The snail looked at me with newfound clarity, gratitude, and an eagerness to serve.
Varian observed the snail, a look of satisfaction and nostalgia in his eyes. "Your choice was a wise one, Blake. Sorcerer Snails have a remarkable connection to magic and have an extraordinary amount of potential."
The snail, my first companion, seemed to comprehend its role. The bond between us was forming, sending me thoughts of its happiness and willingness to serve.
Varian cleared his throat, his countenance assuming a grave solemnity. "Blake, there are critical truths that you must come to understand. Our connection runs deep; my divine mana sustains your being. Were I to cease existing, so would you, and the essence of my mana within you would scatter into nothingness. I could have absorbed you to reclaim some of my power, but I care too much for the souls inhabiting your core.”
His voice softened, bearing a weight of profound concern. "Your dungeon is a haven of magic, populated by creatures and fraught with challenges. It is also a place that will beckon adventurers seeking treasure, power, and glory. They will soon realize that you are no ordinary dungeon. Furthermore, when the church sets its sights on you, they will stop at nothing to obliterate you. Additionally, the fiends and monsters lurking in the depths of this cave will come seeking your power, and you must be prepared to fend off all manner of intruders."
"I need you to grow stronger, Blake, so that I too can find strength. Together, we can aid in the restoration of this world," Varian concluded, his gaze shifting from me to the snail, who was watching with rapt attention.
Anxiety coursed through my thoughts as I grappled with the profound burden now resting on my shoulders. The dungeon I had become was ill-equipped to confront a potential onslaught of monsters, let alone a holy crusade. I was going to need to learn how to better defend my dungeon.
Over the next couple of hours Varian began explaining the art of dungeon defense . I absorbed his wisdom eagerly, knowing that our future depended on my ability to master these defensive strategies.
As I listened and absorbed the knowledge, I couldn't help but wonder what manner of beings would dare invade my dungeon. What would they be like? What dangers would they bring? I needed to be ready for anything.
Our training continued, and I delved deeper into the intricacies of dungeon management, expanding, and trap building.
At the end of his long explanation, which apparently was just the basics, he told me it was probably fine to go ahead and level now as it would expand my abilities, and boost the power of my mobs, and so I did.
You have leveled up!
You can now choose two abilities.
[Arcane Resonance]: Strengthen your connection to the magical energies of the dungeon, allowing you and your mobs more precise control over manipulation of mana.
[Deep Insight]: Expand your awareness to sense all chambers and corridors within your dungeon, making it possible for you to instantly travel anywhere in the dungeon.
[Enhanced Communication]: Forge a stronger mental link with the creatures in your dungeon, enabling verbal communication to coordinate tasks and defenses.
[Enhanced Magical Perception]: Improved ability to sense magical energies and anomalies within the dungeon. you can tell if any spell is being cast, and what type.
[Arcane Ward]: Create protective barriers and magical shields to defend the dungeon. The shields strength is dependent on how much mana is infused into it.
[Enchanted Constructing]: Create enchanted traps and mystical objects to fulfill a variety of roles within the dungeon, including intricate puzzles and mechanisms.
I consulted Varian for his opinion on my choice. He reminded me that the decision was ultimately mine since it was my dungeon. He did, however, advise against selecting Enhanced Magical Perception, as there were hardly any spellcasters or magic users remaining, and it shouldn't pose a threat to us even if they discovered our location.
I contemplated the remaining options, starting with Arcane Resonance, which seemed like a definite choice. Strengthening the connection between me and my mobs over mana appeared to be an essential ability.
As for Deep Insight, it might prove more useful once I grew larger, primarily for navigating the staircase. Enhanced Communication, on the other hand, would facilitate teaching my mobs how to defend themselves and harness their magic.
Varian informed me that both Arcane Ward and Enchanted Constructing were powerful defensive abilities but came with a high mana cost.
With all that in mind I made my choice.
The immediate impact of the level-up became evident within my dungeon. The ambient mana had become more pliable, easier to manipulate. I observed my snail companion, who had undergone significant growth. It now measured an impressive 1 foot and 3 inches, with a shinier and thicker shell, with even more alert eye stalks.
I opened my status to look over the changes.
