I spend a month killing all the monsters on the second, third and four floors and returned to Grimsburg when my food supplies came to an end. My magic bag run out of space and I had to use my magic purse to gather all the magic stones that I collected.

  Selling them brought me forty gold coins, but even after I killed more than a thousand monsters, I still could not increase my level. After spending five days on my farm I again returned to uninhabited lands. Rick's party members spend time exploring dungeons first floor and hunting around the village, but I ordered them not to go to dungeons second floor. I was not sure how good they could handle giant worms, who attacked from under earth, and I did not want to risk losing them. They did not object, since even dungeons first floor was dangerous for them.

  I had nothing else to do on upper floors, and went to floor five. My guess about the undead monsters in there was correct. Undead city, as I called it, was filled with skeletons. I had to retreat to upper floors several times, when I got low on mana or got too tired. I used up most of my mana and stamina potions, killing thousands of skeletons, before I managed to reduce their numbers. I was considering returning to Grimsburg, but decided to finish mapping the floor and check out floor six. I found the room that led to floor six, but there was a floor guardian. Luckily for me, I used my Conceal spell most of the time, and he did not noticed me first.

  It was undead king. He was sitting on the throne, wearing crown made from black metal. He also had a sword in his arms, and rusted armor protected his body. His bones were covered by spider webs, and I noticed several death spider inside the room. That was a problem. Even single floor guardian was dangerous, but this one had minions.

  I retreated and considered my options. I got element of surprise and also Armor slasher sword. I decided to use that and casted my protection and enhancement spells. Except my armor of light spell, since it made me glow like a huge candle.

  I sneaked back and casted Teleport spell. Undead kind looked up and his empty eye sockets gloved, but he was too late. My artifact sword cut off his head, and I kicked his body of the throne. Death spiders noticed me and started running towards me. I jumped on the throne to get a better view and used my Slow spell. I needed to see all the monsters to affect them, and because of that, one had avoided my spell. But single death spider was no danger to me now. I sliced it in two and used both of my swords to cut apart the rest of the spiders. My Dual wielding skill, and all the days that I spend in capitol learning how to use two sword at the same time paid off and I killed all six spiders in matter of minutes. I was worried that my plan will fail, in case if Undead king can survive decapitation, but my gamble paid off. After casting Exorcism spell, I collected his equipment, along with magic stones and death spider venom.

  I took a look at floor six, but there were usual caverns and corridors, so I returned to Grimsburg. I finally managed to increase my level and even increased my Water magic skill to basic level. After spending five days taking care of my farm and replenishing my potion supply, I returned to my dungeon hunting job.

  Floor six and seven proved to be a bigger challenge. They were filled with reptile like monsters, and each floor had a Wyrm in it. But my Armor slasher sword turned out to be more that effective, and even scaled and tough reptile skin was no match for it. Twenty days later I entered floor eight.

  It was jungle like floor, with giant monkeys who threw huge rocks from the trees. They were too far away for me to use Magic arrow or Fire ball spell, and tree branches protected them from my Lightning spell. Steel arrows also were only partially useful. I had to use my adamantium arrows and almost all of them were broken, when monkeys fell down from the trees.

  In the middle, or the part that I thought was the middle of the floor, I found small hut made from reed. That was new. I casted my spells, carefully approached the hut and prepared both of my swords. I did not hear anything inside it, but decided not to risk.

  I used my Life magic to set the hut on fire. It immediately cached fire and all house went ablaze.

  Someone broke the wall and attacked me. It turned out to be a draugr. Floor guardian and treasure protector. He was tough opponent, but I faced his kind before. His claws were disadvantage comparing to my swords. I was stronger than I was last time when I fought a draugr. I used my swords to keep him away from me, and the moment he got too close, cut off one of his arms. After that finishing him was easy. Draugr died after I cut off his head and I got myself another magic gem.

  After draugr's house burnt down, I searched it remains. As I hoped, draugr was protecting small pile of treasure. Gems, gold and silver coins, bracelet that looked like an artifact, and even a staff. Staff was made from wood with small black gem embedded in its tip. I hoped that it was another artifact. I put my new found treasure in my magic purse and continued with my floor exploration.

