After the battle, my dungeon fell into an eerie silence, punctuated only by the sound of Varian's labored breathing. As his fight came to a close and his conversation wrapped up, he sank to the ground, not due to any injuries, but simply due to exhaustion. While he lay there, I absorbed the goblins, read through my notifications, and then glanced over at Varian. After a minute of his complete stillness, concern began to well up within me, prompting me to float over to him. To my astonishment, he was asleep. I had known Varian for years, and I had never witnessed him sleep.
Wait a second...
I corrected my thoughts; I'd only known Varian for four days. Where did that fleeting notion come from?
The fact that I had never seen Varian sleep still lingered in my mind, and yet, there he was, peacefully drooling on my dungeon floor. Why, out of all times, did this deity suddenly require sleep? I might have chosen the Sorcerer Snail on my own, but it was Varian who had regaled me with stories about them. And not to forget, he was a partial owner of the dungeon, almost like a father figure to me.
"Not again," I muttered aloud, and there it was once more: another unexpected memory. Varian had warned me that this might happen, though I had anticipated flashbacks or visions, not this strange sensation. It felt unnatural, as if the words didn't originate from me but were somehow flowing through me.
As I stared at Varians unconscious form, I felt something. Anger, another emotion I've never experienced rose through me. I guess I had felt it before, I just don't remember it.
Damn it! I'm going in circles.
"I hate this. Why did this idiotic god have to drag me into his problems? I could've been blissfully enjoying myself in the void, but no, this all-powerful being requires my help, and now I have to protect him again. This time my sole means of doing so is this damn snail." The room began to shake, and the cadence of my voice changed, but I was too absorbed in my rant to notice.
"He always does this, never considering how I'll react. Can't he focus on something else for just five seconds? Always holed up in his insufferable tower, acting like he's a genius. No wonder the other gods are frustrated with him. If he'd stop meddling with mana control, they wouldn't be so angry. There's a god of fire for a reason; they don't want him tampering with their element." I spoke all this aloud, my words flowing unchecked.
"But he never listens, always insisting he could to be more than the god of wisdom, assuring me that he'll make them understand. How's that working out, you fucking moron. I'm trapped within this damn crystal, and you're reduced to a mere child. Doesn't look like things are going well at all." The frustration in my voice escalated, my resentment pouring out.
“I can’t believe you fucked me over in life and death! Following you wasn't worth it. You dragged your followers into an unwinnable war, and when I died, you sealed me in a crystal along with others!" My seething rage manifested, spilling out into the surroundings with an intensity that couldn't be contained.
"And then the other day, you have the audacity to tell me that you abandoned the battle when your own life was at stake? MY LIFE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON THE LINE FOR YOU! I've done everything in my power for you, and now you're confessing that you ran away when we needed you the most?" My anger and disappointment reached a boiling point as I let my frustrations spill out.
What was happening?
As this thought crossed my mind, it all dissolved. The emotions vanished as though they had never existed, and my mind fell into silence, leaving no trace of the memories I had been discussing. But I remembered what they said, or I said.
It seemed that one of the souls residing within me harbored some strong resentment towards Varian. Personally, the whole of me felt rather indifferent. While Varian could be a bit irksome, especially when he scolded me for my mistakes, I didn't hold any strong dislike toward him, certainly not enough to unleash that tirade of anger. Though I couldn't deny a bit of frustration regarding his untimely sleep, given that he needed to help me in selecting the next mobs in my dungeon.
Oh, right, my dungeon.
It was clear that my rage had left a chaotic aftermath. My snail had retreated into its shell, seeking refuge after my outburst, and Varian remained peacefully asleep, even snoring lightly now, evidently in need of the rest. Chairs lay in disarray, and books were scattered haphazardly across the floor. Additionally, an unfortunate table had borne the brunt of the havoc, a victim to the weight of multiple books from a top shelf, causing one of its legs to snap under the pressure.
As I surveyed the disarray, it struck me that my outburst had not only disrupted my immediate surroundings but had likely reverberated through the entire dungeon, perhaps even causing tremors that extended to a significant portion of the mountain range. Varian had mentioned that this mountain was situated beyond any kingdom's borders, but that didn't change the fact that goblins and other creatures residing nearby must have felt the surge of my power and experienced their homes shaking.
I needed to prepare for what's coming. I looked at my choices again.
Congratulations you have unlocked new mob types.
You may chose two of the following the inhabit your dungeon.
