group, too. Before the hunters reached the dungeon boss, the 20 levels got Emma and Betty.

Kate suggested Dan were part of the group.

"Seven points of 'Glory' will be useful on the road and the ruins of Nazgor. You're not going to have your fatal duels there to throw him 1 point of 'Glory', are you? And there's certainly enough experience for everyone to take level 20." said the Inquisitor.

Everybody agreed that the stock of transformations in Draugr would be useful in the future. Dan shrugged his shoulders and joined the group. Against the Queen of Spiders, he and Alexander immediately used their primary abilities. With Bella behind his back, the players did not worry about saving lives and the huge spider attacked simultaneously two players. After the Queen used the skill of ma.s.s poisoning to attack joined p.u.s.s.y and Teddy. Two pets. .h.i.t the spider's body from a run and immediately reduced the amount of life by a third. Alexander and Dan attacked the Queen from different sides and did not interfere with each other when they struck with powerful two-handed swords. They did it quickly and first thanked Bell for her excellent work. Her ability to lift curses was a miraculous tool that helped players not to be distracted in battle by the antidote and taking care of their own health.

*

Congratulations! You have successfully pa.s.sed the location of Spider's Logue.

Award: 7 points of Glory. 1500000 points of experience. +1 point Spirit]

*

Bella and Jane squealed joyfully and rushed out of the dungeon. The rest of the newcomers also ran after them, all were eager to get to the castle and learn the peculiarities of the transformation of their cla.s.ses. John rushed for everyone to help in case of an attack by wolves or a bear.

Kate waved her hand:

"Let them run, let's get the trophies."

Players took the trophies from the boss' corps and went to the castle. When they came home, it turned out that the whole clan was sitting in the Cla.s.s Choice Room holding emergency advice on the possibilities for a new transformation.

Red Nick wasn't in any trouble. He immediately chose the path of the Burglar and now sat in the dining room and told Velida how they fought the ugly spiders and how he was able to get some spider silk, which he gave to the wonderful craftswoman to help him put special embroidery on his gloves. Velida laughed and fed the redheaded trickster. But the spider silk she took and embroidery on leather gloves to increase dexterity promised to do quickly.

"You are a good man, Master Nick. You rely on dexterity, but not on Luck," said Velida affectionately.

"Can you make embroidery with increased Luck? Velida, I am bad, I am very, very bad! I'm normal, but I'm bad at traps. And what cans you do?"

"7 bonuses in dexterity or 3 bonuses in luck," smiled the master.

Nick started begging for his embroidery with Luck.

Players entered the dining room one by one and joined the celebration dinner. Anna and Jane came first, they had a simple choice. Anna laughed and honestly said that she had already chosen the future transformation. The sorceress decided that at level 30 will choose the Magic of Water, which, like the magic of the Earth did not have strong attacking spells. But Water's spells could help cure and break the curse. The peculiarity of Water Spells of the highest rank was that they froze the enemy for a few seconds and it was a useful skill to control the enemy.

Jane shone when she saw the opportunity to become a Teacher.

Richard, too, hadn't been in the room long; he had carefully read the transformation possibilities so that Dan could make an accurate record of the Clan Chronicle. Then, the soldier chose a way to enhance Command skills.

Betty could choose the path to develop the Elementals of Earth's calling abilities, but she chose the path on which she was allowed to call the Elementals of another element. She could also choose the path to better support her call, but Betty decided to get at least two a.s.sistants first, and then perhaps work on improving them.

Emma was faced with a similar choice. She could choose the way to perfect the tailor's craft. She could choose an additional craft for the rank of game specialty and could choose a path on which to significantly improve the quality of their products. Emma consulted with Nick, and they decided that a skilled jeweler's skill development was good for the clan. Emma honestly admitted that the opportunity to work with gems on a serious level was very attractive to her. And in the city, it's worth showing a set of products from a new master.

Jack didn't know what to choose. He could enhance his attacking abilities, he could enhance his defense, and he could enhance his magic abilities. He took a vow of abstinence from food! The guy was eating bread and water. Velida was overwhelmed with such courage. Jack sat at the common table, shrugging his shoulders and rubbing his neck with a guilty smile. Sometimes, he could afford a day of gluttony and then everyone was happy to see the boy enjoying his meals. But for the most part, the knight ate humble ascetic food. The problem was that the real knight's journey was about making a commitment to the local G.o.ds. The knight became a Paladin. In this matter, Dan was the chief specialist. But the sinner immediately said that he was ready to recommend only one G.o.ddess and it was worth consulting with Bella.

