The dogs watched us from a distance. Obviously, they were smart enough to know that they had a better chance of taking us out if we were out in the open so that they could encircle us. However, I doubt that they could take on magic or Sasha’s AK as both could be used for long-ranged attacks. If I attacked them with magic though, it would drain my energy a bit so a drawn-out fight would end with my defeat. However, Sasha only has a limited number of bullets so if she missed a lot then we would be screwed.

“Nero, what’s your call?” Sasha asked as she examined the situation.

“I would rather not use up your bullets on these dogs. However, if I use magic then I’ll probably be absolutely drained for a while.” I replied.

“So we don’t have many options left to use. If we run out there then they’ll swarm us so staying in here for the time being would be best.” Sasha said as she had come to the same conclusion that I did.

“If I can keep them still for a few seconds, how accurately could you take them out?” I asked.

“If they aren’t moving then I doubt I would miss them from this distance. However, it would be better if I could see more than just their silhouettes.” Sasha said confidently.

“I can fix that. Just get ready to take them out. If you miss one then don’t waste another bullet on them. We can deal with the ones you miss later.” I said before walking to the door.

Sasha opened up the window and rested her weapon on the window sill as she took aim. Opening the door back up I held out my staff. With a small chant that allowed me to focus on pouring my essence into the staff, a mix of two separate colored lights appeared on the tip of my staff. The array of light shot off the tip of my staff at the floor near the dogs. As soon as it struck the floor a light blue color covered the entire area with a faint light. The dogs tried to move but their paws were stuck to the floor where they stood. One attempted to jump but because its paws couldn’t get off the ground it fell to the side and its body was stuck as well.

“Thanks.” Sasha said before breathing out and taking shot after shot with only a second or two between each one. I watched as after every boom one of the dogs would begin bleeding out. There wasn’t a single missed shot as she took out all twelve of them.

“Good shot!” I exclaimed. Though she didn’t even give me a nod let alone a smile in return.

“Weren’t you in a hurry to get moving?” she said.

“Well, yes. Though I don’t think I had any control over the fact that hungry dogs would show up. You should just accept the compliment.” I said before setting my staff down, picking my ration pack up, placing it over my shoulders with a little trouble due to having only one hand to work with, and picking my staff up once again.

Walking out of the building we continued through the floor until we arrived at the stairs to the next level. Climbing up them we came to another doorway. Beyond it stood buildings and pathways covered in moss. It was like a sponge under our feet. Although there was a strange amount of animals in this level, none of them wanted to hurt us. It seemed that all of them were happily eating the moss below our feet. Water spread out through the canals on the side of the pathways. Like the water below and above, the same blue algae was growing in it.

For some reason, none of the animals cared that we were around. It was as if they didn’t fear us due to being left alone without predators for so long. One of the creatures, a small fluffy gray Rahbatna kept trying to get close to Sasha. Rahbatna was a fluffy creature with small ears and four legs. Its body was round and was capable of jumping up to twenty feet in the air and multiplied rapidly. They weren’t dangerous at all and were usually kept to be used as an alternative food supply. Their fur could also be used to make writing brushes so they were very popular.

“I think it likes you.” I said with a slight chuckle as it kept jumping in circles around Sasha’s legs.

“I think that it would make a great meal.” Sasha said eyeing the Rahbatna encircling her feet.

“I mean, yes. However, I don’t think that you should eat one that is so enthralled with you.” I replied as her response seemed to lack any sympathy for the Rahbatna.

“Are you saying I should keep it as a pet?” she asked.

“Only if you want to.” I replied.

“Fine then. If it continues to follow me until we get out of this place then I shall name it, Pushistyy.” Sasha said with the first smile I’ve seen her give since summoning her. Although, it was more like a smirk at some joke I didn’t understand.

“I feel like that Rahbatna will cause more trouble than it’s worth if that’s your plan. Perhaps, I shouldn’t have suggested it?” I said to myself out loud.

“Don’t just say something like that or you’ll jinx it!” Sasha said with an annoyed look.

“Sorry. Let’s just get to the next floor.” I replied apologetically before continuing down the moss-covered level. Sasha followed alongside me as the little Rahbatna continued encircling her.

When we finally found the door we found it covered in moss so thick that it was difficult to cut through. We couldn’t open the door because of this so I had to use magic to destroy the moss. However, after doing so, I was so tired that I was unable to stand. It didn’t help that I was still low on blood my stamina wasn’t exactly at its best.

“We should wait before going further.” Sasha said.

“But we at least need to scout it out. What if there are more creatures like the dogs from the last level? We need to be prepared for that.” I replied.

“That’s why we should wait. With how tired you are, we wouldn’t stand a chance if we were surrounded. It would be better to wait a day so that you can rest.” Sasha said. I knew she was right but I was sick of being in this labyrinth. Though, it wasn’t like I could fight her on this. I was just too tired and there was no point in commanding her to push forward. I would rather not command her to do anything if I could help it.

“Alright. I see your point. We’ll rest here for a day.” I said before I started to walk back. However, as I took my first step I passed out and fell into the moss floor. I guess I used far too much essence than I thought.