Name: Blake
Race: Dungeon-Core
Affinity Type: Magical/Divine
Mana: 5 (1 per day)
Mana to Level Up: 5/30
Available Mobs
[Sorcerer Snail]: (10 mana)
Abilities
[Arcane Resonance]: Strengthen your connection to the magical energies of the dungeon, allowing you and your mobs more precise control over manipulation of mana.
[Arcane Ward]: Create protective barriers and magical shields to defend the dungeon. The shields strength is dependent on how much mana is infused into it.
Communication with the snail was essential but could be delayed, and I had decent mobility within my current small dungeon. Enchanted Constructing, on the other hand, was not practical in my limited space, and would of better use when I got larger. But having a way to protect Varian was essential.
Over the following three days, I dedicated myself to the task of expansion. It demanded my unwavering focus, ensuring that I meticulously transformed stone into durable bricks without a single crack or imperfection. With precision, I forged a new passageway situated on the opposite side of the chamber, leading the way to an even larger secondary room, dwarfing its predecessor in size and potential.
My initial chamber had modest dimensions, measuring about 25 by 25 feet, but the one that lay before me now stretched much farther, a colossal expanse extending to a staggering 50 by 350 feet, while soaring 25 feet high. Upon entry, one could scarcely discern the room's impressive length. The intention was to craft the illusion of an infinitely long library, an endless repository of knowledge. Towering bookshelves, adorned with sliding ladders, graced the walls and reached up to kiss the lofty ceiling. Tables and chairs scattered throughout the room, making many hiding spaces. The shelves, with books currently vacant, awaited Varian's endeavor to fill them in his free time. Nestled at the room's rear, I perched upon my dais, commanding a view that spanned the magnificent chamber.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
It was rather surprising to discover that manipulating my surroundings was far more effortless than I had anticipated. Unlike the walls that took much focus, I simply conjured bookshelves, books, ladders, benches, tables, and rugs with a thought. I carved murals of my snail companion through my new hall, I made a new dais appear into existence and, upon Varian's guidance, swiftly relegated the former one to oblivion. As Varian explained how to create a new dais It came as a revelation that the runes etched upon it did not harbor protective enchantments, as I had initially believed, but rather, they composed a poignant poem.
While I focused on expanding my dungeon, my snail companion experienced a remarkable transformation. It not only grew physically by an additional 3 inches but also displayed an enhanced proficiency in magic. Its height now approached an impressive 2 feet. In the midst of my expansion efforts, Varian took on the role of the small creature's mentor. He patiently taught it the fundamentals of mana control and introduced it to the practice of spellcasting, although it only managed to grasp the basics of two spells during this initial training phase. Upon completing my expansion, I noticed a message that had been trying to get my attention for a while, it had confirmed that the snail was improving.
Your mob [Sorcerer Snail] #001 has learned a new spell.
[Shell Shield]: The snail can summon a magical barrier around its shell, providing enhanced protection against physical attacks. This spell consumes mana and can be sustained for a limited duration.
Your mob [Sorcerer Snail] #001 has learned a new spell.
[Arcane Bolt]: The snail can channel a portion of its mana to project a small arcane bolt at its target. While not very powerful, this spell can be used to fend off weaker intruders or creatures.
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The master and his young servant were truly extraordinary.
They engaged in lengthy conversations, and the snail observed quietly so as not to disturb them. During their exchanges, something incredible happened – the snail experienced a substantial growth spurt. This transformation was a bit disorienting at first, as it took the snail a moment to ascertain whether the room was shrinking or if it had grown larger. As it continued to observe, the newfound power coursed through its body, a sensation unlike anything it had ever imagined.
After their extensive conversations, the master shifted his focus to expanding their dwelling, only stopping to talk to the servant for brief moments. During this endeavor, he assigned the task of mentoring the snail to the servant, a remarkably knowledgeable young boy. Over the next three days, the boy patiently guided the snail through the intricacies of the arcane arts. Although the snail couldn't comprehend the boy's spoken words, it had developed the ability to sense the intentions of his thoughts and vividly visualize the concepts he tried to convey.
This unique connection often led to misunderstandings, with the most unfortunate incident causing the snail's unconsciousness due to mana depletion. Hours later, it roused from its unconscious state, feeling more drained and feeble than it had ever experienced. This occurrence proved to be a valuable lesson for the snail, instilling in it the importance of exercising caution in the future.
During those days, the snail acquired a significant amount of knowledge, first of which was to open its status.