Bella looked at the boys like they were nothing and answered calmly:

"I'm not complaining. It's your choice."

Jack waved his hand and chose Paladin's way, then quickly ran off to complain to Emma that there are players who are strange and unable to provide real help.

Six players were standing in the cla.s.s selection room. Dan was already happy to be able to walk into the room. He was pouring oil into the flames every day and giving the Order's Tribute of Respect. Sometimes the world didn't respond to his actions, but sometimes he got a boost of the Spirit. But the sinner did not enter the room.

Bella and Kate couldn't make a choice. Bella immediately said she wouldn't share any information with the clan. The guys nodded silently, the question with the divine influence on the game was very tense and even frightened everyone with its incomprehension and mystery. Kate did not hide the path of the Inquisitor. She could enhance their attacking abilities and could increase their survival in opposition to the monsters. The third path developed the ability to summon monsters to a fight. Kate didn't even consider the Reaper's path. She immediately admitted that she didn't want to cause damage or arm herself to successfully fight the monsters, which is normal, but the clan has excellent fighters. Everyone knew that the girl would choose Executor's path. Autodafe skill was complemented by the 'Execution' skill, which not only weakened the enemy but significantly reduced his characteristics and resistance. With great luck, Kate could even eliminate the random battle skill of the monster!

After her choice, everyone realized that the sinner finally cedes his powers to the Inquisitor.

Bella congratulated her girlfriend on her choice of transformation and asked to be left alone. The players realized that their priestess could now arrange a session of communication with the higher forces and hurried to leave for the dining room. Soon, Bella joined the clan at the common table.

She chose the path of the Rescuer. Now she could provide ma.s.s healing and enhanced her skills to break curses.

In light of the clan's new capabilities, the players decided to have a quiet dinner and postponed the discussion of details on fighting monsters in Nazgor.

Jane walked up to Dan and asked him to take care of quiet rest on the road:

"I don't want any succubus invading our personal s.p.a.ce. Can you create a simple security circuit? A few stones with runes of protection can safely guard the group's rest."

Dan said she's a genius, and he's a fool who hasn't thought of such a possibility.

Then, he thought about the possible use of runes magic in battles with monsters, and he and Alexander started making some grand plans. But all of their plans were destroyed by Bell, who disappointed the two militarists:

"Dan, you were only able to strengthen the castle's defense because chains of your runes are charged from the castle. You're inventing a grenade, but runes aren't grenade fuel, runes are the trigger mechanism. The castle is a powerful magical design created by this world. You can design a grenade! Take the unique dagger from the a.r.s.enal, and I'm sure it'll be a good triggering device for the explosion. But I'm warning you right away! Once activated, the dagger is likely to lose its unique properties. Do you need a grenade worth 100 gold crowns?"

The men have looked over and admitted she's right, and they won't be scattering gold anyway.

Then, Bella looked at Dan and asked:

"Sorry to be curious, but you're hiding everything about the magic of the runes. You're right about that. I was wondering, how did you check your runes' traps? It's not like they work away from the castle."

"They don't work," smiled Dan. "The castle has an aura of protection outside of which the runes don't work. Bella, I was fis.h.i.+ng! There are dangerous creatures on level 15 and 20 in the river. They don't die right away if you get them out of the water. That's what I was experimenting with."

*

In the morning, the clan set out on the road. Everyone looked with interest in the features of the forest, which differed from the familiar to them forest near the castle. A special delight was shown by Anna, who together with the sinner began to collect a new collection of ingredients of plant type. Everyone was able to try their new skills in battles with monsters. The battles were fair, each player met with an opponent equal in level and had the opportunity to test their abilities well. Bella provided treatment and blessing. The squad progressed without any delays or stoppages, an incredible opportunity to raise levels gave the player's strength, added to the concern for the safety of the castle, which was left a family of dwarves.

For three days, they walked to the ruins of Nazgor. They met a succubus, but the battle wasn't interesting because Kate immediately applied her new 'Execution' skill, and the earth elemental caused by it easily killed the nasty creature.