[Goblin Sparkshapers]: Goblin Sparkshapers are adept at manipulating sparks and wielding other electrical abilities, like generating lightning-like bolts, and creating electric barriers, making them a force to be reckoned with. But like any conductor of electricity, they remain susceptible to electrical feedback, and mishandling their powers can result in unintended shocks or even harm to themselves.
[Goblin Mystic Trainee]: Mystic Trainees focus on harnessing mana to engage in communication and form pacts with elemental entities. They offend have difficulties in connecting with the elementals can ultimately lead to the elementals taking the initiative to set the rules for the pacts. Depending on the elemental this can result in one-sided pacts, or in rare cases the creation of a complete pact.
[Goblin Alchemist Apprentice]: Alchemy apprentices have mastered the art of creating stable and predictable mixtures, particularly explosive ones. However, these mixtures can sometimes be sensitive to external factors like temperature, causing unpredictable reactions.
[Goblin Healer Novice]: Goblin Healer novices are a unique subset of goblins who blend their innate magical abilities with a profound understanding of herbal remedies. They serve as the primary source of healing and well-being for their fellow goblins. Armed with knowledge of potent herbs, poultices, and magical incantations, they ensure the physical health of their kin.
[Goblin Illusionist Apprentice]: These Goblin Illusionist Apprentices have further honed their abilities in creating moderately convincing illusions. However, their illusions can sometimes be disrupted by sharp and sudden noises, revealing the deception to keen-eared adversaries.
[Goblin Pyromancer]: Pyromancer have elevated their control over fire and heat, generating large flames with more devastating potency. However, their relentless focus on pyromancy has left them vulnerable to the cold and wet, but resistance to their fire.
Frustration crept in as I contemplated the choices before me. There were only three I could choose, and I needed to make each one count. I began by eliminating the choices I couldn't take.
The Pyromancer, while it had been rare and one of the more intriguing options in the initial pop-up, fire was still far too hazardous for Varian, especially considering I now had a library filled with books and wooden shelves.
As for the snail, while it had proven its worth, it wasn't the best fit for this elongated room, and I needed someone who could effectively cover this space, and someone for the initial, still-undeveloped room, which lacked a specific theme or purpose at the moment.
The idea of choosing an Alchemist Apprentice had its merits, but I lacked the necessary resources to adequately supply their work. The prospect of explosions and the inherent risks with the trade further deterred me from this option. Furthermore, the frigid temperature of the room we were in was an important factor to consider, as the choice's success depended on it. Therefore, this choice was not a suitable one.
Considering the option of an Illusionist Apprentice seemed tempting, but I couldn't overlook the fact that I needed goblins capable of defense. Illusions, while potentially effective as distractions, felt like a risky bet, relying on something that might not always work as intended. This uncertainty led me to forgo this choice.
With only Sparkshapers, Healer Novice, and Mystic Trainee in the first box, I had to narrow it down to two choices. The Healer was a definite keep, as the potential synergy with my snail was intriguing. That left me to decide between the Sparkshaper and the Mystic.
The Sparkshaper was everything I wanted, ranged spellcaster, has a defense spell, and has legs so he can move fast. But the potential to hurt himself sent me to look at the other one.
The Mystic Trainee wasn't a bad choice, but it seemed like they needed time to improve their abilities. What gave me pause was something I had mentioned earlier: "There's a god of fire for a reason; they don't want him tampering with their element." This class indeed tampered with the elements, something the other gods didn't want to exist. For some reason, this realization brought me a strange sense of joy. I decided without thinking, a mischievous giggle escaping me as I made my selection.
I broke out into a laugh as I looked at the other pop-up to choose my special mob type.
A mob has embraced your power.
You may pick one of the following special mob types to inhabit your dungeon.
[Goblin Timebender Initiate]: Timebender initiates have become more adept at manipulating temporal fluctuations. Their adjustments to time have a more substantial impact on the environment and events, allowing them to manipulate the flow of time with finesse. However, excessive use of their time-warping abilities can result in personal time-related disturbances, and dizziness, making it challenging to predict the effects.
[Goblin Seer]: Goblin Seers, a rare and mystical breed among their kind, possess an extraordinary attunement to the world's mana. Their uncanny ability allows them to glimpse into the immediate future, providing a momentary foresight into their enemies' actions. This unique gift not only grants them a formidable edge in combat but also enables strategic mastery. Rather than relying on sheer physical strength, Seers engage their foes with cunning and agility, using their enhanced awareness to elegantly evade oncoming attacks and strike with precision at precisely the right moments.
