Something brushed Julian’s cheek and he was suddenly wide awake, a surge of adrenaline rushing through him.

  His body was on fire, his injuries burning and his hit points were nearing death.

  Alice was standing over him, saying something. There was a ringing in his ears, and everything moved in slow motion.

  With the last of his strength, Julian grabbed the sword beside him and lunched forward, striking the celestial.

  [You have died.]

  [You have been [Resurrected]. Health 1274/1274. Mana 500/500.]

  The next time Julian opened his eyes, he saw the most beautiful troll in the world looking down at him. She was brushing his hair out of his face softly.

  He reached up, putting his hand over hers, turning it to kiss her wrist.

  She was sitting beside him, relaxed. The atmosphere around him let him guess, “We won.”

  “Yes.” Gerda nodded and smiled, “Everyone's been caught and John’s looking for Visha.”

  Julian grunted and sat up.

  Jeffry and Tully had the three assassins tied together and manacled. Two were still unalive, yet manacled anyway. Pram stood to the side with Alice, who had a bag over her head. It was a cloth grocer bag printed with a familiar unicorn pattern.

  “Why–”

  Gerda knew what Julian was asking before he said it, “She’s unalive. But I didn’t have enough [Mental Resistance] scrolls and the resistance potion is going to wear out soon… we're being extra cautious.”

  He nodded. “The dungeon core?”

  “It’s still waiting.” She pointed over her shoulder, where the orb was still 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 boss and get to conquer the dungeon core.”

  Julian choked at her outrageous joke at Alice’s expense… and replied, “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 over something, looking to 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.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  “We won.” Tully told her. Simple and straightforward. “It’s over.”

  Visha looked up at the paladin in frustration and anger. “I missed everything?!”

  “Not everything.” Tully smiled softly at the elf, and thrust a thumb towards Julian.

  That was his cue. Julian waved a hand to store his sword and shield, and then stood with his troll.

  It was only a step to the dungeon core.

  Gerda’s hand found his free hand, and he squeezed it once before reached up with the other and touching the core.

  [You have defeated [Forgotten Frost Dungeon]. Would you like to Conquer the Dungeon Core? Yes/No]

  Julian selected [Yes] and the pedestal sunk into the floor, turning into an exit platform beneath their feet.

  [You have received the unique title option: Dungeon Conquerer]

  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 they could be divided later.

  “Congrats.” Gerda whispered, and Julian couldn’t describe how he felt.

  It should have been fulfilling, or cause for celebration…

  After his father’s death, he 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 levelling 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 90… 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.

  …

  “I can’t wait to get home.” Tully turned his face to the sun and stretched.

  They'd popped out of the dungeon nearing the lunch hour about two days after going in.

  “You still have two months left of community service left.” Visha pointed out.

  “I know.” The paladin deflated.

  Gerda was standing there, staring at the northern bridge.

  Her hands clenched at her side.

  "Everyone ready?” 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 and was well and truly gone.

  Pram walked over and put a hand on Julian’s shoulder. “Good luck, my friend. I hope she says yes.”

  Julian stiffened, and Gerda coughed. “Goodbye everyone.”

  Gerda portalled the rest of the party to the Coral Palace in North Sumbria.

  Julian walked up behind his troll and wrapped his arms around her. He pressed his face into her hair.

  They stood there for a long time.

  “Do you really need to go?” He eventually whispered into her ear.

  She reached up and caressed his cheek. She whispered, “I need to know.”

  He handed her a folded up note. “Here.”

  She took it and he released her. He took a step back… letting her go.

  Gerda took a steadying breath. “I’m ready.”

  And then his bridge troll crossed the her bridge, and disappeared.

  Patreon