Rabbit farm

Back to Ru mode, and back to the line of happy hunters ... to listen more ... Now enter the guild, show my rabbit to the receptionist ... and listen the bad news.

" I'm sorry Ru ... that quest is over. We are not buying more rabbits. "

I nod, place the rabbit back on my bag, and enter another room ... Here it is ... The Guild's library.

Books, and magic items all over the place ... asking to be taken. A test for rookies. My scan can sense the magic traps. After meeting the Elves, I improved a little my Thief mode ... Here it is , a book about monsters of the Maze. But is best just consult the ground floor ... There is someone watching me ... Here it is ... Rabits.

They are called ... skybunnies, and are small, agile creatures resembling ordinary rabbits but with distinctive bat-like wings sprouting from their front paws. Their fur is soft and dense, often in shades of brown, gray, or white, providing excellent camouflage in mountainous environments.

White is a good cover in a dungeon ... Only if there is some snow ... Academic people write books, and never entered a dungeon ... Their wings are leathery and flexible, allowing for short bursts of flight or gliding between trees and rocky outcroppings. Skybunnies are primarily nocturnal and highly social animals. They communicate through soft squeaks and ultrasonic calls, which can be heard faintly during the night.

Ultras-sonic ... that might explain how I'm listening better with my tentacles ... These creatures are curious but cautious, often darting away at the slightest sign of danger. Their winged front paws enable them to make quick escapes or to reach high vantage points ... The writer forgot to write about the fast attacks. Here it is ... they can used as familiars, and take 8 weeks to mature into a growing adult.

" The guild is no longer accepting that quest, Ru. "

Says the Guild master appearing from nowhere, and I pretend to be surprised.

" Wow ... That is amazing to hunt ... teach me. "

The GM is surprised by my comment, and I see how she adjusts her robe ... Need to eat one of those ... The Elves had one ... similar ... Now the Tree's words are making sense ... humans stole it ...

" This is an advanced magic Ruby, and you are not a Mage ... Why you are reading about the bunnies ? "

" To find them ... It says they live in groups, but doesn't talks about any bait. Are there any more books ? "

" No, Ru ... Our Guild is not wealthy ... We are not buying more Rabbits ... why you want to bait them ? "

" Food. "

One word that reveals all she needs to know. Then she nods, and continues.

" They need workers at the Maze. If you are interested, go to the counter. "

Workers ... a way to keep the young close, to move them, or to help carry the rocks ... Maybe they don't know how to use inventory ... or they can't do what I do ... But is a way to spy them ... So I move to the counter. The receptionist explains the job.

" It's not easy ... Carry rocks from one side of the maze, to another side ... "

" I can do it. "

She nods, I walk away from the guild, and enter once more the maze. Ru's fragile frame call the attention, and I'm not the only one. I saw it on the guild, all quests are canceled ... So all the rookies are here to carry rocks. And here he is ... a master Dwarf with a bag of silver coins that make all eyes sparkle. Ap perfect bait.

" Listen up. I want to empty this bag, and I need your help. For 1 bag full of rocks, you get 1 copper. 10 copper, makes one silver. I expect that from you each one of you. "

All are excited ... get a bag of rocks is easier then catch a bunny ... but they don't understand ... The rocks are light ... for a Dwarf ... even more if is a whole bag of them ... They want to have all of us tired at night ... And from their eyes, I can imagine why ... The promise of easy coin after a day of work ... A perfect legal trap for perverts to feast. I can see the plan. The young ones are carrying the bags, the other ones are digging ... After delivering a five bags, I stop.

" Anything wrong, Ru. "

" The rocks are heavy ... "

The Dwarf looks at my thin arms and nods. A perfect chance to move away from all ... still thinking about their coins ... And catch a few rabbits. Scan, and tentacles ... the poor guys have no chance ... Here is the tunnel I closed with glue ... that I'm now opening again ... I got the idea while I was reading. The glue is only at certain parts ... If I hit the rock wall on those parts ... it crumbles ... even faster after a shower of lubricant ... Back to the first floor ... and received by the Elf Queen. So I change to my elf form.

" Ruby, your other form is so ... human. I heard noises, and was about to fire my spell ... "

I use my tentacles to pull the rabbits closer, the Queen is shocked seeing what I'm really am. I ignore that, and say.

" Rabbit farm. "

The Queen's eyes open wide. She thinks for a moment, and nods.

