Dungeon of Niflheim

Following his gaze, a middle aged man covered in blood and a tattered robe could be seen shaking in fear with his head prostrated upon the ground and cold sweat covering his back. He was also missing an arm, this was Drogan.

After using the teleporting magic device, Drogan gave his arm some emergency treatment before making his way back to his master. It took him nearly 3 days but eventually he made it back with his life, his former arm had begun to scab over and heal thanks to the use of health potions but to regenerate the limb he’d need something much more powerful. He hated Bastion to his core, he was so proud of his accomplishments against Ryuu, he even felt the barrier to upper B-rank weakening, he was enlightened but all that was turned to dust. Bastion’s quick reactions and his hubris cost him his dominant right arm; his strength was set to weaken now.

Beside the man on the throne were a man and a woman both with their faces hidden but they too didn’t hide their contempt while they pressured Drogan with their far more powerful auras. Even Ryuu would be no much for these two, this man and woman were the strongest forces under his master’s command. Beings that Drogan could only look up to and dream of surpassing, A-rank fighters.

“Useless piece of shit!” The man on the throne tossed a bottle of wine at Drogan’s head.

Smash!

It shattered against Drogan’s head, the shards cutting deep into his scalp, drawing blood yet Drogan didn’t move or even utter a voice of complaint. If he did, he’d end up with far more than a cut up scalp. He just trembled and held his tongue while this man vented his frustrations.

Not getting a rise from Drogan the man clicked his tongue before sighing. Anger and blame would get him nowhere, he wasn’t a dunce like Adam, he could still find a great many uses for someone of Drogan’s capabilities.

“So not only is Baron Adam dead, killed by his own nephew none the less. All his wealth and underworld dealings have been uncovered making all that effort and work I put into grooming him into a useful pawn null and void!” The man roared in fury feeling the urge to toss something else at Drogan.

.....

“Y...yes master” Drogan shivered before answering with a strained voice. This was an interrogation, Drogan needed to relay as much information as possible if he dreamed of leaving here in one piece. If he’d successfully arrived with all his limbs intact and anything remotely useful in regards to preventing Leo’s discoveries he’d likely been rewarded but no nothing went his way. With his injuries to the extent, they were and Ryuu and Bastion being on the lookout he was unable to infiltrate plus how was he supposed to know that Adam kept physical evidence of all his shady business.

“My sources also tell me that Viscount Douglas is on track to make a full recovery but most of all some unknown vagabond from god knows where has my precious beasts, my god damn Phoenixes!” The man clenched down hard on his chair causing it split apart. He was truly incensed.

This man not only paid a hell of a lot of money for Nanna and Loki but risked everything to place a slave tattoo upon them. By doing the deed in the Furano Viscounty, far away from prying eyes of the royal family and other nobles he hoped to cast a shadow on the act, preventing him from ever being linked but they were now taken. The very notion infuriated him to no end and now the Furano family knows about the Church of Light and would surely report it to the Royal family. The man’s safety was in great danger, even his lofty position wouldn’t be able to confront such an accusation. He needed to retrieve the Phoenix children, but he also needed to lay low, the authorities would be investigating thoroughly into this situation.

Eventually the man’s anger overtook him, and he forcefully stood up, shattering his throne to pieces. His nose was practically huffing out steam and his eyes red. He glared down at Drogan truly dissatisfied with his performance.

“What do you have to say for yourself Drogan!” The man took forceful steps towards the cowering one armed man, before eventually kicking him in the chin, knocking him flying.

“Ugh!” Drogan groaned out in pain but didn’t brace himself or retaliate in anyway, quickly returning to a prostrating position.

“Get out of here you useless welp, I can’t bear to look at you, get out of my sight!” The man roared while releasing his own aura, filled with intense bloodlust. Drogan was knocked back once again before he scurried out of the room with his tail between his legs, yet he had a thankful smile on his face. He was relieved that he wasn’t killed. He rubbed his stump where his arm used to be before sighing and picking up speed. He’d have to prove his worth to regain any chance of regaining his lost limb. His master would have to either provide a very high level health potion or hire a high level healer, and right now he wasn’t worth that expense.

Back in the room the man and woman who stood by the master’s side sauntered over and tried to calm him down, with varying degrees of success. This situation was truly unfortunate and Drogan couldn’t really be held at fault, he just made for an easy target.

The master waved his hand and a servant appeared from the shadows and replaced his throne before vanishing again.

The master sat down; his mood still sour but able to think clearly once again.

“We need to retrieve the merchandise, but we can’t move now, too risky.” He rubbed his temples in frustration. If he moved even covertly, the Northrend royal family would notice and be on him like a hawk, no he had to wait and at some point, try to blow the smoke away from him. He couldn’t allow his efforts to become undone.

The A-rank man and woman returned to his side, awaiting his orders.

“Drogan can still be useful, he does after all have a small chance of achieving A-rank status but let him suffer for now, perhaps this lesson maybe just what he needs as motivation. We’ll keep our distance from Furano for now, but I want all the information about the vagabond that took my Phoenixes. I’ll teach him to dare steal from me!” The man once again released his aura as his anger surged once again. The man and woman at his side as well as the many people hidden in the shadows all bowed before setting off to work. They needed to cover their tracks and only had a short time to do it.