  I left the floor after my adamantium arrow supply dropped below ten and had to return Grimsburg, to fix my arrows.

  During my next expedition I dealt with the rest of the monkeys and entered floor nine. One more floor with dark caverns and insect like monsters. I cleaned it in a week and reached floor ten.

  It had a single room with a floor guardian. Floor guardian was an undead angel. He noticed me before I could retreat, even with my Conceal spell. Angel with four wings stood up from his throne and unsheathed his sword.

  - You should not have come mortal. Now I will have to kill you, - half of his face had flesh on it, and half of it was an empty skull. He had four dark wings, with plucked out feathers. Two meters high and with a long sword, he looked dangerous and way too strong for me. Behind his throne was dungeon core, placed in a small alcove, inside the wall.I quickly castes Haste spell and took out my two swords.

  - I do not fear you, - I gulped and my voice betrayed me. Well, he was scary.

  - Good for you, - nodded the angel.

  I looked at him more carefully. His chest was covered with armor, which meant that his magic gem was protected. My Armor slasher sword could probably deal with that, but undead angel looked like an experienced warrior.

  - You will die today. I am sorry for that. I fear that my death here was the reason why this dungeon appeared, and now, as one of its monsters, I am bound to protect its core. All I can do for you is to allow you to say your prayers elfling.

  I nodded and casted holy aura on my Armor slasher sword.

  - Your magic will not help you, - warned me angel.

  I came closer to him and prepared my swords. Angel nodded and also prepared for the battle.

  - If my magic will not help me, then how about this? - I threw my sword at dungeon core. Angel immediately realized my target, and used his own sword to knock aside my blade. But he got distracted. Even before he started moving, I jumped forward and used my Armor slasher sword to pierce his heart. Armor did not help him, and my sword destroyed his magic stone.

  - Well done, - said angel and fell on the ground. I released my breath. That was a gamble. I was glad that it paid off.

  Then, just like with koshey, I felt his life force entering my body. It again went inside my every cell, and I fell on my knees. This time it was not so painful, and I was able to move almost right away.

  I looked at the dungeon core. This dungeon turned out to be the smallest underground dungeon that I encountered until now. I gathered angel's armor and sword, along with the dungeon core, and returned to village. I was alive, and will be able to use the dungeon core to increase my level. Good half a year work. I considered destroying dungeon core right away, but the amount of life force that I received from the angel gave me hope, that I will be able to increase my levels two times. That way I will be able to increase my skill level twice, instead of just once.

  I informed Rick that his party can return to Grimsburg, and next morning we said goodbye to William. I told village elder that my mission is over, and that Adventurer guild will soon take care of the dungeon. He thanked me for the good news, but I got a felling that he did not believe me. Well that was not my problem.

  * * *

  I visited sage Tanot, after my return to Grimsburg. He was working in his garden, plucking out weeds.

  - Avone, what brings you here? - he asked after noticing me: - Did you get your hands on another magic gem.

  - I will keep them to myself, after receiving your letter. Besides you already got one, not so long ago.

  - That is true.

  - I wanted you to examine some artifacts.

  - I see. Please come in. But you do know that my services are not free.

  - Would you be interested in getting this as the payment? Also, please keep the existence of these artifacts quiet.I put on table the bottle with death spider venom. Djinn examined it and inhaled impressed.

  - Death spider venom! For this, I will appraise all your artifacts for free for the next century!

  - Good to know, and I will agree to that.

  I took out my dungeon loot, and he nodded impressed by the amount of the artifacts. Sage Tanot examined all my artifacts and looked at me with admiration.

  - You got lucky, and apparently worked very hard.

  He pointed at Undead king things:

  - These artifacts are a set. They increase necromancy skill power. Crown also increases power stats by four and amount of mana by sixty. Sword increases strength stat by three, and armor increases defense by four.

  - This armor, - he pointed at the angel's things: - Is called Armor of heaven. It increases defense by five. Sword is called Sword of heaven. It increases its users speed by one and strength by three. It also increases user efficiency of Light magic spells. Staff of power increases magic power by five. And the Bracelet of sanctities hides your stats and skills from appraisal skill users.