There was a pleasant show waiting for the players in the city. On the street with safe house guards against new monsters stood. Kate and Betty quickly began studying monsters. Hunters divided into three squads and began clearing the street from the enemies. Support squads included Bella, Emma, Jane and Nick with Anna. Dan and Kate summoned the monsters under attack from two combat groups. They moved quickly and searched for all the houses. Red Nick thoroughly checked the houses for traps. The house with the time point of rebirth left most of the hunters behind. The burglar began inspecting the house and the bas.e.m.e.nt. The girls cleaned the house. The scouts and Dan were given a mission. They returned to the suburbs of the city to the gate and began moving carefully forward on the rooftops of the new streets. They were looking for dangerous bosses. And they found them. It wasn't until late at night that the scouts returned to hiding.

Nick said they were lucky and there were only five bosses. One in the square downtown and four at crossroads. Dan added much important information about the biggest opponents.

*

Diguar

Type: Elite

Status: Boss of the location

Level: 40

Life: 180000

Damage: 2500-4600

Overview: Diguar was the head of the Guard of Ancient Nazgor. One day, he led a fierce, final battle against the forces of evil. During the battle Diguar was defeated by enemy legions and disappeared in the darkness. Despite his bravery and strength, the forces of evil broke his will and submitted it to himself. For his crimes, the spirit of Diguar was imprisoned in the form of a terrible creature. Diguar still has great power. He poses a threat to anyone who will oppose him.

Improved skills:

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

It opens up skills:

'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. [10/10]

It opens up skills:

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

Battle skills:

'The Ice Blade'. It causes additional damage with Water Magic and freezes your opponent for 12 seconds. Cooldown: 240 seconds. [10/10]

Immunity to arms:

Stabbing: 40%

Cutting: 40%

Crus.h.i.+ng: 40%

The magic of fire: 60%

The magic of water: 40%

The magic of air: 60%

The magic of the earth: 40%

*

Marlog

Type: Elite

Status: Boss of the location

Level: 40

Life: 180000

Damage: 3000-5400

Overview: Once, evil forces tried to destroy ancient Nazgor. Marlog, one of the smiths of the city, showed desperate resistance to the siege. He killed many opponents but was captured. Marlog became a master weapon maker of the forces of evil. He had been tried more than once by envious men, surrounded by evil forces.

Attention! Marlog's hammer strike is dangerous, but this warrior can damage many opponents at once.

Improved skills:

'Crus.h.i.+ng 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 techniques to fight with crus.h.i.+ng weapons. [10/10]

It opens up skills:

'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. [10/10]

It opens up skills:

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

Battle skills:

'Fall of the Hammer'. A powerful blow to the ground damage to allies at a considerable distance. Cooldown: 240 seconds. [10/10]

Immunity to arms:

Stabbing: 40%

Cutting: 40%

Crus.h.i.+ng: 40%

The magic of fire: 60%

The magic of water: 40%

The magic of air: 60%

The magic of the earth: 40%

*

Darramar

Type: Elite

Status: Boss of the location

Level: 40

Life: 150000

Damage: 3000-4400

Overview: Great Mage Darramar succ.u.mbed to temptation and took the side of Evil in ancient times. Darramar has become a dangerous enemy and has repeatedly partic.i.p.ated in attacks on his hometown. He brought much sorrow and grief to the streets of Nazgor. In places of mysterious and dirty power, he improved his magical skills.

Attention! Darramar has all the magic skills of the elements. He also applies the magic of Evil.

Improved skills:

'The Power of the Archimage'. It greatly reduces the time it takes to restore magical spells and speeds up the casting of spells in battle. [10/10]

It opens up skills:

'Pure mind'. This skill allows you to cast a spell without mana costs and instantly replicate the spell. Cooldown: 120 seconds. [10/10]

Cla.s.s skills:

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

It opens up skills:

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

Battle skills:

'Rotting'. Causes damage to the enemy and deprives the enemy of the ability to move, the enemy loses 1% health every second for 60 seconds. Cooldown: 120 seconds. [10/10]

'Blindness'. Deals damage to all enemies at considerable distances and prevents enemies from orienting themselves in s.p.a.ce for 60 seconds. Cooldown: 120 seconds. [10/10]

