After receiving a second clue about the Monolith, the party decided to clear a several dungeons and managed to obtain two more clues about the monoliths from other S ranked dungeons.
Sora also reached level 50 only to frown with disappointment.
Congratulations Sora! You have reached level 50. You have fully unlocked your passive healing: Regeneration. You will regenerate 1 HP per second of not taking damage
"That's such a useful ability, but I was certain the level 50 reward would have something to do with my eye abilities." Sora's frustration showed on his normally calm face.
Sasha reached rank S adventurer, joining Brie and Levi at that rank. Jubelle ranked up to B, rather quickly. It didn't take long to move from F to B when clearing S ranked dungeons with his party.
"Ok, so let's review the second, third and fourth clues again, shall we?" Jubelle said while pointing to a presentation he put on a newly purchased 80-inch television in their main meeting room.
"We know the first clue was a riddle, which suggested that the dungeon was somewhere in the demon lands. The second clue pointed toward a place "I started in the center, but opposite of where the sunsets, across a border I fall, just inside a territory's edge. This suggests it's just inside the demon realm, toward the southern part of Exteria."
"Yeah, that one helped clarify our first deduction," Sora admitted. "Please continue."
"Well, I think that eliminates these two plot points of the original 5 I marked. One is deep within the Obsidian Hallow, the other is too far toward Central Obsidian Hallow. The third clue speaks of only appearing during the hour's humanity rests, which suggests we will have to travel at nighttime.
Jubelle paused and after a reassuring smile and nod from everyone, he continued.
"The fourth clue stated, 'the area is in plain sight, but what you seek will not show, unless vampire's diet is given in full. That leaves plot points 1 and 4 as my main guesses as to where the Monolith could stand. It's at one of these two points, I'm certain," Jubelle said confidently.
"And I'm going to have to give my blood to unlock it? Gross." Brie said.
"Yeah, sorry Brie. Sucks. I'll want to drink it, so will Jubelle, so don't feel too bad. I'd say we could blood bag it, but it's probably going to need fresh, warm blood from a living human that's present," Sasha said.
"Yes, that makes sense. It would try to weaken anyone who entered it, although these days, a simple healing spell or potion would do the trick," Levi said.
"I wonder how long this thing has been around?" Brie asked.
"Who knows, but I don't think we should rush to do this dungeon. We have plenty of time right now anyway." Sasha shrugged.
"Agreed, I think Jubelle must reach at least rank A before I'm comfortable leading my entire party into a secret SS rank dungeon," Sora said.
"Well, it's not like we're in that big of a rush anyway. We're clearing dungeons and ranking up just fine, and I think we need to keep a low profile, especially with the following we've built up online," Brie said cheerfully.
"Yeah, we're the hot topic right now. The fearless five, I think they called us?" Sasha laughed.
"I don't have another council meeting for two weeks, and I don't think there will be any updates about it there either, so for now, let's just plan on what we agreed on. Brie, Levi and Sasha will take Jubelle on an A ranked dungeon mission tonight, as I have plans with the human King and Queen," Sora said.
"Oh, that's right! How exciting. You haven't been to Prosperia yet, have you, Sora?" Brie asked.
"Nope. This will be my first time. Isn't that where you're originally from?" Sora asked.
"Well, yes, but we lived in a good area in Primrose, the capital city. Please don't go looking for my parents…" Brie scorned.
"Why in the hell would I want to do that?" Sora laughed.
****
"Ok, that settles it, Sasha, Brie, please take Jubelle to the Dojo and start training him immediately. I need to speak with Levi for a moment before I head out." Sora told the group.
As the girls went off to the dojo with Jubelle, Levi finally smiled and said, "So, what are you really up to? I know you told me to keep everything a secret, and I have. All the arrangements are set for tonight."
"Excellent. I'm going to clear the dungeon now, by myself. It's A ranked and I've analyzed it. It has little to no threat. When the four of you show up, they're likely to be pissed off that the dungeons cleared, but that's when I need you to bring them back." Sora said with a smirk.
"Have you even wished her a Happy Birthday yet?" Levi asked.
"Of course I did, first thing this morning when we woke up. I brought breakfast to her room. Her favorite, scrambled eggs, bacon and two pieces of toast with a side of pancakes, lightly buttered with a hint of syrup." Sora said.
Levi grinned. "You sly devil, you. You'll be free to have the night with her. Sasha, Jubelle and I will go clear to the other rank A dungeon you found us!"
****
Sora made quick work of the dungeon and didn't level up. The rewards were simply two ultravites, which the party now had plenty of. He started his car and followed the GPS settings to a high-end jewelry store in Primrose. He chose a regular black sports car this time and to his surprise, it still nearly cruised at 200 MPH.
He entered and picked out a necklace with a ruby and a diamond, intertwined together, but held in two beautiful golden hands. He also picked out a bracelet with a Tourmaline gemstone, as he noticed Brie loved to wear pink. It suited her blue hair really well, and she wouldn't know the diamond gemstone signified his human birthday of April 14th, nor would she know that ruby signified her birthstone.
"How much for these?" Sora asked the cashier, who was a younger, beautiful woman.
"My, oh my. What lucky lady has the heart of Sora, the world's sexiest man?" she said with a wink.
"This is always so awkward…"
"A lucky woman indeed. But how much?" Sora asked.
"For you, one ultravite. These are made of pure gold and actual ancient gems from a time known as Earth. Have you heard of it?" the woman asked.
"System, please analyze these gemstones."
These are extremely rare on Exteria. I can't believe you happened to stumble across them. Give her a nice tip. It looks like she owns this store and handcrafts the jewelry herself.
"Yes, I've studied Earth lore. I'm guessing you have as well. Your work is beautiful." Sora smiled as he spoke.
The woman smiled radiantly and nodded. "Thank You."
"Here, take two ultravites. One for the two pieces of jewelry, one because your shop is filled with amazing relics," Sora said with a smile.
"Such a generous man. No wonder this woman loves you. The world loves you, after all, do they not? Or do you feel that sometimes that love is animosity and hate?" she asked.
"Uh… that's deep. Thank you for the jewelry and the kind words. I feel like I have the people in my life I need to love and support me, to answer your question." Sora said
Sora heard the woman say, "until next time," as he walked out, and a cold chill ran through his entire body.
"That was really weird."
****
His next stop was the florist, where pre-ordered bouquets of flowers were ready for pick up. After picking those up, he realized he was running out of time and still wanted to make one more stop.
He quickly got to the high-end vehicle dealership and after making a purchase, a giant semi-truck hauled the car to his mansion."
"It's crazy how technology is so much more advanced," he thought to himself.
He entered his mansion and made a mental note to thank Levi.
"This looks amazing. I just hope she likes it and isn't too pissed off about the dungeon." Sora laughed at the thought of an angry Brie. "She's still beautiful when she's mad."