* * *

King Appius stood before the doorway to the castle garden where the war room had been prepared. Representatives from each nation that were held as an ally were welcomed to the nation’s capital under the guise of rediscussing peace talks. Though, most of the nation, maybe even the world already knew about the summoning of the hero. It was a pointless process to try and keep the whole situation quiet but some of the representatives insisted that the situation be kept under wraps before coming. Despite their best efforts that didn’t happen.

“Well you look to be in a bad mood or are you in a good mood but due to us representatives, it was ruined?” one of the representatives said as he approached King Appius. The man speaking was probably the only person out of everyone joining the meeting that Appius liked, General Otto Nankan. He was taller than the king by several inches and was covered in just as many scars that looked far more prominent on his black skin. Though what stood out the most was the single braid of dreaded hair that hung down the back of his mostly shaven head. A sign of power and success among the citizens of Swalli.

“It’s good to see you, Otto.” Appius said as he gave the man a hug.

“It’s good to see you as well. Though I wish you hadn’t called me here on such short notice. There’s been a trade dispute recently in the cove of Swalli.” General Nankan said with a sigh.

“Are you sure you would rather be there dealing with that than having a drink with me?” Appius asked.

“Normally I would take the drink over the dispute but it seems that there’s a good chance it will turn into a war between the merchants and the Swalli governing board of Elders.” Otto said.

“I see, so you just don’t want to miss the battle? I know you would never pass up a chance to fight.” Appius stated jokingly.

“You always saw right through me, Appius.”

“Of course I do. You and I are the same in our regard for battle. Plus, we’ve known each other for so long that I doubt either of us wouldn’t be able to guess the other’s motive.” Appius said with a laugh.

“Agreed. Now, where’s that drink you spoke of?” Otto asked.

“Oh, yes. There are a few pitchers of the finest Alsenian ale waiting for us in the war room. Sadly, we have to wait for the rest of the representatives.” Appius said.

“I understand. At least you’re prepared. Though I would like to give you some warning. I believe that the representative from Lesable is a member of the Church of the saints.”

“What? But Lesable has required all of their governing representatives to be Nomatiacal for hundreds of years.” Appius said in disbelief.

“That was true but after the new Lesian took power a few years ago a pact was made with the nation of Ronkanius. The pact allowed the Lesable’s to trade their sea salt and Romi furs over the border so long as they gave power to the church within Lesable and allowed free travel between the nations.” otto explained.

“I see. I heard that the new Lesian had made some form of deal with Ronkanius but as far as I knew the matters of the deal were secret. How did you learn this?’ Appius asked.

“I’ve had spies within the church for a while now. They have grown far too powerful far too quickly and it bothers me. I even saw one of their buildings as I was passing through your city.” Otto explained.

“I see. That is understandable. Though I hope you don’t judge me for allowing them into my country. You know I care little for people’s religious beliefs. It is up to them and I shall not judge them for it.” Appius said hoping that his friend wouldn’t condemn him for his decision.

“I understand why you allowed it. You’ve always been rather compliant with others’ beliefs. It’s part of the reason we get along so well. However, I wish you would be a little bit more cautious with what you know nothing about. I’m just worried is all.” Otto said with a warming smile as he patted the King on the shoulder.

“Thank you, and I am glad that you care about me.” Appius said before patting the General on the shoulder as well.

Just as they ended their conversation one of the other representatives walked up to them. A young woman around fifteen years old wearing a sleeveless robe that was tied off at her waist with a purple woven belt and went down just past her knees. Even while her blonde hair was braided it still hung down past her waist with a small purple pendant tied onto the end. Beside her stood an old man with short hair and dressed in the same way the woman was. Despite looking like he was about to keel over from age he was so muscular that both Appius and Otto were impressed.

“Behold the representative of Notvallia, Lady Akatsine from the house of Sheva.” the old man said with a bow. However, Lady Akatsine stood still with a proud look.

“Welcome, Lady Akatsine. I am afraid that I lack enough knowledge about Notvallia to know of your house. I do hope that does not offend you.” Appius replied with a bow similar to that of the old man.

“I understand. Even if you did know a lot about Notvallia you would not recognize the house of Sheva. I’m actually relieved that you didn’t try and play it off as if you knew of it. It shows that you are an honest man so I offer my respect.” Lady Akatsine said, finally giving a bow.

“May I ask why we would not recognize your house?” Otto asked.

“Well, that’s because-” Lady Akatsine started to say before the old man held out his hand in front of her to cut her off.

“I believe that it would be better if that question wasn’t answered. I apologize for my rudeness but please understand.” the old man said apologetically.

“No, I apologize for asking the question. I let my curiosity get the better of me and forgot to be considerate.” Appius replied with a sorry look.

“Sorry about that but I overheard some of your conversation and wish to know more as well? About the Church and their representative I mean.” Lady Akatsine asked.

“What exactly would you like to know about me?” a young manly voice asked from behind her.

Turning around in a panic both Lady Akatsine and the old man were shocked to see a young man in his early twenties wearing a long black coat with a white shirt underneath and black pants. Despite how hot it was during this time of year his clothes covered all but his hands and head. His brown hair was cut short and he looked to be in a state of bliss with a sincere smile on his face. Even the King and General were surprised to see that the Church Representative was so young.