[Goblin Runeblades]: Goblin Runeblades are a distinctive breed among goblin-kind, having established a strong connection with the enigmatic power of ancient runes. These formidable warriors have delved deep into the study of runic lore and its application in the martial realm. By etching mystical symbols on their weapons, armor, and even their skin, Runeblades infuse these glyphs with potent and elemental magic. This infusion not only enhances the effectiveness of their weapons but also grants them the power to cast spells with rune-empowered strikes.
This is when Varian was important, he could regale me with stories of what these creatures once were, but alas he slumbered. And so I looked them over myself.
The prospect of the Timebender was alluring, particularly considering it also had potential synergies with my snail. The ability to slow down enemies and hasten the snail's movements seemed highly advantageous. However, the warning of "time-related disturbances" lurking within this choice loomed as a potential threat, raising concerns about potential dangers associated with the manipulation of time.
The Seer option seemed promising, with no apparent downsides and the enticing image of a skilled warrior gracefully navigating a battlefield, strategically attacking exposed points in armor before deftly moving away. It appeared to be a perfect choice, one that didn't carry the risk of harm. However, I couldn't help but feel compelled to explore the final option before making a final decision.
The Runeblade option was equally impressive. I couldn't help but recall the runes that had adorned my trap, causing that goblin to be engulfed in the flames it had spewed. If this new companion could inscribe a similar pattern on a sword, the potential for devastation was clear. My mind painted a vivid picture of the same battlefield, but envisioning a different warrior who slashed through enemies, causing them to burst into flames, with blows raining down upon him only to transform his armor into stone, and lightning dancing around his feet as he moved effortlessly across the battlefield. The allure of this option was undeniable.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
But, as much as the Runeblade tempted me, I had to consider the nature of the soul I was essentially empowering. The individual in question was a swift and agile warrior, small in stature but undoubtedly resourceful. If the one who had attacked my snail was the recipient of this power-up, I wouldn't hesitate to choose the Runeblade.
Then, a sudden realization struck me: why was I limited to just three?
Recalling the battle, I tried to pinpoint any reason that could have prevented me from obtaining one of the souls. It was during this reflection that I remembered my snail draining the life out of a goblin, but the spell it had employed had made no mention of soul absorption. Was it something my snail did, or because the spell killed him?
I pushed aside these questions for when Varian woke, and made my final choice.
Status
Name: Blake
Race: Dungeon-Core
Affinity Type: Magical/Divine
Mana: 29 (1 per day)
Mana to Level Up: 29/30
Available Mobs
[Sorcerer Snail]: (10 mana)
[Goblin Seer]: (15 mana)
[Goblin Healer Novice]: (8 mana)
[Goblin Mystic Trainee]: (6 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]: Utilize hardened mana to establish temporary protective barriers and magical shields for the defense of the dungeon. The strength of these shields corresponds to the amount of mana infused into them.
The thought crossed my mind, "Well, they're expensive." But it left me pondering further: Why were they so costly? It did make sense that the Seer was expensive, considering its unique abilities. However, it puzzled me that the Seer cost more than my snail. After all, they both shared the same rarity, and the snail seemed to offer even more versatility than the Seer.
The reason for this discrepancy eluded me. Was it due to goblins' inherent ability to think, or perhaps because of their bipedal nature? Or perhaps is was stronger than it seemed. Unable to arrive at a definite answer, I chose to set the matter aside for the time being, leaving it as another question to pose to Varian when he eventually woke.
Before creating a new mob, I entertained a thought: should I wait a day for a level up? But this approach would deplete my mana reserves, and I couldn't be sure if I'd have enough time to generate more. An alternative was to spawn them all in at once, allowing for a steady passive mana gain, but that raised concerns. If Varian needed a shield, I wouldn't have enough mana to create one. Given these considerations, I decided to spawn in the Healer and Seer for the time being, opting for a cautious approach.
Creating the Healer and Seer in front of my crystal, away from Varian, seemed like a prudent decision, considering any potential lingering tensions. As they materialized, their transformed appearances became immediately evident. The Healer now possessed smooth and healthy-looking skin, displaying a brighter shade of green, with longer hair than before, and a stouter build. She no longer had the sharp features typical of her Cave Goblin counterparts. She looked up at me, eyes a deep shade of purple, reminiscent of the hue of my crystal. By goblin standards, she was unquestionably the most beautiful among them. A smile adorned her face, and the warmth it radiated stirred a flutter in my heart.