Immunity to arms:

Stabbing: 30%

Cutting: 30%

Crus.h.i.+ng: 30%

The magic of fire: 60%

The magic of water: 40%

The magic of air: 60%

The magic of the earth: 40%

*

Rinaldo

Type: Elite

Status: Boss of the location

Level: 40

Life: 180000

Damage: 3000-4000

Overview: Rinaldo was a master of Alchemy in ancient Nazgor. His skill saved the lives of many defenders of the city. But one day the master left the city and came back as an evil generation of nightmares. The dark alchemist Rinaldo is a very dangerous opponent and is ready to use all the forces of his evil craft to win.

Warning! Rinaldo can quickly restore his health, try to kill him as soon as possible.

Improved skills:

'The Power of Dark Craft'. All of this master's potions and mixtures are of superior quality and strength. [10/10]

It opens up skills:

'Perfection'. This skill allows you to create a potion or mixture without mana costs and without having to spend on making a potion or mixture of valuable ingredients. Cooldown: 120 seconds. [10/10]

Cla.s.s skills:

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

It opens up skills:

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

Battle skills:

'Dark regeneration'. Deals damage to the enemy and steals his life, instantly restoring the life of the monster. The enemy loses 1% health every second for 20 seconds. Cooldown: 120 seconds. [10/10]

Immunity to arms:

Stabbing: 30%

Cutting: 30%

Crus.h.i.+ng: 30%

The magic of fire: 30%

The magic of water: 20%

The magic of air: 30%

The magic of the earth: 20%

*

Ardogan

Type: Elite

Status: Boss of the location

Level: 42

Life: 200000

Damage: 3500-5500

Overview: Ardogan worked for two centuries to create an artifact that would keep him from dying. Over time this influential aristocrat of ancient Nazgor spread his influence over the whole city. The king of the local kingdom was too strong to fall under his influence, so Ardogan began to act on the king's daughter. Ardogan managed to escape from Crown's punishment and fled to the dungeons of ancient Nazgor. For many years he sowed fear and death among the townspeople, poured out hordes of his vile creatures on the townspeople.

Attention! Ardogan uses a special weapon that allows him to inflict many types of damage. The Whip of this warrior inflicts not only physical damage but also poisoning damage. Ardogan heals quickly, so try to kill this monster as quickly as possible.

Improved skills:

'Master of the Whip'. The weapon in this monster's hand is as dangerous as its master. This skill increases weapon damage and allows you to use special tricks and methods of whiplash combat. [10/10]

It opens up skills:

'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. [10/10]

It opens up skills:

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

Battle skills:

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

'The whip of Horror'. The whip strikes a circle and hits all enemies within weapons range. Cooldown: 240 seconds. [10/10]

Immunity to arms:

Stabbing: 40%

Cutting: 40%

Crus.h.i.+ng: 40%

The magic of fire: 60%

The magic of water: 40%

The magic of air: 60%

The magic of the earth: 40%

*

Anna and Emma were sparkling eyes with pleasure. They received a hint of the peaks of skill to which they should aspire.

Richard already acted as a commander and learned to make decisions and take responsibility for him. On the road, the players discussed possible options against the bosses. Were there fewer bosses than players expected? The worse for them.

"We're in no hurry. We're working our way down the street. We're approaching the Diguar and starting the fight. Nick activates the 'Silence'. Kate activates the 'Execution'. We're all weakening the enemy as much as we can. Dan's working in the Draugr forms. Distance attacks support the fight. Alexander and Dan are the boss's main opponents. Jack and I are defending Kate. Diguar is a swordsman with ice skills. Bella will control the situation."

Beginning the fight with a familiar swordsman was a pleasant surprise. Even the boss at the center didn't raise as many questions as a mysterious magician and alchemist.

The players had dinner and went to bed. Red Nick calmed everyone down:

"There was a great trap in the bas.e.m.e.nt! But don't worry, I'm with you. The unsurpa.s.sed Nick Houdini! There are no more ghosts or monsters in the bas.e.m.e.nt!"

"Were there ghosts in the bas.e.m.e.nt?"

"I didn't meet one," smiled the burglar. "But there's no denying the possibility they were there. And there were also these wonderful jewels! Here, Emma, you're going to love them."