Back in Furano dawn had approached and Frost and his group were coming to, unaware of danger that was eyeing them from far away.

This time when they awoke Maya was more reserved with her attire and actions, not wanting to experience such an embarrassing situation again, especially with Nanna and Loki in the next room. She wore a set of pyjamas without buttons but still they looked incredibly strained whenever she stretched, threating to tear at the seams. Being so short with such an explosive body made it really difficult to find clothes that could keep up with the pressure. Many woman were jealous of her figure never understanding the determents that came with it.

Frost had woken up slightly earlier and was waiting in the living room, he had the dungeon menu open checking for any alerts but thankfully everything seemed fine. Looks like the Frost troll managed to keep everything in one piece in his absence. The data he’d retrieve while out with the dungeon’s purview was limited but he could still see if a large amount of his monsters were killed.

“Morning Young master.” Maya appeared in her white pyjamas while yawning, even with bed hair she was drop dead gorgeous. Frost’s mood elevated just seeing such beauty.

“Good sleep?”

“Yeah, much better than at Kathy’s inn, you?”

“Same, it was different from my bed in the Dungeon but still pleasant.” Frost stretched his body, feeling refreshed.

“Yawwwwwnnn I’ll go wake up Nanna and Loki.” Maya then moved passed Frost giving him a nice view of her ample backside as she went into the other room.

Frost did a quick count of his stored money and items while Maya gently coaxed the kids up and dressed them up for the day. Unlike Frost they needed to pick out outfits every day, but Maya wasn’t complaining. When the three of them returned they were all dressed, ready for a trek through the woods.

Frost smiled and nodded, proud with Maya’s fashion sense. Nanna and Loki were still in the dark about where they were going but it didn’t bother them. Frost however thought now would be a good time to enlighten them a little.

“Nanna, Loki today we’re leaving Furano, so you need to say your goodbyes to everyone since we won’t be back for quite a while.” Nanna and Loki both nodded but they couldn’t help but feel a little sad. To be honest Furano had mostly horrible memories for them since it was where they were imprisoned and tortured but it was also where they met Frost, Maya, Luna, and Lady Cassandra. They’d miss the friends they made.

“We’ll be going to mine and Maya’s home near the Glacial Mountains, it’s a fair hike away and the temperature will be a fair bit colder but that’ll be your home from now on....are you ready?”

Nanna and Loki looked at one another, a slight smile adorning their faces. They turned around to face Frost, Nanna replying first.

“We’re fine with cold, our new clothes will keep us warm.” Nanna gripped onto her jacket emphasizing its warmth. Loki spoke next.

“Unnn I agree with Nanna plus we’ve been stuck in one place for so long, travelling sounds nice.” Loki and Nanna were very excited to see their new home and weren’t adverse to having to walk, in fact they relished in the fact. Being treated as prisoners they didn’t have much opportunity to stretch their legs.

“Good” Frost nodded and rubbed their heads with affection. A servant knocked on the door a few moments later.

“Sir Frost, miss Maya, breakfast will be served in a few minutes in the main dining room.”

“We’ll be right there,” Frost responded eager to eat some more before they set out, since the Dungeon didn’t have a chef other than Maya it’d be a while before they could enjoy such delicacies again. Frost and Maya would be fine back at the Dungeon since there they didn’t require food or water to live but Frost was unsure how it would be for Nanna and Loki, so he made sure to get a book of recipes. He could simply buy the raw materials from the dungeon menu.

With them all set and packed, Frost and his entourage made their way to the dining room where everyone was waiting. Douglas, Cassandra, Leo, Luna, Bastion and even Ryuu. They’d all returned to say farewell.

What proceeded was a very light and friendly breakfast with a few tears being shed by Cassandra and Luna. Before the entire group walked to the manor’s entrance to say their goodbyes.

“Remember Frost-senpai to call me the moment you reach your home.” Leo heavily reminded Frost, keen to keep in touch as was Douglas and Cassandra.

“Young Frost, you and Maya will always be welcome here at any time, don’t be strangers.” Douglas spoke with a slight headache; he was hungover but made himself get up.

“It’s a shame you’re leaving so soon, I would have liked to spar with you a little once things here calmed down.” Ryuu spoke with a sad tone, he had grown quite fond of Frost, he reminded him of himself when he was younger.

“Yeah, you can’t be strangers since you’re all still members of the guild ahahhhaha.” Bastion laughed while patting Frost on the shoulder. Out of everyone he was likely to see them most.

“I promise and thank you.” Frost shook their hands before taking a step away. Maya received many hugs one of which was attempted by Bastion trying to take advantage of her explosive figure. This was stopped by his daughter, Jaina who yanked him back by the ear before apologising for her father saying that he was still a little drunk.

Cassandra struggled to let go of Nanna and Loki as she held them in her arms refusing to let go. It was a sad farewell but also very meaningful.

Leo arranged for a carriage, he and Luna would travel with them before splitting up at the central district.