  I took the bracelet and looked at it. It had golden color and was shaped like eastern dragon chasing its tail. I put in on my right arm. Bracelet looked too big for me, but all artifacts had magical property to adjust to wearers size and gender. It fit perfectly on my upper arm.

  I looked at Tanot, and he grinned.

  - Oh, do not worry about me. I learned long ago that knowing strong people abilities could be dangerous. I do not use my appraisal skill, not on C and especially B rank adventurers.

  - Good. But what about Appraisal spell? Will this bracelet protect my stats from it as well.

  - No. For that you will need Magic resistance skill.

  I forgot about that. That was good to know. Now I could hide my stats from others, which was what I wanted to learn long ago.

  I took the sword and placed it in front of me. Sword was meter and a half long and reached my head. Its abilities to increase users speed was impressive, but sword was too big for me. It would be great for Trevor. Just like the staff would be great for Nelly. I placed artifacts inside my magic purse and thanked Tanot.

  - Feel free to visit me anytime, - he smiled and took the vial with death spider's poison. He looked like a man who could not wait to play with his new toy.

  I visited Ashurga and ordered a sheath for the Sword of Heaven.

  My next place on the visit list was Adventurer guild. I wanted to sell may loot and free space in my magic bag and magic purse.

  I left magic gems, Sword of heaven, Bracelet of sanctities and Staff of power to myself, but gave the rest of my loot to Fiord. Guild master was happy to hear that the problem was taken care of and told me that he will personally visit the village. Apparently he wanted to become famous dungeon conqueror. It was fine by me, and I even allowed him to pretend that all the artifacts he gathered himself. As long as I get paid, I did not care about the rest. And that way, no one will mention my name.I managed to increase my level even without the dungeon core, and after breaking it I reached level fifteen as a high elf. My Dual wielding and Light magic skills reached basic level, and I even felt thankful to the goddess. I decided to take things easy, and take care of my farm, until my party members return.

  * * *

  I was sitting in my rocking chair, drinking cup of coffee with honey to make it sweeter, and admiring my plantation. Cofea trees grew up nicely. My first harvest was plentiful, and turning beans into coffee was successful. It was even easier that I thought. We used half of the seeds to plant new trees, and rest was divided between me and Mesmer. Mesmer was still deciding what to do with his share, after I showed him what the beans are used for. But my part of the harvest was successfully dried, milled and now grinded coffee beans rested in my magic purse.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  I wanted to buy some sugar for it, but sweets and also sugar was rear and expensive. Maybe I should have asked goddess for sugar canes as well? Maybe I could post a quest for sugar cane plant samplings in adventurer guild? That would be nice. I will have to ask Leone about it. I received eighteen orichalcum coins after my dungeon hunting, and could take things easy for a long time and spend some money on sugar canes or other things that could make my life more comfortable.

  Farm, that Mesmer purchased, was big enough for my cofea trees, and there was still some place left for other plants. Peasants who took care of the farm used it for the garden, but I could order them to repurpose it for my needs.

  I saw some people approaching my house. I recognized my future party members: Luara, Trevor and Nelly. Look likes my peaceful days came to an end.

  Among them was some short person. Could have been a representative from same short human-like race or a kid. Wonder, what he is doing here. Maybe he got lost, and they were helping him out? Sounded like a trouble anyway.

  They approached me, and Nelly run towards me.

  - Avone! We have returned!

  - Good for you, - I was considering getting up, or staying in my comfortable chair.

  - Nice to see that you are doing well, - grinned Luara.

  Fourth person turned out to be a kid. He looked like some noble offspring. So, not a lost lamb.

  - Whose the kid? - I looked at him with displeasure.

  - Let me introduce to you baron Milligan, - said Trevor, who looked uncomfortable, and glanced at the kid while introducing him: - Future hero, and hope of Ashgrin kingdom.

  Future hero? Wonder what that means.

  - You must be adventurer Avone, - kid viewed me: - I imagined you differently.

