The Hybrid Path: Dungeons and Dragoons Book 3 (A LitRPG Adventure) by P.R. Ramos

Author:P.R. Ramos [Ramos, P.R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2025-06-24T00:00:00+00:00

36

Free-For-All

The energy of the crowd was palpable at Marigold’s final words, the revelation hanging heavy over the assembled members. The Platinum-grade dungeon portal shimmered where the curtains had been, its silvery-white depths swirling with promises and peril. Kaiden’s mouth was still slightly agape. Platinum! And a Free-For-All dungeon where everyone can go in at the same time!

Marigold, however, looked entirely pleased with the chaos she’d sown. A self-satisfied smile played on her lips as she took in the stunned faces, the murmurs that quickly escalated into excited chatter, and the mixture of avarice and apprehension that swept through the attendees.

“I see many of you employ great divinators as well,” she said, her voice carrying easily over the growing buzz, amplified by the enchantment on the stone she held. Her comment elicited a few knowing chuckles and shared, smug smiles, particularly from the ones who wore dungeon diving gear.

Kaiden glanced around, catching the knowing looks. Divinators. He’d heard the term before, but never found concrete information on what they were. He could guess their function – predicting events, maybe locating valuable things like D-O-Ds. It seemed like a high-demand, high-reward profession, likely restricted to the elite. He made a quick mental note to pump Davick for more information later; right now, the eldest Petal sister commanded his full attention.

“Naturally,” Marigold continued, her tone shifting smoothly back to business, “as this is my island, we’ll be collecting a small fee for entrance.” She let that sink in for a beat. “But,” she added, holding up a hand to forestall any groans, “no taxes or restrictions on whatever you come across inside.”

That drew a much louder, more enthusiastic reaction. Cheers erupted, and clamor cut through the air. Usually dungeons carried strict oversight, taxes levied on loot, or claims staked by powerful guilds or the military. The only exemptions were dungeons in the Outlands or D-O-Ds that weren’t on private property. Marigold offering unrestricted access after a mere entrance fee was incredibly generous—or perhaps, incredibly calculating.

Kaiden, however, frowned, the initial shock wearing off, replaced by a familiar pang of financial anxiety. A fee? He had practically nothing. He’d blown the last of his money on these stupid tailored outfits Davick had insisted upon. An outfit that now seemed wholly unnecessary amidst the sea of armor and diving gear. He knew he shouldn’t have let the man talk him into it. He shot a sideways glare at Davick, a silent accusation burning in his eyes. This is your fault!

Davick, caught up in the excitement rippling through the crowd, initially missed the look. When his eyes finally met Kaiden’s, he registered the glare and shot back a puzzled, questioning glance, mouthing, “What?” as if genuinely confused about Kaiden’s problem. Before Kaiden could retort, Davick’s attention snapped back to Marigold as she spoke again, her next words instantly evaporating Kaiden’s previous annoyance.

“...of course,” Marigold announced, a slight, almost imperceptible tilt to her smile, “Obsidian card holders and special guests need not pay any fee and are free to come and go as they please.

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