So, according to Eris, Lake Vanessa is one of the larger dungeons within a much broader complex called the Vanessa Dungeon Cluster, which includes five major dungeons and thirteen smaller ones. This entire cluster was first discovered—and partially explored—by Lady Vanessa Loren, the second Guildmaster of the Mistvale Adventurer's Guild, many, many years ago.
Essentially, dungeons can exist within other dungeons. In so places, dungeons connect to each other like a network: sotis only one or two link up, but there can also be dozens or even hundreds interwoven together. It's similar to the way branches grow on a tree, creating a sprawling system known as a dungeon cluster.
Apparently, the Vanessa Dungeon Cluster is among the ten largest clusters in the entire Kingdom of Eldenwald. Notably, they all share a perpetually wintry bio, regardless of conditions outside, and certain monsters appear consistently across the different parts of this cluster. With that in mind, Eris and I both realize we need a few essentials before tackling Lake Vanessa.
First, we need a map.
"Mister, how much does it cost to rent a map of the Vanessa dungeons?" Eris inquires, gesturing toward a stack of rolled-up maps on a wooden table.
Currently, we're in the trading corner of the Vanessa Outpost, where adventurers can buy and sell various supplies. The vendor we're speaking to is a young Furren man with distinct squirrel-like features.
He wears simple black leather attire and a broad hat—one that has two holes, allowing his long, squirrel-like ears to poke through.
But it's his fluffy tail that truly catches my eye.
Aaaaaa…
AAAAAAAA!!!
It's so fluffy that I just want to pet it!
JUST THE TAIL!
Thus, while Eris is talking, my eyes are literally glued to the tail.
It sways to the left, then to the right, then to the right like pendulum swings.
And my pupil automatically move accordingly like being hypnotized.
"Oh, which part of the cluster do you want to rent a map for, or do you want the entire complex?" the squirrel man asks, his two big front teeth shining as he points to different piles of parchnt. One stack is much larger than the others, signifying a complete set of maps for the entire dungeon network.
As Eris already ntioned, the Vanessa Dungeon Cluster is massive, so adventurers often choose to rent only the sections they plan to explore rather than carrying around an unwieldy master map.
Plus, without printers in this world, creating each copy by hand is painstaking. According to the vendor, these are all hand-drawn by himself—"Vanessa Dungeon Map Version 5.8," he proudly notes—updated just a few weeks ago after a Guild exploration expedition. So corners remain unmapped, but the Lake Vanessa area we need is quite detailed.
"Well, we only need the section for Lake Vanessa," Eris explains.
"Sure thing," the squirrel man replies, reaching into a specific pile before handing Eris a smaller map. "That'll be 20 crowns for one day, and if you could just sign here…" He offers Eris a paper that appears to be a rental contract.
"Be careful, though." he adds . "If you lose my map, you'll have to pay 460 crowns for it!"
"Understood," Eris replies. She briefly checks the map, ensuring it's what we need, and then scribbles her signature. "Here you go—money and contract," she says, passing him the requested paynt.
"Thanks for your business!" The squirrel man grins, tipping his hat. "If you need more maps, rember I've got the best deals in town."
"Absolutely!" Eris assures him.
And just like that, the transaction is quick and seamless, leaving us with our crucial dungeon map in hand.
After that, we move on to the next task—buying other essentials.
"Since Vanessa dungeons get pretty cold, we'll need so proper gear," Eris explains as she leads the way.
"Nn!" I nod, following closely behind.
We make our way to a nearby outfitter, where we rent thick jackets, insulated pants, and waterproof boots, all designed with cryo-resistance to keep us warm in the frigid dungeon. Renting the gear here at the outpost is far more convenient than lugging winterwear all the way from Mistvale. After all, traveling light is essential for adventurers.
The total rental fee cos out to 50 crowns per day, and after signing a few more contracts, we're all set.
Afterward, we wander into the nearby weapon stalls, not because we need anything, but just to browse.
I already have my trusty sser sword, which is in pri condition, and Eris?
Well, she doesn't need weapons at all.
Right… I nearly forgot. When she fought those Crimson Order guys, she conjured weapons purely out of mana.
I guess that's why she doesn't carry a blade or bow—she can literally summon anything she needs, anyti.
That's so cool… and convenient!
I'd love to inspect her mana weapons soday. Maybe even learn how to use them myself?
Suddenly, sothing catches my eyes.
"Ooooh, Eris, look!" I tug at her sleeve excitedly, pointing at a display table filled with a particular set of weapons.
"These are so cool! Wowww! Can I try them on?"
They're claws—sharp, gleaming clawed gauntlets that look incredibly badass!!!
With these, I can be like a certain famous superhero!
Well, I have absolutely no clue how to wield them properly though, considering my only experience with weapons is swinging my sser… and maybe chopping onions in a kitchen.
But still… they just look so cool! The mont I spot them, I'm instantly filled with an overwhelming urge to slip them on and try slashing at the air.
However…
Eris doesn't answer.
"Eh? Eris??" I murmur, tilting my head.
I finally notice—she's not even looking at the claws.
Instead, her attention is elsewhere, her gaze locked onto another stall. Her ears perk up slightly, her whole body stiffening as she listens intensely to a conversation happening just a few steps away. There are two Wolf Furren guys, one sitting and one standing, chatting sothing.
And sohow, this seems to have caught her interest.
Her tail flicks ever so slightly…
And her hand squeezes mine a little bit.
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