Page 183 of I Ran Away to Evil 3
“It’s still waiting.” She pointed over her shoulder, where the orb was floating over the pedestal with its threatening red swirls. She smiled at him. “It looks like you get to fulfill your fate, after all: you defeated a dungeon bossandget to conquer the dungeon core.”
Julian choked at her outrageous joke at Alice’s expense, replying, “I don’t know, a dungeon boss usually comes with more experience points.”
[Found her!]
John’s message arrived as his shadow brought Visha out. Tully looked like he was at war with himself, looking at the elf and back three times in quick succession. John poured a Resurrect potion on Visha as Tully dragged a hand down his face in frustration before handing his enchanted rope over to Jeffry and walking forward to be there when she woke up.
The rogue wasn’t a fool; he stepped back for Tully.
Visha was the most dexterous and fast recovering of the group. She was on her feet in an instant, battle stance ready.
“We won,” Tully told her. Simple and straightforward. “It’s over.”
Visha looked up at the paladin in frustration and anger. “I missed everything?!”
“Noteverything.” Tully smiled softly at the elf, thrusting a thumb toward Julian.
That was his cue. Julian waved a hand to store his sword and shield, then stood with his troll.
It was only a step to the dungeon core.
Gerda’s hand found his, and he squeezed it once before he reached up and touched the orb.
[You have defeatedForgotten Frost Dungeon. Would you like toConquertheDungeon Core? Yes/No]
Julian selectedYes. The pedestal sank into the floor, turning into an exit platform beneath their feet.
[You have received the Unique Title option:Dungeon Conqueror.]
Jeffry made a choking sound when he saw the overflowing treasure chest appear, and was already pulling out a scroll to write down the contents so it could be divided later.
“Congrats,” Gerda whispered. Julian couldn’t describe how he felt. It should have been fulfilling or been a cause for celebration …
After his father’s death, he’d felt like his own life had ended. Like he couldn’t be himself anymore, he had to be something more. Something stronger. Someone powerful enough to take over his father’s shoes. While throwing himself into leveling up, the North had grown more and more dangerous until he’d turned his drive and purpose to defeating it. He didn’t need to reach level ninety … he just needed to protect his home. A goal he could actually touch and taste.
A goal that he’d finally realized.
And it only felt like his life was ending all over again.
It was nearing lunch hour when they popped out onto the dungeon entry platform.
“I can’twaitto get home.” Tully turned his face to the sun and stretched.
“You still have two months of community service left,” Visha pointed out.
“Don’t remind me.” The paladin groaned.
Gerda was standing there, staring at the northern bridge, her hands clenched at her side.
“We ready to go?” Jeffry asked, a bright smile on the half elf’s face.
“Actually,” Julian stated, “I’m sending you ahead. Gerda and I … we have some things to settle first.” He had a portal scroll ready to get himself back home … and Gerda knew that.
She wasn’t going to leave before he finished his dungeon … and he wasn’t going to leave until she’d crossed her bridge.
Pram walked over and put a hand on Julian’s shoulder. “Good luck, my friend. I hope she says yes.”
Julian stiffened as Gerda coughed.
