Clare awoke to the chipper ‘sound’ of Astrid’s happiness.

She was hunting Red Worms, catching them in her tiny, flexible hands, before releasing them in the absence of any hunger. Although much smaller than they’d intended her to be, she was a giant to the insects surrounding her, dancing through the watery halls of Clare’s territory.

[Clare?] Kepler nosed her, [How are you feeling?]

Um… She went to rub the sleep from her eyes, but they were gone. Instead, she gave her aura a good shake. I feel—

She paused.

Bigger.

Kepler wagged his tail in response, curling around her. He always returned to a puppy-like state when he was worried.

[That’s because you are bigger.] He did the equivalent of resting his chin on her shoulder. [Would you like to see your notifications?]

Clare curled her aura around her new territory. It felt… right. Belonged to her, in the same way her arms had when she was human.

Yes, I would.

[Access to the SP store granted!]

[Territory expanded.]

[New Designs absorbed!]

* Air

* Glowstone

* White Marble

* Dust

[New Quest!]

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

* The First Delve:

* Delvers are sapients who challenge themselves within your halls. Use your servants, traps, puzzles, or anything you can imagine to start a conflict with a delver, generating XP for you both!

* Rewards: 8.4 XP, 10 SP, 50 MP

* Hint: Bonuses are available for exceptional performance.

Clare mentally blinked. We’ve reached the surface?

She could feel it now that it’d been pointed out to her. It wasn’t above them, either—rather, even with them, about 10 yards from her core. The outside tasted old; like the dust they’d gained as a design. They only had a sliver of it, less than an inch deep and about 6 ft x 4 ft tall and wide, but it was enough.

We can have an entrance! Excitement swept through her, stirring the insects and catching Astrid’s attention. You hear that, Astrid? We’re going to have delvers!

The young humanoid cocked her head in confusion, then went back to hunting the insects. They were easier to grab, now, as they squirmed with Clare’s energy.

I can’t believe it, Kepler! Clare turned to her symbiote, who wagged his tail happily.

[We’re going to be the best dungeon.] He declared. [We’ll strike fear into the hearts of our enemies. They will beg us for mercy and bring us tribute for our favor. Our power will be unimaginable.]

Yeah, sure, Clare said, And we’re going to help people level up, and have super smart servants, and really challenging bosses, and super cool puzzles!

Astrid moved on to the diplurans, who proved to be a bit faster on their feet.

[They will grovel under our metaphorical feet.]

Do you think we could give out unique classes?

[Almost certainly.] Kepler replied confidently, [People will be begging us to train them. And then, they will beg us to let them leave.]

The diplurans weren’t quite fast enough, though, and Astrid mastered their patterns quickly. She was the superior hunter and beloved for it.

Clare dimpled her aura happily. We’ll definitely give them a challenge!

[We’ll rake in the XP.] Kepler rubbed his hands together, leaning into a more human style of expression.

For sure! Everybody will.

Astrid bored of the insects, instead grabbing handfuls of the microbic mats growing on the cave walls. She shoved them in her mouth.

Clare calmed a little, Um… She curled her aura sheepishly, Where should we start?

[Well, we just got access to the Sycophant Points Store.]

She giggled at Kepler’s name for it. Okay, let’s start there, then.