The other goblin had indeed undergone a remarkable transformation. He now stood at nearly five feet tall, with skin that had darkened to a deep, almost blackish-purple shade. However, like the others, his skin had taken on a smooth and healthy appearance. He stood there with his eyes closed, but I imagined they shared the same purple color as the Healer's. His hair, too, had grown longer, matching the new vibrant shade of his skin.
The compact muscles in his arms and body were evidence of his newfound strength, even surpassing the goblin my snail had previously faced. This transformation was nothing short of astonishing.
Hindsight made me question my decision. If I had foreseen the extent of his physical transformation, I might have chosen the Runeblade option. Nevertheless, while his body had undergone a remarkable change, his mindset remained unaltered.
The newly appointed Seer briefly opened his eyes, but upon doing so, he quickly closed them and took a small step backward. He grabbed the side of his head wincing, upon hearing a noise the Heal immediately looked at him. She jumped back, tripping over a snail that had finally joined the party. I sent her calming emotions trying to get her to understand that he was an ally, she didn't seem to care, good thing I moved Varian.
With urgency, the Healer rose and rushed toward the Seer, noting that he still had his eyes closed. I transmitted a signal in the hope that it would serve as a warning to the Seer. He responded by turning towards her and abruptly opening his eyes.
----------------------------------------
Touk had indeed sought power, but this was more than he had anticipated.
Upon embracing the light, he had expected powers akin to those displayed by the snail or the deadly trap that had vanquished Lakar. However, as he underwent the transformation, something felt amiss. Although he had yet to open his eyes, he sensed the world around him. He observed the crystal that had brought him into existence and recognized his new master. He felt happiness when he lay his eyes upon the crystal, thankful for a second chance.
However, a sense of astonishment enveloped him as he laid eyes on the goblin standing next to him. She was incredibly beautiful, and her smile was unmistakable. She was Bolka, there was no doubt about it. While her appearance had changed significantly, the warmth in her smile gave her identity away.
Touk had always held a fondness for Bolka. She had been kind to him, never ridiculing him for his love of books. While she might not have been the most beautiful goblin in the tribe back then, her charm and personality had always drawn people to her. Now, her transformation had made her the most beautiful goblin by a considerable margin.
As Touk finally opened his eyes to look at Bolka, he was met with a surreal sight. Time appeared to slow down, and thousands of Bolka's materialized, each moving in various directions. Some of them were translucent, while others appeared more substantial. Astonishingly, a few even seemed to launch attacks against him.
Touk's attempt to grasp the sight before him was abruptly cut short as he closed his eyes and took a step back, the action accompanied by a sharp pain. It felt as if his body was urging him to keep his eyes open. Frustrated, he instinctively grabbed his head and groaned, only to be surprised by the deep and smooth timbre of his own voice. It was a stark contrast to the grumbling, crackling voice of his previous form, even deeper than that of the tribe's chief.
A sudden jolt coursed through Touk, breaking his reverie. With his newfound heightened awareness, he noticed Bolka rising from the floor. She had tripped over the same snail that had caused her death earlier and was now charging toward him, ready to launch an attack. Her movements were swift, propelled by the strength she had gained. Touk swiftly pivoted to face her, his body instinctively responding, and as she closed in, he opened his eyes.
As thousands of Bolka's manifested once more, Touk adopted a different approach this time. He observed the multitude of apparitions, carefully analyzing each one. Gradually, he discerned a pattern – these were the potential movements she was contemplating making next. Those with a translucent quality were less probable, while the ones that appeared more tangible were the most likely.
He watched as some of the images vanished and reappeared, while others underwent slight changes. Amid the fluctuating visions, one remained consistent. It was the most tangible among the multitude, almost appearing as if two Bolka’s were engaged in an attack.
Moments stretched into minutes for Touk, while to onlookers, it was but a matter of seconds. He meticulously observed the myriad images of Bolka, finally reaching a decision. Closing his eyes once more, this time the pain was less intense. Time accelerated as he surged forward, seizing Bolka's wrist out of the air. With agility, he spun around her, maintaining a firm grip on her wrist, and simultaneously grasped her shoulder with his other hand, swiftly bringing her down to the ground. He secured his position by pressing his knee onto her back, effectively restraining her.
Touk couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment, even though he had meticulously planned his actions over a span of minutes. He was genuinely proud of his precise execution. However, Bolka's reaction was markedly different. She began screaming and thrashing, attempting to break free from his unyielding grip. It was apparent that the power bestowed upon her by the crystal wasn't primarily strength-based, as her efforts to escape proved largely futile.
Once her screams subsided, Touk decided to speak, addressing the situation.