  No surprise there. I was wearing my farm clothe. Shirt, short pants and sandals. My cute looking magic purse was on my belt, and my sword was near my chair, but I probably did not look like an adventurer.

  Kid smelled the air:

  - Is that coffee?! - he looked at my cup.

  - No idea, - I yawned: - Guild master Mesmer is growing these plants here. I am just renting the house here, - that sounded more believable since I lived in servant house: - I heard that he is selling this bitter stuff. Small pouch costs one orichalcum coin, if you are interested. But I do not recommend it.

  I had no idea if he was selling it, and for what price, but kid looked rich and could afford the price. I will need to send Mesmer a message about the price. I got up and poured out the coffee on the grass. Kid looked at the spilled coffee, like it was a spilled holy water. Well, I could understand him. Since he knew about coffee he must have been a reincarnated person. This sounded like a lot of trouble.

  - Please go inside and feel at home. There is some food inside, so feel free to set the table, if you are hungry. I need to talk to my landlords. I will be right back.

  Trevor nodded, and they walked inside my house. I went to my peasant's house and wrote a shirt letter to Mesmer. I ordered Gunter to deliver it to Mage guild master immediately. He promised to deliver it personally, and I returned to my house.

  My guests put some food on the table and were waiting for me.

  - Can I ask you some coffee? - asked the kid.

  - No, do not have any as you see, - my stash in the magic bag did not count: - You will need to talk to guild master Mesmer, if you want some of that powder. How did things go in the capitol? - I looked at Trevor and Nelly.

  - I learned Staff user skill, - proudly announced Nelly.

  - That's a good girl, - I patted her head: - And the rest of you?

  - I learned three spells and mastered them as you wanted. Luara too. But we need to talk to you, about baron Milligan, - said Trevor and again glanced at the kid.

  - I see. Why don't you go outside and play with other children?

  - I am not a child.

  - They might treat you with some coffee.

  Well, they will not. They were forbidden from drinking it. Especially after one of the pigs eat cofea sampling and got poisoned. I probably should have warned them that only coffee beans were usable, and the rest of the plant is poisonous. But who could remember all the small stuff.

  Milligan sighed, but went outside. Maybe I should have increase the price for the coffee. And it was wise to suggest Mesmer to hire guards for my coffee plantation, especially if the kid will actually buy something.

  - So, what is the deal with the kid? - I asked, once he went outside.

  - It was a special request from the mage who healed master Evan. Also, the king did not want to allow my retirement, especially after everyone said that royal knights were the ones who conquered Grimsburg dungeon. I was allowed to leave my service, after baron Milligan heard about you. He requested for our party to escort him. That was the condition for my retirement. I am sorry.I did dump all the glory for dungeon conquering on Trevor and his knights. So maybe in a very small way I was responsible for it.

  - Why is the kid so important?

  - Please do not call him kid, - sighed Trevor: - He was born with Hero job. Baron Milligan is genius. He learned how to read at the age of three, and got his first warrior skill at age of six. He was studying magic under court mages. And he even has Light magic skill that goddess of light blessed him with. He has great future, and could become one of the greatest heroes in Ashgrin.

  So definitely a reincarnated person.

  - Where did you agree to take him?

  - To the Gremlin kingdom.

  That sounded far. I used my mental map. West of Ashgrin were Iron mountains, they separated Ashgrin from Holy Griffin Empire. North of the Asgrin was kingdom called Rakshasar. And Gremlin kingdom was in the north-west. Iron mountains were nearly impossible to cross. So in order to get to Gremlin kingdom, we will need to go to Rakshasar, and only then to Gremlin kingdom.

  - That is a long way.

  - At least six month one way.

  - And why does this kid wants to go there?

  - Goblins are known artifact creators. He wants to order artifacts from them. At least that was what I was told.

  - I see, - I thought for a while: - And how much will be paid for this job? I have no interest in working for free, and your retirement conditions are of no interest to me.

  That sounded cruel. But there was money involved.

  Baron Milligan came back and took a seat at the table.

  - Apparently, people who work on this farm are prohibited from using cofea seeds for themselves, - he informed me.

  He figured it out quit fast.

  - We were discussing payment for my party's services.