" It can work ... But it will take time for them to learn ... I'll take care of that, and release the rabbits into the forest, for them to hunt ... How do you got that idea ? "

" They reproduce fast, and this place is still blossoming ... any fruits ? "

" Fruits take time to grow ... There are some berries, and roots ... but that's all ... About the bunnies ... "

" Two months in human time to grow adult, 4 offsprings each time. They eat the Maze's moss, there is some on the east side. If you can't find a replacement, I'll bring more. Be careful ... "

" I understand ... 8 weeks ... they can be the end of the Goblins ... or their salvation ... I met the Goblin Queen. Using my magic we can ... talk. But someone upstairs found the perfect place to dig ..."

" A team of Dwarfs ... Release the rabbits on an area far from there ... "

" To make them empty the region. I'll talk with the Goblin Queen ... How are you going to stop them ? "

" There are several ways to stop a rushed tunnel, or at least delay it. That will give enough time to make. a mountain once the area is deserted. "

" Ruby ... Did you said a mountain ? "

" We know where they are going to exit, and if a pit will make their job easier to enter you land, so a mountain is the only solution ... Do you have another idea ? "

" No ... Makes sense ... But ... a mountain ? "

" The ceiling is far, a small pile will not be enough ... So it needs to be a mountain ... "

" It's not about that, Ruby ... A mountain is ... even for my magic ... "

" Ah, don't worry ... I was counting to do it alone. "

" A mountain ... Ruby that is ... "

" After it is ready, I need some kind of unpleasant smell ... "

" To **** them to dig slower ... That makes sense ... Anything else ? "

" Room on your floor ... If all fails and they enter ... "

" You want to evacuate 5000 goblins ... into my land ... I mean your land ... I understand ... I saw it also, they have no way to win and ... "

" That is one reason ... but not the main one, Queen ... If ... no not if ... I know humans ... when they enter this floor, I want to give them nothing. They are being tricked by false information, if they see an empty land ... they will lack the will to continue. "

" And never reach the next floor ... and give us time to make their life even harder ... No ... it's even worse. You will play to be one of them ... and make them fight. Without any other beings, only humans will be responsible for ... all you prepared ... More mountains ? "

" No ... that will reveal we are here ... Stealing their food, Queen ... Without food, and proper sleep, no one wants to stay here ... For that to work I'll need one of your cloaks, and the trick to make it work. "

" The cloak ... may I ask how ? "

" The Guild Master has one, and I saw her using it ... "

" That is ... different ... The cloaks of invisibility can only be used by elves, Ruby ... "

" Ask someone to investigate that properly ... it's time to separate the myth from truth ...ah ... half-Elves, or distant relatives ... Your blood magic will not tell the difference ... except the duration ... and there is another possibility ... they are using Elf's blood ... Yes .. I need to check that also ... Is time to go. "

" Go where Ruby, we have the enemy at our doors and ... You are going to stall them ... "

" I'm going to hunt more rabbits, Queen. There are none here, or on your floor ... I have 5000 mouths to feed, plus the ones that will born, plus 1500 if you like the taste of them ... "

" 1500 ... I guess the land is truly yours ... Do you need any help from the Elves ? "

" Magic sword, enchanted arrows ... I would love it ... but can't use it ... Until now the rumours are for ore. No one knows that you are here. Call the elders. I they have any idea on how to stop the humans let me know. "

" A better idea than a mountain, Ruby ? "

" A mountain takes time to form, Queen ... You are all thinking that I'm more powerful that I truly am. any kind of plant or mineral that can delay digging is a good idea ... I was thinking in setting the tunnel on fire, but that will make them have tighter security measures ... but some kind of plant. "

" We can use ants, Ruby ... they have the size of my hand ... "

" That is a good idea ... I'll dig a side tunnel and fill it with ... ants ... I'm seeing them ... If I brake that rock, they can take over this floor ... The best way is to fill the tunnel from above ... not a mountain, but a tunnel collapse ... That might work ... I need to think better on this ... For now is rabbit farm ... oh ... that is a good idea ... Queen, what do you do with the residues of your tamed beasts ? "

" Fertiliser ... We already have plenty of it ... With this rabbits it will increase ... Ruby, are you ... "

" No one will want to dig on that ... From Wood to Gold ... Mana will not matter. I need to think about it. "

" Ruby ... how do you plan to move rocks, water ... and all the rest ? "

" Like them Queen ... But I know how to use it. "

" Get a few guards on the stairwell ... I'll close it, but if sense anything getting closer ... shoot. "

" Even if is you, Ruby ? "

" Anything, the rabbits will be safe behind me ... And ... you already know. If you want, test new things. "