“Calm down Bolka, we are not enemies.” He knew she wouldn't believe him even if he told her who he was, so Touk kept that to myself for the moment.
Bolka, still bewildered, asked, "Are you a goblin? How do you speak the language?"
Touk responded, "I am not entirely certain if I'm still goblin. I underwent a transformation, though it seems to have improved me in some way. As for speaking the language, you don't necessarily need to be a goblin. I heard a human boy speak it to me earlier.”
"A human boy, deep underground, in a freezing cold library, speaking goblin?" She appeared highly skeptical.
“Yes, actually, it was quite strange.” His thoughts shifted to the boy he had encountered earlier. His whereabouts remained a mystery, but he realized it was a question for another time.
“Whatever, it doesn't matter. How do you know me, who are you, and where are we?" Bolka pressed for answers.
"We're in the place where you died, and the power you seek has embraced you," He echoed the words of the boy who had initially killed him in this mysterious place. "Or something along those lines, If I were to guess, it's a dungeon, but I'm not entirely sure.” Touk then said with a shrug
Bolka's skepticism and annoyance were palpable in her response. She implored Touk to release her, adding with a sneer, "And open your damn eyes. Do you really think you're so good that you had to beat me with your eyes closed?"
Touk rose to his feet, releasing Bolka from his hold. She also stood, brushing herself off, and it was then that he fully realized the considerable height difference between them. She stood at nearly half his size. This newfound perspective offered an explanation for her initial fear of him. Despite her small stature, it was indeed brave of her to have attempted to stand her ground and challenge him. He recalled that Bolka had always been this way—sometimes sweet and caring, yet capable of being the most formidable and fearsome goblin you could ever encounter when she was angry.
And, Bolka's anger was palpable as she glared at Touk, her frustration and confusion mounting.
Their standoff was abruptly interrupted by a sudden noise emanating from the crystal. It had uttered something in the human language. While Touk was capable of reading the language, he was still unable to speak it, as his previous grumbly and cracking voice had made it difficult. However, with his new, deep and smooth voice, he realized it would now be much easier for him to communicate in this foreign language.
However, this didn’t change the fact he couldn’t understand the crystal now, but this unexpected development sparked an idea within him. Hurriedly, he dashed toward the nearby shelf and retrieved a book. Upon opening it, he discovered that its pages were blank, like he was hoping. He then made his way to the table that had been prepared for writing, likely for the child. With determination, he began to inscribe something in the human language.
“What do you want from up?” He wrote.
In response, another quill appeared above the book and began to write. When it had finished its message, it dipped itself into the inkwell and remained still.
"I have given you a second chance at life, bestowing upon you powers beyond your wildest dreams. In return, all I ask is for your assistance in defending my dungeon."
Touk realized that something about this place was indeed different. It was a dungeon, he knew it. This was a chance for him to start anew, to become something entirely different. Here, he had power, access to knowledge, and a sense of safety. He could potentially become stronger than any goblin in history. A smile gradually spread across his face, not for the power he had gained, but for the feeling that he finally had control over his own life. While he was required to serve the dungeon, he had no desire to leave. As he recalled the information from the books he had read about dungeons, he understood that he would not require food, water, or sleep in this new existence. This was perfection in every conceivable way for him.
Touk shared the exciting news with Bolka, who couldn't help but feel the same sense of excitement. However, she did express curiosity about the specific powers the dungeon had granted her beyond her newfound appearance, as she couldn't discern the differences.
After a brief exchange with the dungeon, Touk informed her that she had been designated as a Healer Novice.
Bolka scoffed at the title, saying, "Not really beyond my wildest dreams, I'm already more than a novice. In my tribe, I'm actually one of the best."
Touk sighed deeply and replied, "I know, Bolka, that's not what it meant."
“How?” She questioned, obviously mad.
“What?” He responded.
"How do you know? How do you know my name? How do you know I'm the best in my tribe? How do you know that not what it meant? How can you write the human language? Why can you write in the book with your eyes closed? Tell me," she demanded, her tone insistent.
"Because, I've known you my whole life, Bolka. I came here with you, but I've changed now. you still recognize me?" Touk finally revealed, hoping that she would finally recognize him.
"No... its not you" she said, her voice quivering. "Touk?"
He nodded with a smile.
Bolka stepped back, her hand covering her mouth. "I'm so sorry. What happened to you? You know I would have never tried to hurt you," she mumbled, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Like I said, I changed, and for the better," Touk replied, conveying his newfound sense of empowerment and transformation.