  - Ou. Every member of your party was promised an orichalcum coin, upon my safe return to Ashgrin.

  - And what about travel expenses?

  - I... I do not know.

  - Then you should return to capitol and find out. Trevor you brought him here. You take him back. Nelly has business in mage guild. Luara what about you?

  They all had shocked expression, but I did not care much. Journey to Gremlin kingdom sounded interesting, but I did not like forced jobs. And we already had a job. Killing Hugo the goblin. Besides, as a B rank adventurer I probably could get away with that. Probably.

  - But we already agreed, - stuttered Milligan.

  - I did not. And I am this party leader. They should have told you that. The final decision is mine, and my answer is no.

  - But... Fine what are your conditions?

  - One orichalcum coin upon job completion, is what you agreed upon?

  - Yes.

  - We all will need advance payment. Twenty five gold coins for everyone. And if I agree to this job, your parents will have to cover all expenses.

  - I can decide for myself.

  - You are a child, who needs babysitter. You will also hire at least two servants, who will take care of you.

  - I do not need servants. I am level nineteen already.

  That sounded interesting. I used my Appraisal spell on him. Spell did not work when used on objects, but worked well on living beings, or undead.

  I could not see his stats - yet, but thanks to my basic Air magic skill level I could see his level and skills:

  Human, LV 19

  Name - Milligan;

  Job: Hero;

  Status:

  $&*^*&^$

  Skills:

  Appraisal

  Swordsmanship

  Concealment

  Endurance

  Enlightenment

  Dragon

  Warfare

  Luck

  Regeneration

  Irresistible Magic

  Light magic

  What!? He had Regeneration skill. I did not even know that it existed. And some kind of Dragon skill. Also Irresistible Magic - a skill that rendered any magic resistance skills completely useless. Also Appraisal and Concealment that could hide his stats from others. Probably not from the spells. Talking about useless skill. Well unless it will hide his stats with increased level.

  And what about Endurance? Did that skill increased his stamina? That was not fair! This kid was a cheat. And how did he got to level nineteen at this age?

  I got so distracted by my thoughts that I missed all the things that kid said.

  - Sorry, I miss that. What did you say?

  Kid got all red, and Nelly giggled. That's a good girl.

  - I said I can take care of myself!

  - Fine, prove it. See the fireplace. Start a fire in it. You have one minute.

  - What?

  - That is easy. Starting fire during journeys is easiest thing to do. And also necessary. Everyone here can do it. Can you?

  - But I do not have any tools.

  - And you call that ready?

  - Fine, - he turned and extended his arm.

  That was bad idea. Nelly had time to hide behind her chair, and I covered my face. Fire ball flew inside the fireplace and exploded. Prepared firewood flew all over the room. Judging from Nelly's reaction, she probably tried to start a fire using a fire ball too. I also tried it once. My attempt had the same result.

  Kid bitted his lip and looked at me.

  - Like I said, two servants. And expenses. This will include cart, horses, and provisions. Payment for entering a town and other countries, if such will be required. Also additional weapons and other stuff. Like arrows, cloaks, tent and the rest of things. Luara will let you know.

  - What? Why me?

  - Because you are former adventurer party leader who should have thought about it earlier. And because I am making you responsible for that stuff as a party leader.

  Luara sighed, but agreed: - Fine.

  - Now. The question is - can you afford all that?

  - Yes. I can borrow money from Grimsburg town lord. I have letter of introduction with me.

  - Good. Trevor take him to the town lord's palace. Luara take Nelly to Mage guild.

  - I am not a child, - said Nelly. She looked like a sixteen or seventeen year old girl. I used to forget that she was in her late twenties.

  - Stop arguing. And go. All of you! Thanks to our hero, who can start a fire, - I said sarcastically: - I will need to clean up my house.

  Nelly again giggled, and Milligan again turned red faced.

  - Let me know, when you are actually ready.

  I waited until they left and prepared another coffee cup. I did not need to clean my house. That was my peasant job. Their children actually. They were allowed to eat fruits from my fruit trees as payment for services, but that was a different story.