" We have some powerful spells Ruby ... "

" Later ... first use arrows, and spears ... anything that keep you safe at some distance. Big magic can be felt, and we don't want to give them any reason to know about your existence ... "

" Do you know that they want, Ruby ? "

" Some are lured by Lust, and want their dreams come true. Might be a wife, a ****, or something to sell. Some want to know what else you hide, bedsides an invisibility cloak ... And all are being tricked ... is vey clear to me now. They want immortality, Queen. Talk to the Elders, study a way to move the tree if that is necessary. "

" Move our sacred Tree ... to not fall on their hands ... Like the egg. We already considered that, Ruby ... "

" And there is only one way ... Seeds and fruits can be planted ? "

" Yes ... takes time ... The Elders can even carry a few branches ... but the tree ... can't be captured ... "

" If all fails ... no one will touch your tree ... What is on the next floor ? "

" Orcs ... and we can't discuss with them ... Orcs are ... "

" The offspring of Elves abused by Goblins ... We have much to think, but for now is rabbits. "

" How can you return so easily to a simple point of view, Ruby ? "

" Time ... give enough time, and human plans change ... They are spending a lot of resources, on this tunnel. If is delayed, if it bares no fruits, if it faces problems ... It will be discarded ... The Goblin Queen was right ... A revolution is coming ... And I'll start it. But that is for later ... Keep a guard here, and a watcher near the point of exit ... In case there are more surprises."

I nod to her, and walk away, closing the tunnel while I walk ... The best strategy is to delay the tunnel ... and for that, is time to learn about mining ... For now is carrying a few more bags ... until my 10th one ... since I passed most part of my day slaking off, I'm one of the few here .... Here comes the master Dwarf.

" Still here, rookie ? "

" Number 10 ... done. "

" 10 ? I see ... with that frame ... I have a special job for you, are you interested ? "

This could be what I'm waiting for ... but for his tone doesn't sound like it. My scan is sensing several people near the sleeping bags ... and walking away with company ... But from what I'm hearing ... it's also a work ... not ****.

" Yes, thank you. "

A simple answer, and I'm following him into the mine ... this part is closed to rookies ... and is almost desert ... I hear people complaining ... two Dwarfs resting, and I can see the tunnel.

" Found another. Rookie meet Dwalin and Balin. They will explain the work. "

" Looks thin ... come forward, Rookie."

" And small ... jump into the hole. "

I look to the master Dwarf walking away, and peek inside the hole ... a vertical tunnel without light. Dwalin and Balin look twins ... real twins ... And they are getting close.

" Cautious ... good. You might survive. Hahahaha. "

" Ignore my brother, Rookie. We pay double, you just need to dive into the hole and fill the bags. "

This is enough for me ... I can understand what they want to do ... They can't dig more without anyone to remove the broken rocks ... Move this oil lamp closer, grab a bag ... and look inside.

" What are you doing, Rookie ? "

" Checking the deep. Dwarves are tougher then humans ... no rope ? "

" The Rookie is right, brother ... Here use this belt around your waist ... now jump. "

It looks like a normal belt ... but when I jump I feel it ... almost touch the ceiling of the large cave ... and then fall at half the normal speed ... This is interring to ...

" Gravity belt scanned. Upgrading Telekinesis "

This is going to be useful ... But for now is jumping inside the hole, and collect the stones ... and eat one to analyse.

" Scanning ... soft zone called limestone. "

Soft stone ... interesting ... work slowly ... pretend to be weak ... and listen to them.

" She is slower than the others, brother. "

" The others are sleeping. Work done half the speed is better than no speed. Are you ok, Rookie ? "

" Filling the bag ... Done ... Can't jump with this ... can you send a rope ? "

" A rope ? Hahahaha ... Smart ... the others began to yell. Use the belt, Rookie. And don't yell. "

The belt ... tied it to the bag will make it lighter ... I can't leave the place, but can toss the bag ... Here it goes. The Dwarf grabs it ... and now I wait. Here comes the belt.

