Dimension Beta

Over the next few days, Tom dedicated his time to selling potions at the tavern and attending training at the dojo. Using the tavern as his secure exchange point, he successfully sold all the potions Pech had produced.

When Tom reviewed the progress of Pech's gold-collection quest, he was astounded to see they had already accumulated 7 million gold coins. He hadn't expected to advance so quickly in this portion of the quest, especially considering that collecting gold was significantly harder than leveling up or recruiting people.

Tom had also discussed with his mother the need for her to reach level 179 before moving to his city to assist with the quest. Although her progress was slower due to limited game time, she remained determined to help.

On Friday, Pech assigned Tom a new quest:

[Scouting Quest]

Pech suspects that the Darkness faction may be encroaching on these lands. Investigate potential signs of their presence and report back by the end of the week.

Quest Reward 1: Experience based on clues found.

Quest Reward 2: ?

Tom was eager to uncover the mysterious second reward. After consulting the forums, he discovered reports of unusual activity in certain dungeons. Similar to what happened before a new floor appeared in the Kobold dungeon, players had reported changes in other areas.

His first destination was the Kobold dungeon, where he had previously encountered the curse. Armed with better stats and gear, he wanted to check if the Kobolds were still mining resources for the Darkness faction. However, when he arrived, he found that all the entrances to the caves had collapsed. This was puzzling since open entrances were essential for the Kobolds' survival. He made careful notes of his findings and moved on.

The second dungeon on his list was two hours away, inhabited by massive subterranean worms. These creatures lived in sprawling tunnel systems and were notorious for their blind but highly sensitive detection of ground vibrations. Forum rumors suggested the discovery of a new, unexplored layer deep within.

Tom navigated the tunnels with ease, dispatching the massive worms with one or two hits each. Even the stronger monsters deeper inside only required a few strikes to defeat. These creatures lacked intelligence, relying entirely on vibrations to locate their prey. By testing their behavior, Tom realized he could evade them entirely by leaping into the air, rendering them unable to detect his movements.

About thirty minutes into the dungeon, Tom arrived at the area described in the forums. From there, he had to rely on his instincts to search for additional leads. Following his hunch, he decided to explore passages that led downward, reasoning that if the Darkness faction was involved, they might be after something hidden deep underground.

As he wandered deeper, he began to notice subtle vibrations beneath his feet. Curious, he knelt down and pressed his ear to the ground. A faint, rhythmic hum pulsed through the earth. He hadn't noticed it before, likely because his boots absorbed the sensation. Intrigued, he carefully followed the vibrations, taking note of their strength in each passage.

After nearly an hour of navigation, the vibrations became much stronger, shaking the ground beneath his feet. By this point, the tunnels were almost devoid of monsters, though those he encountered were significantly larger and higher-leveled.

Finally, Tom reached a massive corridor and spotted a strange, gray dome-like shape in the distance. It appeared to be the source of the vibrations. Squinting, he realized with growing alarm that the object was moving. Using a magical telescope he had recently acquired, he focused on the dome for a closer inspection.

[Name: Corrupted Titan Worm]

[Race: Worm]

[Level: ???]

"Oh, shit!" Tom exclaimed, quickly stepping back. This creature was clearly over level 180, making it extraordinarily dangerous. Observing its behavior, he realized it was digging a tunnel. Using his compass, he determined the worm was headed toward the frontlines.

To measure its speed, Tom placed a stone marker on the ground where the worm's tail was and followed it for a minute. After carefully counting his steps, he estimated that the worm moved roughly 300 steps per hour, with each step being approximately one meter.

Running the math, Tom calculated that the worm could dig around 7,200 steps, or 7.2 kilometers per day. Over the course of a year, this would amount to approximately 2,628,000 steps, or about 2,628 kilometers. This was an alarming revelation, as it meant the worm could potentially create a direct tunnel connecting the Darkness faction's territory to human lands within a year.

Unsure of the worm's ultimate destination, Tom made detailed notes about its trajectory and characteristics before carefully retracing his steps back to the surface. By the time he emerged, it was already dark. Exhausted, he decided to log out for the night.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, Tom resumed his quest. Over the following two days, he investigated several other dungeons rumored to have new layers. While he found additional floors in some, none contained definitive evidence of the Darkness faction's involvement. Despite this, he managed to gain another level, reaching level 55.

By Sunday afternoon, Tom returned to the city and used a teleportation scroll just outside its borders. Once inside, he headed straight to Pech's alchemy shop to report his findings. Entering through the back, he found Pech slumped over the counter, reeking faintly of alcohol.

"Wait a minute," Tom thought, opening the quest progress tab. To his frustration, he noticed 10,000 gold missing from their funds. It didn't take much to guess where the money had gone. Although annoyed, Tom decided to hold his tongue for now, allowing Pech to sleep off his hangover.

Logging out for lunch, Tom joined his mother at the dining table. The two discussed his progress in the game, with Tom sharing his findings about the Corrupted Titan Worm. His mother reassured him that knowing the enemy's movements was a significant advantage, even if it wasn't direct progress.

After their meal, Tom logged back in to check on Pech, only to hear angry shouting coming from the front of the shop. Someone was arguing heatedly with Pech, their voice filled with rage. Tom crept closer, curious and cautious, to see what was happening.

n front of Pech stood three men with grim expressions.

"We told you last time that Black Boots needs his money. How many times do we have to repeat ourselves, old man?"

Pech was massaging his temples, his face clearly showing the pain of a severe hangover.

"Serves you right," Tom thought, watching as the loud voices of the men added to Pech's misery.

"But gentlemen, the payment isn't due for another week. Please, have some patience and return then," Pech pleaded, his voice cracking slightly.

"We've had enough of your excuses, old man," one of the men snapped. "Our boss decided he wants his money every three weeks now, not four."

"That wasn't the deal," Pech countered.

"To hell with the deal," the leader growled. "Give us the money now, or we'll make sure this is the last time you talk back."

Reluctantly, Pech reached into a stash and pulled out a bag of gold coins, handing it to the men. They carefully counted the money before nodding.

"Don't forget," the leader warned as he turned to leave. "Three weeks from now, we'll be back. And if you don't have the payment ready, you'll face the consequences."

Tom watched the exchange in confusion. The three men were only around level 130, far below Pech's abilities. With Pech's strength and skills, he could have easily dealt with them if he wanted to.

Why didn't he fight back?

"You can come out," Pech called out tiredly.

Tom stepped forward from his hiding spot. "Your friends?" he asked sarcastically.

Pech's face twitched. "When did you get so cheeky, you little brat?"

"And who are they?" Tom pressed.

"Just some thugs whose boss I owe money to," Pech replied, rubbing his temples again.

"How much do you owe?"

"Oh, only around 5 million gold," Pech said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"What?!" Tom exclaimed, barely able to contain his shock. "What is wrong with you, old man?!"

"Calm down," Pech muttered. "It's not like I planned for this to happen."

"But why not fight them? You're clearly stronger than all three combined!" Tom asked, his confusion growing.

Pech hesitated before responding. "It's not the thugs I'm worried about, kid. Their boss, Black Boots, is another story. That man... Well, let's just say it wouldn't end well for me if I crossed him."

Tom sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "So, what's the plan? Just keep paying them forever?"

"Of course not," Pech said, his voice suddenly sharper. "Once we finish our quest and gather the money we need, we'll leave this city anyway. Let Black Boots try to catch us if he dares…ha! That'll be a show."

Tom didn't entirely understand what Pech was planning. But he decided to follow his plans for now.