Status
Name: [Sorcerer Snail] #001
Race: Dungeon Snail
Class: Sorcerer Snail Spell Types: Single target, Defensive Affinity Type: Mana manipulation Mana 11/30 (5-1, 4 per day) Mana to Level Up 11/25 Hp: 10/10 Gender: ⚥
Size: Small
Speed: Slow
Spells
[Arcane Bolt]: The Arcane Snail can cast Arcane Bolts, a basic offensive spell. It shoots bolts of arcane energy at its target, dealing 1 point of damage per mana imbued. (Mana Cost: 1)
[Mana Shield]: The snail can create a protective shield using mana, absorbing 10 points of damage for every 5 points of mana. (Mana Cost: 5)
The snail had acquired two spells and was on its way to obtaining a third. It and the boy had spent their time training in the first room, both to safeguard the core and as a precaution in case of any structural issues during the expansion. When the master had finished his work, he and the boy conversed for a moment. Afterward, the boy gently lifted the snail and placed it on his shoulder. Initially, this move had been frightening for the snail, but it soon understood the purpose. Despite its increased size and power, the boy remained significantly faster. He also walked over and gently picked up their master, placing him in his pocket.
As they walked down the new hallway, the snail couldn't help but take notice of the carvings on the walls. The images depicted the snail engaged in battles against colossal creatures with wings and scales, and vast armies of thousands of men. It depicted the snail as a giant thing, controlling the mana and elements with ease.
Watching these scenes, the snail couldn't help but wonder: could it truly attain such power?
Upon reaching the new room, the snail's eye stalks nearly popped out with amazement. The room stretched on indefinitely, a vast library with bookshelves lining its walls. The boy let out a laugh when he saw the room, exchanging some words with their master. He appeared impressed and content. The boy continued to explore the room, moving to one of the shelves, taking a handful of books, and carrying them to the room's far end. After a brief conversation with the master, a dais ascended, and the master was gently seated upon it. Beside the dais, a table and chair appeared, along with a quill and inkwell. The boy smiled and made his way to the table, placing the snail on it and seating himself. He opened a book and began writing.
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Varian seemed content with the new room I had crafted, using it as a place to write down everything he could recall. It provided him with a productive way to spend his time and allowed him to catalog the progress of the snails training sessions.
However, he couldn't help but chuckle when he beheld the massive expanse of the room. He found it quite amusing that I had created such a vast and lengthy space when our sole companion was a snail. He didn't hesitate to share his amusement with me as soon as he set eyes on it.
As Varian made his observations, I couldn't help but feel a touch of embarrassment, but I knew he was right. The extravagant room would eventually serve a purpose, and the prospect of filling it with knowledge, magic, and allies excited me. Varian's guidance had already been invaluable on this journey, and writing it down would be all the better. But that didn't change the fact he was right. I should have made the room around the strengths of my snail.
But seeing as I would have time to create more rooms this didn't seem to be a problem.
Or so I thought. Not even a day after my core was moved I got a notification.
An invader has entered your dungeon, all building and monster spawning has been deactivated.
My mind raced with concern. It was evident that the invasion had arrived far earlier than I had anticipated, and I felt woefully unprepared for this encounter. The dungeon was still in its infancy, and Varian and I had only managed to set up a single trap after moving to the second room. While my snail companion had grown, its strength still fell short of my desired level. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on me, and I couldn't allow this intruder to jeopardize my livelihood and the sanctity of my domain.
In a frantic voice, I conveyed the situation to Varian, seeking his guidance and reassurance. "Varian, we have an invader in the dungeon. What should we do?"
Varian's response was calm and measured. "Stay calm, Blake. I need you to spawn a sword for me, and then I want you to investigate the intruder. Me and the snail will stay here.”
With a sense of urgency, I swiftly created a sword and presented it to Varian. He took the sword and began formulating a plan. "Depending on the invader," he explained, "we can set up an ambush once it arrives. Hopefully, it's just another snail or something similar."
Varian then picked up the snail, and ran towards a hiding spot, which wasn't a comfortable experience for the small creature. However, it understood the seriousness of the situation and endured the discomfort.
Turning away, I raced through the dungeon's halls, my earlier choice of ability now causing me to second-guess myself. Upon reaching the first room, I peered up the staircase, where I saw the invaders coming down towards me. To my surprise, it wasn't just one invader; there were multiple intruders.