Slumping her shoulders in defeat, Selin Senn called out to Mina Ast, ordering her to stand down, 'for now at least' was left unsaid, though that part was picked up by the bodyguard and friend no less. Then, Selin proceeded to explain the concept of the evil casters, and the dark and foul rituals that they supposedly practiced, and how Jack's offer sounded precisely like something only said evil casters could not only conceive, but also bear to fruition. Needless to say was the obviously clear price that such unreasonably and fast growth would demand in turn- human sacrifices, performed in the most cruel and atrocious acts, ones that would cause normal people to go half insane at the mere whitnessing of it, let alone taking part.

  "Yea, no. That is not quite my cup of tea, though I am sure I could come up with a couple of such sacrificial rituals if you want me to." Jack shook his head "What? Did not enjoy the joke much?" he added once the clear disgust and alarm surfaced on the faces of the two women.

  "Tough crowd. Eh, what can you do." then, the smirk disappeared from his face, the joking part clearly over "So, what will be your decision then? Are you interested in joining the rebellion? Will you take the chance to reclaim your freedom to live, or will you wait until someone else does it for you?"

  Selin showed a complex set of emotions, cycling through her face now, not all that bothered to hide them anymore. It was clear, at least it felt so, that their incredibly powerful guest was indeed inclined to allow them the choice in the matter. And then, as though seeing in real time the direction Selin's thoughts and decision was slowly creeping towards, he added seemingly offhandedly. "I do have to wonder though. Will those that take part in this whole campaign, and in turn gain quite the amount of power, be kind enough to allow others who had shared their fate prior to this rebellion, yet not taken part in it, to live free and unbound? Or will they only replace the current slave masters, taking over their lands and habits?"

  And were his words anything but true? Almost like a prophecy predicting the lack of change in the world order. Selin Senn and Mina Ast knew better than to believe in fairytales, especially ones that placed bets on the sudden change in human nature. Was it then actually a choice for them to do anything but join? To be among the first ones to gain the promised power, ensuring that they would not become those enslaved.

  "We never had a choice, did we?" Selin asked as she covered her eyes with one palm, clear exhaustion resounding in her voice.

  "Oh, but you do have one. It's just that one of them is clearly a path to hell, not much different from your current situation, while others, still bloody and hard, at least offers the chance at a brighter future. People often make a mistake in that regard. So, we have an accord then?"

  Selin Senn sighed, clearly not all too pleased about the choice she was making, though smart enough to know the correct one "What is it that you need gathered? Or is there a certain place we have to head to?"

  "The latter, though you should know our destination better than me. We are looking for any dungeon, though it would be best if the monsters said dungeon contains are on the simpler side. You will learn why when the time comes." Jack explained, his maid core, and Spartacus, remaining silent the whole time, though well aware of the reason.

  "A dungeon? Why would you need..." Selin began, though she cut herself off soon enough "My apologies. It is not my place to question." she then turned her head towards Mina and gave the orders. "Send out the order. We are packing up and leaving as soon as possible."

  "And do not overly rush them. The whole ordeal cannot be achieved overnight. Have them pack everything they have." Jack added calmly.

  "At once." Mina replied a few seconds later, having spent said time receiving a nod of agreement from Selin. With that, she departed, followed by shortly after by Jack and his group.

  The area that had been a camp for a small tribe slowly transformed as a dwelling after dwelling was taken down, countless half whispered conversations occurring nigh non stop. Questions about the Destroyer's Presence, the foreigner group, as well as the reason for their departure. It was clear by now that they were not running away from beastmen scouts, and while they had all been informed that an explanation would be delivered in a relatively timely manner, that did not stop rumors and all manner of wild suggestions to surface as the population wondered.

  "Is it wise to keep them in check? Would it not cause many to turn and run?" Sindu asked Jack as their group had found a rather secluded corner of the camp. There were no villagers in their immediate surroundings, while at the same time offering plenty oversight over the village.

  "Yes and no." Jack replied "It is a complex matter, though since we have made it abundantly clear just how vast the difference in power there is between us, as well as the lack of actual casualties due to our arrival, and the fact that orders had been given out by their own people, the villagers are more willing to go along, at least for now. It will not stay the same for long however, the control over populace being much harder when achieved through a lack of significant force."

  "What's the plan once we reach our next destination?" Spartacus then asked "Will we be joining their training, or continuing with our own?"

  "Continue your own. They will not receive the same equipment as you do, so their progress will be much slower. That and I can't have my maids remain weak, nor can your future subordinates get all that close to you in power. We would not want to see backstabbing as you campaign at a later time."

  Two days. That is how long it took for the tribe to finish their packing, the once rather vibrant temporary village now nothing but packs and people, all ready to head out at their leaders command. To be fair to the villagers, they had been mostly ready by the next day's morning, all nice packed and ready. What consumed the remaining time was waiting. Since there was no rush, at least not yet, the tribe could remain as they were, all packed and ready, until their hunting squads returned. And now, at least according to Selin Senn and Mina Ast, their people were gathered.

