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  14. A Time Jump in Another World

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  “Lyra! Watch your back!” shouted Bea fending off an attack from the rear.

  We were being surrounded by hobgoblins and orcs in our dungeon adventure. I was doing my best to blow them back and draw a line of fire to keep them at bay. I turned to look at Lyra who was being surrounded from the other side.

  “Coming through!” shouted a small but fierce burly voice as the clanging of his shield bashed against their heads and his sword cleared the rest, freeing Lyra from distraction.

  “Thanks Wexel. I've got it!” shouted Lyra as she blasted a spell she was charging as we battled around her.

  A bubble breifly formed around us as it blasted outward, freezing all the remaining enemies. Lyra fell to her knees, drained of her mana. Bea and Wexel began breaking the ice statues of the enemies to make sure they stayed dead.

  I turned my head to a scraping noise. A door revealed itsself from the dungeon wall. We had done it! We were at the final floor. The boss awaited us.

  “I need a moment,” huffed Lyra.

  “No need to rush boss. It's been weeks in the making,” said Wexel.

  “Yeah, we're gonna need all we got for this,” said Bea who started sharpening her hatchet.

  I waddled close to the door as it cracked open. A stone staircase led further down. I can feel it. The presence of our boss monster. Now to slay it.

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  “Ugh, this is so stupid!” yelled out Bea in frustration as she chugged some mead.

  We were sitting in the local tavern for a meal break. Looking for a fourth member was becoming tedious. No one wanted to partner with newbies or… a duck.

  “We could do it by ourselves and I know it,” she countinued.

  “Well, maybe. I'm still worried that my magic isn't strong enough for actual battle,” said Lyra clenching her fist, “I just, want to get stronger, you know?”

  “Well, we could get stronger by practicing in the dungeon's early floors, but NONE OF THESE MEATHEAD ADVENTURERS WANNA SACK UP AND TEAM UP WITH US! YOU COWARDS!” Bea raised her voice getting unruly.

  “Calm down Bea. We'll figure it out,” hushed Lyra as people gave looks.

  I watched as a miniature man screeched a chair across the floor over to the table. He was short, stocky, and hairy with a red mane around his head and back downward to make a beard.

  “Trying to fill out a party you shout?” he asked.

  “A dwarf? That's rare for here,” said Lyra.

  “Aye. I traveled from up north, cause typical dwarven work ain't my forte if you will.”

  “What's that spose ta mean,” Bea slurred.

  “I'm a warrior dwarf. I only fight. No crafting.”

  “I mean no offence, but isn't that kind of your people's whole thing? Like it's taught from birth?” questioned Lyra.

  “You're not wrong. But that ain't me. And thus, my viability for parties isn't too great it seems. No one gives me a chance to prove myself as it were.”

  “So we should? Should we should?” asked Bea putting her head to the table.

  “Well, how about I earn some trust then. You a mage? That's what you were saying?” asked the dwarf to Lyra.

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, I know someone at the guild that could help you get started at least.”

  “Okay. If it works out, we'll give you a chance.” stated Lyra, reaching out her hand to form an agreement.

  “This guy's creepy,” muttered Bea, “He probably just wants to peak at us.”

  “Unless you got a little something extra between your legs to peak at, you ain't fitting my bill if you get what I mean. I just wanna work. That's it.”

  “I think we can deal with that.” said Lyra as he shook in agreement.

  “Name's Wexel. I suppose we should sober this one up and get a move on then,” said Wexel scooting back out of the chair where he made eye contact with me, “So the duck… is it really a party member?”

  “He's a fully registered adventurer, yes,” said Lyra, “He's Duc, I'm Lyra, and that's Bea.”

  Wexel laughed, “Well, that's something new. Let's get a move on then boss,” he said nodding his head to Lyra.

  Lrya helped Bea up while casting some healing magic on her. Apparently, the magic could be applied as a sobering up tool and a hangover cure. A nifty little trick of this world.

  “I'm up, I'm up!” said Bea, letting go of Lyra. She shook her head back and forth and slapped her cheeks a couple times with both her hands, “Onwards! Our adventure finally resumes!”

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  End Part 14

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