The Achievement Junkie

Though he had to go back to the ring, Bowzer wasn't unhappy. He was excited to explore another dungeon, especially one so much more powerful than them.

With Bowzer hidden, this time Jack decided not to alter his appearance. Since the real Argyle was here, Jack had an excuse to be there, doing business as Argyle's son-in-law.

"Tralon, do we need to open a rift, or is it safe to travel there on foot?" Jack asked.

"Hmm… I'd prefer to open a rift, but that wouldn't be ideal for maintaining my mana," replied Tralon. "If we go on foot, then we'll get there in the middle of the night fully ready to tackle it all. However, we can be certain that the council will take notice of our entry into the storehouse. And I would even guess that there's a slight chance that some may enter behind us in secret."

"They're that daring?" Argyle asked in surprise. "And if I kill a Council Member, what will happen then?"

"That's hard to say… I'd rather not resort to violence."

"But what if I do? Would I be held accountable even though they're trespassing on guild grounds?" reasoned Argyle. "Can't we just say that they died in the dungeon if anyone's curious?"

"Things would get too complicated too quickly. I'd rather we prolong the violence until the guild has revived its foothold in the city. Then, at least we'll be able to make it out with minimal consequences," stated Tralon.

"I see. So we can't kill them… But you never mentioned anything about crippling them."

Both Tralon and Argyle looked to Jack, who didn't bother hiding his sarcastic smile.

"That… isn't the best solution, but it is a solution."

"Tralon, I think the boy is onto something with that. If they have the gall to enter your guild's storehouse, then they deserve at least that. If someone tried to enter my storehouse uninvited, instant death would be a merciful punishment," stated Argyle, standing behind Jack's idea.

"Then, that's that. If they dare break into our guild's storehouse, then they'll be crippled at the very least."

"And what if more than one council member enters? Argyle may be strong against one or two, but what if three, four, or even five enter, Jack?"

Jack chuckled, "Then I'll have to play dirty. It's been a while, but I'm more than capable while on home turf."

"Oh? I'd like to see that!" Argyle laughed. "If legends hold true, you were known as benevolent yet shameless. What kind of tricks can someone so low-leveled accomplish?"

"Why should I reveal my hand?" joked Jack. "If I really wanted, I could find us a path that easily takes us through the dungeon and straight to the vault on the final floor. But I need EXP. If I can't reach lv. 45 soon, then how will I take over the council?"

Tralon joined in on their laughter. "Ah… It's good to have you back, Jack. I think I've gone soft without your sense of reckless adventure to keep my blood pumping."

"Then this is perfect. In fact…" Jack paused for a moment to check something in his system. After seeing what he wanted, Jack laughed all the louder. "In fact, is there a way to guarantee that someone enters the dungeon behind us?"

"You want to set them up?" Argyle smiled. "What do you have in mind?"

"Nothing special. But is that possible, Tralon?"

The pointy-eared man stroked his beard. "How about we go shopping together? Also, together we'll inform the deputy manager that we'll be visiting the storehouse. That should get the entire town buzzing about it."

"Good… But would anyone outside the council try and enter the storehouse?"

"It's possible, but we can kill those mercilessly," stated Argyle without batting an eye.

"True. We only need to worry about the council members." Tralon nodded. "But if more enter then we can handle… What do you plan to do, Jack? I know you've got some scheme ticking inside your head. Mind filling us in?"

"That would be pointless." Jack shrugged. "We're still not sure who's entering or how many are daring enough to follow us in. As for my plan, why tell you now when it's probably going to change later?"

"Fine, but fill us when it's decided. Considering how outlandish your schemes are, I'd prefer to know ahead of time."

"But that's why you two will be with me. You're my insurance, after all. Without the two of you, I wouldn't be able to take things so far…" Jack laughed. "But… Tralon, if a council member happens to 'disappear' that would be okay, right?"

"I don't want us killing any of them." Tralon remained firm.

"Who said anything about us killing them? The eleven floors of the storehouse are very confusing at times. If someone's not careful or knowledgeable, they could very well get lost and disappear. Remember?"

"Oh… Yes, then that would be fine." Tralon's stern frown lightened up as he smiled. "That's something we can't control, so of course it's understandable."

"Also, Argyle, you'll need this." Jack threw his father-in-law the old ring. "With that equipped, you'll be permitted to enter the dungeon. Without it, no one over lv. 69 would be able to enter. I made sure of that when I created the dungeon."

"So not only are there eleven floors, but you managed to create a level cap for the dungeon? If the monsters inside have grown unregulated for as long as you said, this might be one of the most fun dungeons I've ever entered," Argyle laughed. "I've always dreamed of storming this storehouse, and now I can finally do so without breaking guild rules."

"So, shall we go?"

"After you, Jack." Tralon held the door open, letting Jack and Argyle exit first. "Now, to the deputy manager."

Tralon led the two men toward the reception area, not daring to hide their presence and chatting loudly for all to hear. As more and more people took notice of the three men, they couldn't help but want to learn what these men were up to.

"Ilgor, My friends and I will be gone for some time. I expect to be gone for at least a week, maybe longer. But don't worry, we'll just be busy at the storehouse."

"T-the storehouse?!" Ilgor couldn't help but shout in surprise. "B-but, sir, I thought it went up to lv. 65? How will you be able to--"

"That's why I'm going with him," Argyle laughed loudly, making sure everyone heard him.

"Y-you're going too?! But, sir, I thought that you said the founder--"

"Don't worry about what the founder said. I've come to learn that the founder would be okay with this venture," Tralon chuckled as he glanced at Jack, who couldn't contain his laughter. "We're only doing what I should've done long ago, cleaning up the place and making sure the monsters inside haven't grown too large to handle."

"O-oh. Then please forgive my outburst." Ilgor bowed, sincerely sorry for questioning the guild master.

"You're quite loyal, aren't you?" Jack spoke up, catching the man by surprise. "Yet you're only lv. 35… It's a shame you're not stronger."

"Y-yes…" Unsure who Jack was and how to respond, Ilgor stammered. "I'll try harder to level up in my free time."

"Good, that's some great commitment. Tralon, I really like how you've been running the place."

"Of course, Jack. I've always made sure to do the founder proud. That way, should he ever return, though we're only a few members compared to the past when we had thousands, the few men we have are all loyal to the guild," explained Tralon.

"If only we had another leveling dungeon…" Jack mumbled, catching wind of another idea. "Anyways, let's get going!"

"Right." Tralon looked back to Ilgor. "Please send word to Potion House and Steel Works that we'll be coming to gather supplies for our adventure."

"Y-yes, sir!"

As the three men walked out into the city, all guild members were in a frenzy. And as Ilgor passed the news onto the stores, it started spreading like wildfire. After one thousand years, the storehouse was finally going to be opened.