  "Well then, lead the way towards the place you have chosen." Jack gave the go, his group relaxed. They had rested plenty as they waited, not lifting a hand to join the move, nor interacting with anyone but Mina Ast who came by a few times. Selin was clearly busy, marking a path they would be taking to avoid the larger migrating creature packs, while not forming too large a detour. She too was well aware that they had limited time before more and more questions arose, and while all felt Jack's presence blanket them, it was only she and Mina who understood the full danger Jack presented if slighted.

  A light and crisp sound of a chime reverberated across the former campgrounds, tied to a rather ornamental staff in Selin's hand as she tapped the ground once, then a second time and a moment or two later- a third. Then, like some clockwork, the tribe turned her way and slowly began to move, following after her and Mina, who walked side by side with their leader.

  Jack could sense scouts spread out a few hundred meters in all directions, moving slowly along the same path as Selin. She might have planned what should be the safest route, but there could always be unexpected complications of various kinds and only a fool does not prepare for such occurrences. The scouts would warn them in case something extreme appeared ahead. Then again, with his insanely high spirit, allowing his senses to stretch so much further than their scouts ever could, he also had a much better understanding of their situation. Be it current or near future.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  A slow, walking pace column moved along the steppe, slithering across it like some enormous snake, or like a river cutting its path through fields of sand, searching for the path of least resistance, avoiding entering the small patches of forestation that they encountered- clearly avoiding them for fear of powerful predators, or large packs of beasts- lurking within. Constant chatter could be heard among the people once again, covering all manner of topics, though more often than not one could hear tales of older wives, recounting their own local legends, as well as dreams of brighter future.

  Sometimes children could be heard, giggling and half playing as the carriages transporting them and the elderly were otherwise boring to ride in. And then there were whispers of uncertainty and worry, spoken in low tones only when both the speakers and those they were meant for were confident that the visitor's group were nowhere near. And the cautious gazes directed towards them spoke of the same. More and more questions formed.

  As with any wild and mostly untamed land, filled with creatures both mild and cautious, as well as savage and predatory, escaping any and all conflict was impossible, with an encounter happening once or twice a day. Be it a pack of predators, or some too stubborn group of grass eating creatures with a mean streak, a skirmish happened here and there, though thanks to both the scouts, and Jack's insane spirit senses- the latter only used to inform his own group- there had been no surprise attacks or ambushes, with Jack's group taking a major role in dispatching such inconveniences. It was in those short moments that the tribes members could begin to understand just how wide a gap there was between them and Jack's maids. And when the level of deference Jack was treated by these powerful individuals was seen, it only fortified Jack's overwhelming image in their minds. They were soon convinced that Jack was some sort of a mystical entity.

  Another week passed by as they traveled, their migrating tribe encountering several groups of hunters from other tribes as well, though the latter were smart enough to maintain quite the distance. No matter what, a migrating tribe could very well become quite the threat if one did not approach the situation with a certain level of caution.

  A week it had taken their procession to reach a rather notable change in their surroundings- much like the field of stones around the Gray field that Jack and his group had visited and delved its dungeon. Here however, a rather large lake awaited them. Or, if one wanted to look at it- four ponds surrounding a rather forested small island, only connecting it with the land on the outside by four, relatively narrow paths, with only three full grown adults capable of walking side by side without dipping their feet in water.

  "Welcome to Frog's Pond." Selin spoke up, gesturing towards the sight ahead "It's a beginner dungeon, reaching no higher than level ten, filled with non poisonous amphibians." She then glanced towards Jack, awaiting his reaction.

  Realizing the fact, Jack simply nodded, adding "Suits us just fine. How's it work around here? Can a tribe camp here freely, or is there a schedule or something?"

  "First comes first serve, assuming the path towards the center island is unoccupied." Selin explained "As you can clearly see, there is no obvious portal to enter here, but if you look towards the island in the center, you might notice a slight sheen, as if a sort of glass wall that bends light as it passes through it. its when one walks through there that they enter the dungeon."

  "So we camp at one of the four paths and basically block that side for others, yes?" Jack asked to confirm.

  "Yes, just so. Is there anything else you might need?"

  "Not for now. Tell your people to camp. We will be staying here for quite some time. And as your people do so, we will see what we have to work with here." Jack replied, his maids and Spartacus already heading towards the path leading into the dungeon.

  It felt like passing through a very thin water wall, though without getting wet, as they crossed the boundary between the world and dungeon, and moments later, they were standing at the exit of a forest clearing, the distinctive swirl of a dungeon portal behind them. What awaited them ahead was nothing short of breathtaking, with many people willingly picking the spot for a vacation, if there were no monsters present within.

