Fire turned to Boran. There was an apologetic expression on her face. "I apologize on behalf of our friends. Sometimes... they can be like this."
Fire opened the system window and after thinking for a while, transferred the gold to Boran saying, "Two hundred and thirty gold... I hope it helps."
Light did the same. "I'm sending two hundred gold as well. That's four hundred and thirty gold total. I know you can't put a price on a life but... at least it's a small thank you."
"If it's going to put you in a difficult position, I'd better not take it."
"Please," said Fire, "accept it. It's just a thank you. Besides, maybe you can use this gold to buy better equipment and continue your own adventure. Or hire a team."
"Hire a team?"
"Before coming here, we saw several teams in front of the passage. High-level players. You can invite them to your team for quests in exchange for gold or equipment. Since you're a Tank, you can use this gold to complete quests."
"So it's like boosting in games. I guess I could do that."
"I wish," Light sighed, "I wish we could help you more. Maybe... maybe we'll meet again in another time, another adventure."
Boran looked at the incoming notifications. Four hundred gold. He had never seen this much money in his life. "I... thank you. Really."
"We thank you," said Fire with a smile. "Maybe our paths will cross again someday. Who knows?"
Light nodded. "Yes, who knows? It's a small world. Take care for now, Boran."
"Before you go, I have a question. You're not using your real names, are you?"
"We use nicknames to stay anonymous."
"I see, hope to see you again."
They both raised their hands in farewell. Then they disappeared in a bluish beam of light. They left behind only a gentle breeze and well-wishes echoing in Boran's mind.
Boran stood in the middle of the dungeon for a while longer. Four hundred and thirty gold... He thought about what he could do with this money. Maybe better armor. Or perhaps... hire an adventurer group as they suggested.
He looked up at the dark ceiling of the dungeon. Everything was silent except for the sound of water dripping somewhere and the howling of wind from far away. Mur-Azar's enormous body still lay on the ground, but it was just a memory now.
He raised his hand and hovered over the emergency exit button. His finger lingered over the teleport button. Just as he was about to press it, he heard a sound.
The massive creature's body began to glow strangely. Mur-Azar's remains were transforming into thousands of suspended light particles, slowly dispersing. This magnificent sight momentarily illuminated the dungeon's dim atmosphere.
Boran noticed a glowing object among the dispersing particles, close to the ground. Slipping through the beams of light, he moved toward that spot. On the ground lay a small ring, previously hidden under the boss's enormous body.
When he bent down and picked up the ring, the system notification appeared:
[Echoes of the Last Command]
Rarity: Rare
Feature: Summons a Skeleton Archer to assist you in battle.
"Wow," said Boran with a slight smile. "If they had seen this, they definitely would have taken it. Looks like I've found myself a free companion."
Boran examined the ring closely. It appeared to be made of tarnished silver with markings resembling ancient symbols. In the center, a small amethyst stone sparkled. The moment he put the ring on his finger, a blue-purple mist began to form in the air.
As the mist thickened, a form began to take shape within it. First bony fingers, then arms, ribcage, and finally the entire skeleton materialized. The skeleton had a bow and quiver on its back that seemed to be made of bone as well. A bluish fire burned in its eye sockets.
The system notification appeared again:
[Loyal Archer] has joined your party!
Level: 1 (+2)
Type: Skeleton Archer
The skeleton bowed slightly to Boran in greeting. When it moved, its bones rubbed against each other, making a strange but rhythmic sound. The blue fire in its eye sockets reflected loyalty and determination.
"This... was unexpected," Boran said to himself. The skeleton archer tilted its head slightly as if understanding him. "Well, what should i name you?"
The skeleton obviously couldn't speak, but Boran could feel that it understood him. "What name should I give you?" he thought for a while. "Bone... Bone... Boney... Boney? Boney Stark?" The skeleton nodded in approval. "Then your name is Boney Stark."
Boran continued examining his new companion. The skeleton's bow was quite old, its wooden part cracked and worn. The arrows in its quiver also showed signs of age - some were broken, some bent, and all were covered in dust.
"Want to try it out?" asked Boran, pointing to a helmet in a far corner of the dungeon. The skeleton understood and drew its bow, firing an arrow. The arrow followed a shaky path to its target and shattered against the stone wall. The pieces scattered and disappeared.
"You're not that good of a marksman, Boney Stark," said Boran with a smile. "I guess I really have a team now. A small team maybe but... you have to start somewhere, right?" Then he thought for a moment. "First I need to level you up. Let's see what you've got."
[Boney Stark]
Level: 2
[Select equipment to upgrade:]
[Bow] [Quiver] [Arrows]
"I choose to upgrade the bow," said Boran, looking at Boney Stark. The skeleton nodded.
[Damage 40 → 50]
Boran looked closely at Boney Stark's bow. As blue light danced around the bow, the cracks in the wood slowly closed. Its old, worn appearance gave way to more solid, sharper lines. The bow still looked antique but was now a stronger, more reliable weapon.
He tested the bow by drawing and releasing it. The skeleton nodded approvingly. It seemed quite pleased with its new bow.
[Boney Stark]
Level: 3
[Select equipment to upgrade:]
[Bow] [Quiver] [Arrows] [Helmet]
"I'm upgrading the bow again," said Boran, and the skeleton nodded.
[Damage 50 → 60]
Blue light circled the bow again. This time the cracks in the bow closed a bit more and its wood looked more solid. It still had an old and antique appearance, but it had gained a more durable quality compared to its previous state.
Boney Stark tested the bow by drawing it. The string wasn't as loose as before and drew a straighter line. It nodded again.
"That's all for now, Boney Stark. I think you'll level up along with me. Would you like your bow to look better?"
It nodded up and down.
"Then let's go on a quest!"