I have triple checked. There is no power source for my new device. Perhaps this is why the Usurpers abandoned the project? If I could locate that Dwarven machine somewhere inside this place, that would change things. It would change everything. As it stands, what am I to do? -96.7 Seconds Post-Integration.

  "To reactivate?" SIMP paused. "It would not be possible without the Dungeon Core. It might be possible -- maybe! -- to temporary activate a small section of the leyline belt, but even then, I would need access to a managerial terminal."

  Managerial access? How would he manage that? "Speaking hypothetically, how would one go about in gaining managerial access? Could I force it through a floor manager's office by strongarming my status?"

  "If the crisis was severe, maybe. Otherwise, I do not think the store has an obligation to listen. They leylines are not completely the creation of Augustford, so they do not have absolute control over it, but they are responsible for most of the conveyor belt system you see."

  "Okay... so... huh... I will stick this problem on the backburner for the time being."

  "Might I probe your wonderful mind for the secrets bubbling within?" SIMP again paused to wait for his answer. They were being quite polite, lately.

  "Nothing which isn't on the surface. I'm thinking how neat it would be for the belt-part of the system to be re-activated. I could see it being useful."

  "I agree. The re-activation of the belt lines would be a great potential aid. My suggestion would be to search for allies instead of attempting to strong arm your way inside."

  "Allies? How?"

  "By promoting yourself, of course! You are the Dungeon Champion, Clark! Promote your efforts as your Office. Allies will come."

  For the next couple of hours, he spent some time thinking through what 'promoting himself' meant. Seeing as how his 'office' was he and two buddies, he didn't understand how that would translate into building an actual organization.

  Not all problems can be solved by sitting for a couple of hours, he knew at the end of those hours.

  Clark rose and began the trek back to his dorm, wondering how it all fit together.

  Not long after he returned to his dorm, he received a League notification.

  At first, he groaned. He figured he was being called to action.

  [League Promotional Course: Our records indicate your next Ranking is Q. This level is a pure EXP gain. If you are unsure on proper Experience Gain procedures, please consult your manual. You will attain your next ranking once you achieve Imbued Level 30.]

  Clark quickly checked his status. He was at level 29.

  Thinking on it slightly more, he remembered his bonus experience multiplier remained active. Man, how awesome was the super-duper Opportunity chest... he wanted another one.

  All things considered, he was probably quite close to reaching level 30...

  Considering his options for a moment, he made a decision. He opened his Instant Messenger Application and sent his Work Detail a voice message: "Guys, we have an Interior to cleanse. Let's aim for a node. Stamina Dandies on me!"

  Theo and Hera weren't thrilled to be back in the Dungeon Interior so soon after having left. Still... Clark treated them to the dandies he promised, and all was fine, for the most part. A cranky attitude or two notwithstanding.

  Back in the Interior they called 'Plague Central,' everything seemed fine at first.

  They encountered a few Slimes, even the occasional Airheart. None of it was demanding to take care of and they advanced quickly.

  It was only when they were well on their way to a part of the Interior they hadn't yet traversed when they noticed the increase in monsters.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "Are we close to the node?" he asked SIMP.

  Beep: "You're a few dozen meters away. Be on the lookout."

  Clark relayed the information to his team. Together, they kept their eyes peeled.

  Every step they took caused the bottom of their feet to stick to the floor which required heavy steps to dislodge. The sticky rot of the plague became heavier the closer they got to the node. That wasn't surprising but it was gross.

  When they found the node -- in another relatively open space -- they found an area filled with Airhearts.

  "Why are there so many?" He watched the swarm of creatures patrol the area.

  Beep: "They might be massing for an attack," SIMP conjectured. "Recommended course of action is to eliminate the hostiles before they cane breakout of the Interior and wreak havoc."

  "SIMP. I was thinking we should let them fly about free. Maybe see if them stretching their wings might result in a new and profound understanding."

  Silence.

  "That was a joke."

  Beep: "Bad joke."

  Clark thought about their plan of attack. "With so many Airhearts, I think this is going to be a battle where Hera and I take lead. I hate to say it, but I don't think you can help, Theo, since you don't have the magic missile technique."

  It looked as though Hera was about to agree with him when she reversed course. "Actually, give Theo your Multi-Tool. He can use it to blast enemies as you and I use our Magic Missiles."