" No yelling again ... Aren't you afraid that I leave you there, Rookie ? "

" If I yell the walls collapse ... That's why you are whispering, and If I stay here, the rocks stay here also. "

" Smart ... Done some mining before ? "

" Tried to build a tunnel to live ... "

" Living in a tunnel ? You have Dwarfish blood, rookie ? "

" I have an empty pouch. "

" Here is the belt ... continue. I'll whisper you a story for you not panic. Alone, at night, in the dark ... the eyes make you a fool. A friendly voice helps ... Any favourite ? "

" Mining ... What rock is this ? "

" Oh ... That is a good story ... trying to impress me, Rookie ? "

" Trying to learn a little more every time I can ... no more rabbits. "

" Yes ... the Crown cut the quests ... and now you are all promoted to mining ... Do you know why ? "

" Because is the job that is available. "

" Good answer ... for a human ... Tell no one ... But under all those rocks there are treasures. But that is for later ... There are three types of stone, easy to understand. Very soft, soft, and hard. Got it ? "

" This one is not hard ... so is soft stone ? "

" No, Rookie ... that is a type of very soft stone called Limestone. We had lucky to find it, the rest of this place looks like a fortress. Some parts are made of soft stone called sedimentary, and we even found hard rocks called igneous ... This soft spot makes us think that once was a well to dig the treasures out. "

" Bag. "

One word, makes the face of the Dwarf appears on the hole to grab the bag, and he tosses the belt again.

" You work well, Rookie ... Even if is half speed."

" Better than walking with a bag of rocks trough a long corridor. What is difference between the stones ? "

" Agree ... But not all can fit in that hole. The difference ? Besides the name that says all ? Let me explain better. 90 cubic feet per 8-hour shift in very soft stone, rookie. 70 cubic feet per shift in soft stone, and 35 cubic feet per shift in hard stone. do you understand ? "

" Lighter the stone, more generous the mountain. "

" Spoken like a true Dwarf ... "

" Something a friend used to say ... Now I understand it ... "

" What type of friend it was, Rookie ? "

" The one that asked me to squeeze into tunnels to see what was on the other side."

" Ah ... you used to be ... a treasure hunter ? "

" Barely ... I carried the bag, and sometimes hold the lamp. But I have no class. Bag. "

" So you try to learn all you can ... smart ... Here is the belt. Digging a small tunnel, requires at least two dwarves per shift. One digs as fast as he can, the other rests. Do you understand, rookie ? "

" When is the time of the second Dwarf the tunnel is full of rocks, and needs to be cleaned. But the cleaner was following the first miner. If he was a Barbarian, he could last. But a barbarian can't fit on this hole. You need another cleaner. Even if is half speed. Limestone isn't used for construction ? Bag. "

" Yes ... but needs to be treated. Heating limestone at high temperatures produces a harder form, called quicklime. But forget the idea, Rookie. We are talking about firing limestone at temperatures that make a Master Dwarf blacksmith sweat. Here is the belt. Is time to come out. "

He tosses me the belt, and I use it jump out ... he grabs my wrist, and pulls me up. I take the belt, and look at it.

" Correct, Rookie ... The belt has limits ... from this point it will be harder to come out ... And we will need ropes, and more workers. You felt the air, yes ? That heat can make you sleep forever. Normally we make a good air renewal system ... But now we are in a hurry. "

" The treasure is going to run ... or we have other miners ? "

" Smart ... yes ... explosives, Rookie ... Imagine big fireballs that make a loud noise, can move a lot of rocks fast ... but are very dangerous. We are here because we accept the contract, and a Dwarf never fails a contract. But the Alchemists ... want to impress the Crown. "

" Explosives ... in a tunnel that is sensible to sound ... They are scholars that never mined. "

" True, true ... how did you ... "

" The rabbits ... the fur is white, and the book says that is for camouflage. "

" Camouflage ... Maybe in the snow ... but on this Maze ... Like you said ... So now we have a race against them ... Dwarfs have a simple secret ... Respect the mountain, and the mountain is generous. "

" They are going to make the tunnel collapse ... And since the Limestone is surround by harder rock. The wave will be only here ... Up, and dow ... The ceiling ... "

" Yes ... the ceiling is their problem ... ours is to reach deep enough ... and for that I need to add some supports pillars to protect against the risk of collapsing. Want to help ? "

" Need to rest ..."

" Rest ... Some Dwarfs lack that ... Here is your payment ... What is your name, Rookie ? "

" Ru "

" Ru ... when you are sleeping, sleep ... I need you fresh. If you follow the others you're out ... and from your face you have no idea what I'm talking about ... Follow my rules, and I call you again, deal ? "

" Deal ... "

I move away, reach the sleeping bag, and lay down ... Can't use slime mode ... but can be still ... wrapped on my blanket ... The plan is obvious, but the Dwarf can't see it. The ceiling will not hold ... or the tunnels ... A team of Mages, and a lot of mana potions ... raising a barrier ... all the **** will be pushed down. The side collapses, and is burned ... turning a small tunnel into a big hole so that the raid can begin.