  I was enjoying my pre-midday rest, when some apprentice mage brought me a message from Mesmer. Guild master requested my presence at my convenient time.

  I sighed. Talk about being busy all the time. I decided to accompany the boy, and visited Mage guild. Mesmer as usual was in his room. Did he ever leave it?

  - Miss Avone. Thank you for visiting me so quickly.

  - Master Mesmer. It is always pleasure to see you. And I am grateful for your help with the farm. I also was considering growing sugar canes on the farm if you do not mind?

  - Do as you wish. I received your letter about seeds price. Baron Milligan already contacted me. He asked me to sell him two pouches and wanted to buy even more in the future. He asked me about the discount in case if he decides to buy huge quantity of the seeds.

  - Just say that you have other buyers. No discounts for him. Kid is poor and plans to leave kingdom for a long while anyway.

  Mesmer sighed: - Yes, Nelly informed me about your conversation. Miss Avone you are aware that people with some jobs receive special treatment in our kingdom?

  - Ye, Nelly told me that you took her under your wing, because she had archmage job.

  - Yes. That could be one example. But someone with Spellsword or Hero job receives special treatment from the kings court. Especially if they are genius from young age, and are interested in fighting monsters and other kingdom's enemies.

  - Sounds important, - I looked around. He did not even offered me tea.

  - Yes. Of course they do not travel alone. King selects for them companions. For someone like Nelly, being Milligan's companion would ensure her future. Wealth, prestige, fame.

  - I have no interest in that, if you are offering me the job, my answer is definite no.

  - I do not, - he sighed: - But may I suggest to be more. What is the word that I am looking for. More polite to baron Milligan?

  - Kid is annoying. And that job was forced on me.

  - Yes. I do understand your position. But Milligan, have possible great future in Ashgrin. Please keep that in mind.

  - Do not worry. If things go bad, we will simply relocate to another country. High ranking adventurers are always welcomed. As I heard.

  - Please do not let things go that far. Besides it will make your job, which conserves goblin Hugo, more complicated.

  - You know about that?

  - Yes. Nelly informed me about that.

  Ha, I forgot about that. Or did she not mention it?

  - Fine. I will try. But I do not like that. Besides, the journey will take us more than a year. Can't one of your mages simple teleport as there or something.

  - Sadly out Earth magic school master magician died during goblin attack. And there are no other mages, who have visited Gremlin kingdom. As you know the spell requires registration in local Mage guild.

  I knew that. But did not consider that mages do not travel around the world all the time.

  - That's inconvenient.

  - Yes, very. May I suggest registering in all Mage guilds, during your travels. For you and Nelly.

  That was a great idea.

  - I will think about that.

  - Please do. I will also hire more guards for the farm, using payment that I will receive from baron Milligan. Apparently I did underestimate the value of your seeds, if he is willing to pay so much for them.

  - Good. Also you should make his pouches really small.

  Mesmer again sighed, and I grinned. But guild master had some good ideas. I did not even consider registering in Mage guilds. I did register myself in capitol Mage guild, but already forgot about that since I needed master level wisdom skill in order to learn the spell. We talked little more about farm's future, and I left Mesmer to visit Adventurer guild. Before that I visited Nelly and gave her the staff. She had one in the past, but, as she told me, it was destroyed during her dungeon hunts. Staff of power was perfect for her. It increased her power stats, and with the Staff user skill she could also use it as weapon. I told her that it was her academy graduation gift, and advised her to practice using it as a weapon. She run away to training grounds, happily waiving the staff.

  In Adventurer guild I posted a quest for sugar cane samplings and left twenty gold coins as a reward for the completion of the quest. I hoped to enjoy coffee with sugar after my return from Gremlin kingdom.I already had enough supplies in my magic bag and did not need more supplies, so I spend a day in a shop that sold maps, and ordered for me a map that led to Gremlin kingdom. Shop keeper promised to draw me a map buy tomorrow, and I returned to my farm house.

  I received a message that all necessary supplies will be ready the day after tomorrow, and that baron Milligan has agreed to pay for my party's services. I was not sure to be happy about it or not. But it looked like my peaceful life came to an end.