  Numerous ponds with crystal clear water lay all around them, inviting one for a swim and promising a refreshing feeling, with the slightest hint of a possible treasure hidden within. It almost felt like someone whispered sweet nothings in your ear, thought there were no clear voice, just and inexplicable feeling of treasure calling for you.

  "Now that's a first." Jack hummed as he too felt a slight call, his own senses picking up something no other could.

  "Master?/Boss?" Sindu and Spartacus asked at the same time.

  "Everyone feels that slight draw here? As though a treasure is calling, begging to be found?"

  "Yes!" came a unified answer, not one quite understanding what they had felt until given the perfect example. "How comes?" Valente, being the always cheerful and curious fae that she was, asked.

  "Because there is a treasure here, and it is actually calling, begging to be found and taken from here to be used." Jack replied, his understanding of such things as an aspect of creation giving him unique insight.

  "Such things actually exist?" Spartacus asked, clear wonder spread across his face.

  "There are more than one would think, though rare are the instances where said items are not found for such a long time that it forms an aura as it has here. There must be some trickery involved to reach the place it has formed, otherwise someone would have found it ages ago." Jack replied and explained a bit more.

  "What is it? What is it?" Valente asked, almost skipping from foot to foot.

  "And spoil your treasure hunt? I don't think so." Jack grinned as he pointed forward "Off you go and hunt some frogs. I will only watch as I usually do, only taking action if grave danger presents itself. And do keep your eyes open. There are plenty of secrets to find here. Probably the fault of mine as always." he smirked.

  Thankfully, he did not need to say twice, as after a single command of his the maids, accompanied by Spartacus, donned their armour, drew their weapons and headed further in, walking along a small trail that was snaking among the ponds, seemingly begging one to take in and admire the lush surroundings and vibrant colours. If anything, the somewhat unnatural silence only added to the beauty of the place, making it even more magical.

  Though as all things great, even this magical feeling was destined to come to and end, the sweet silence broken by a single, solitary croak that felt all too loud as it filled the surroundings, echoed by another one, then another one, and on and on. And then, mere moments later, the croaking annoyances slowly waddled out of the ponds, creating a small tide of rough skinned, wart covered brown toads as they lined up to intercept their unwelcome guests one after another.

  A croaking mass of bull sized toads, numbered in two dozen, they waddled forward, slowly converging towards the group, with the first contact coming from the front most toad as soon as it was no further than seven meters. It's neck bulged as it croaked rather loudly, then its tongue shot out, aiming straight for Spartacus who was at the very forefront of the group. With a sound of a very wet palm smacking tightly fitted and jean covered ass cheek, the tongue connected with Spartacus shield, the man bracing for impact. It stuck there for a moment as the toad in question then tried to retract it, hoping to pull in whatever was caught to it, only to be surprised as its seeming prey did not budge. The situation was only made worse a second later, as same tongue was made shorter, as one of the maids introduced it to the sharp edge of her swords.

  A sharp, hissing wail, like that of a banshee's scream followed, the toad not liking the development one bit, its eyes going blood red as it suddenly leapt forward, covering the near seven meter gap in an instant, though landing on an empty spot of land, quickly followed by several cuts of swords and stabs of spears peppering its body. It was awfully clear that these monsters did not have much in the way of brainpower, or as most dungeon monsters one would encounter- self preservation instincts. Thanks to the numerous wounds, it died shortly after, scattering into motes of mana.

  And more funny yet was that the rest of the toads lumbering towards them would act the same way, as though no matter how many times a toad would die in what quickly became a pattern, the next one in the metaphorical line would still go for the same tactic- a tongue shot, followed by it sticking to a shield, followed further by a solid cut, then enraged leapt that culminated in the same cut and stab flury, finalized by the dead. Rinse and repeat. Jack could see why this dungeon was a beginner friendly place.

  Jack Raja(?)

  Age- 27

  Species- human(?)

  Level- 31

  Class- Awakened twin aspect of Creation and Destruction(Ex)

  Stats unassigned: +4

  Attributes:

  Strength- 34 (14+7+13(gear))

  Vitality- 28 (12+8+8(gear))

  Dexterity- 29 (15+6+8(gear))

  Intelligence-20(15+ 5(gear)

  Spirit- Spirit- 30 (20+10)

  Skills- Wisdom of Creation and destruction(EX), Choice of the creator(EX), Eyes of procurer(EX), Matter storage(EX), Arukain language(C), Spark of inspiration(EX), Origin of matter(EX), Unbound by laws of the lessers(EX), The end made manifest(EX). Destroyers presence(unique legendary).

  Spells- none.

  Titles(unlocked): The real Monster, Big Game Hunter, The brilliant rookie, The insane Solo. Monster debugger.The actor. Executioner. Survivor. Pioneer, Record breaker.The new champion supreme. Slavemaster.

  Gear: Two handed sword(t3)+ 5 str +5 vit: Armor 3str +3 vit +3 dex; Ring 1 - spatial storage, ring 2 +5int, ring 3 +5 str; amulet +5 dex.