  He didn't like the idea of giving his tool to Theo. Did he even have good aim? It felt like a waste.

  But Hera knew these things. Though Theo might not have incredible aim, this strategy at least brought all of them into the fight.

  "Fine," he said. "But be careful with it, okay, bud? I don't want the thing we all spent too many credits on to be flung into oblivion."

  Theo smiled as wide as a cat at a tea party. "Don't you worry, my friend, I will take great care of it -- with my life, if I have to!"

  Clark handed Theo his Tool. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. We ready?"

  Theo and Hera assented. Theo practiced using the tool, just to learn its mental weight, then nodded again.

  The team made their way around the perimeter of the open space. Clark wanted them all spread at equal intervals. The idea was to assault the Airhearts all at once and sow disorder in their ranks. He and Hera communicated on when to begin the assault; on this point they took lead since their magic missiles needed either refuge from nearby to work, or they needed concentration to produce a burst from their handheld weapons. Something which Theo didn't need when using his multi-tool.

  Clark decided he would begin the assault using rubbish on the Interior floor. It would be difficult to pick up using a Manipulation dandy, but beggars couldn't be choosers.

  Using the controlled breathing methodology he was taught, he activated his aura and reached toward the debris. With a yank of his wrist, the chunks lifted from the floor. "Ready?" he asked Hera via her earpiece.

  "Ready!" was her response.

  Together, he and Hera launched chunk after chunk at the monsters. He gave the signal for Theo to start blasting; the air filled with bright streaks from the multi-tool.

  Beast fell followed by more beasts. He wasn't focused on the exact number, though. Clark only focused himself to what piece of debris was close and could be used as a weapon. When he ran out -- easy to do with he and Hera flinging them about without care -- he switched to his sword.

  Using his Weapon Burst was slower than flinging rocks. He had to admit, the bursts from his blade were much deadlier.

  Boom, boom, boom!

  He unleashed his three blasts, and three Airhearts fell, dead, and exploded into their garbage components.

  Theo's shots struck true. He downed several creatures in the first minute of combat. Clark was happy not for the last time that day he had spent such funds he didn't have on the multi-tool. If the tool's other functionality proved as useful as its power shots, it's worth would be undeniable.

  The battle continued for a few minutes. Not even fifteen.

  Frankly, to call it a battle was misleading.

  When Clark and Company began their assault, the Airhearts scattered. They tried to find who was assaulting them. Hidden as Clark and Friends were, though, and well shielded as they were behind the gunk-covered machinery, the beasts could do little to counter. Each one fell to the ground without even the dignity of scratching their human interlopers.

  And then it was over.

  "Alrighty! Time to cleanse the node! Blessing Dandies out, everyone!" Clark started by uncapping several dandies of his own.

  Normally, he would be hectic in the purification of a Node. With his teammates, though, one of which had his multi-tool, he felt like he could take his time.

  Not that he did.

  Monsters would pop up if he took too long. As always, then, speed was the name of the game.

  Clark used his thumb to control the Dandy's flow as the liquid dripped out of the vial. He drizzled the dandy all over his sword then got to work; he hacked, slashed, and generally used his blade to remove the congealed layers of rot upon the node.

  Theo and Hera helped using their own means: Hera whacked an opposing side with her stave while Theo shot at the node using the multi-tool. Together, it didn't take them long to chip away at the rot. After only a few minutes of forceful hacks, he inserted his System link.

  SIMP blasted away the remaining gunk once they entered the virtual space. Per the norm, he forgot about how the residue goop exploded out from the node until it was too late and he was covered in the goo. What was another shower, though?

  "Shet. Is that it?" Theo asked after the node burst its slime.

  He looked around. Seeing no more enemies or nodes, he shook his head affirmingly. "I think so. Let's get out of here. Unless you guys feel like tackling the next node."

  "Tempting as it is, I will pass," Hera said. "I need some rest for my delicate bones."

  "Yeah. I need some personal time, wink-wink," Theo said as he cleared black ejaculate from himself.

  Clark didn't know what Theo meant by 'personal time,' and he really didn't care. "Very well. Let's blow out of here."

  [Congratulations! You've Reached Imbued Level 30!]

  Heck yeah! Clark was happy about that as it meant up next should be--

  [Congratulations! You've Been Promoted to League Rank: 'Q'!]