Chapter 25

3 days remaining…. Mid day

“I’m…. becoming a god…” Jack said as he looked over the notifications for the fifth time, sitting in his throne to steady himself so he wouldn’t collapse… again.

No matter how he read and reread those notifications always told him the same no matter how much he wanted it to say otherwise. He was on the path to become a god and someone knew it was happening. The biggest question was if The One Who Watches was the only one that knew or were there others that knew. If it was only The One Who Watches, Jack could work with that. The One Who Watches didn’t seem to be malicious but it was plain to see that they had their own agenda. For now, that agenda seemed to work for Jack’s favor which was great since The One Who Watches was a power that Jack couldn’t even begin to imagine how he would combat. Demons were one thing, cocky adventurers he could deal with, maybe even some types of monsters. But whatever The One Who Watches was… no, that was not a battle he wanted to fight. He had other things to focus on, and needed to act fast. Including today, he had two and a half days left and with this new information, he now had new options he could explore.

With a thought he opened his menus to see what had changed and what he could try.

Dungeon Avatar Sheet Level 2

Race: Lich (Currently)

(Will change once evolution is complete)

Stats:

(Will change once evolution is complete)

Strength: 12 Agility: 15

Durability: 18 Intelligence: 30

Wit: 28

Race Abilities:

Level: 1

Spell Casting

(Will remain the same post evolution)

Life Siphoning

(Will change once evolution is complete)

Curses Casting

(Will change once evolution is complete)

Necromancy Affinity

(Will remain the same post evolution)

Celestial Affinity

(Will become available once evolution is complete)

Quick Study

(Will remain the same post evolution)

Spell Resistance

(Will remain the same post evolution)

Level:2

Mana Absorption

(Will remain the same post evolution)

Essence Scrying

(Will remain the same post evolution)

Dark Communion

(Will change once evolution is complete)

Chilling Aura

(Will remain the same post evolution)

Spells Available:

(Some spells will be changed/adjusted once evolution is complete)

Level: 1

Divine Artisan

(Formally: Form and Function)

Stone Needles

Electric Bolts

Detect Resources

Sanctified Transmutation

(Formally known as Refinement)

Reanimate

Minor Detonate

Sickening Fog

Level:2

Spectral Shield

Deathly Lure

Rotting Chains

Sealing Glyph

Haunting Wail

Arcane Weld

Construct Repair

Chain Lightening Arc

Attention!

You have met the criterial to evolve your Dungeon Avatar and Dungeon Core.

Once The Evolution choice has been made and begun, some choices with in the dungeon upgrade menu will be changed, closed off, or replaced. Please select the dungeon upgrades you would like to have before beginning the evolution.

Would you like to see review the evolution upgrade options?

Yes/No

Jack was about to take a look at the options and explore the changes further when he felt a disturbance with in his dungeon territory. Something was moving incredibly fast, heading straight towards the center where his community was taking shape. And from how Aegisthal came climbing into rushing into his chamber, he felt the disturbance as well. it took him a minute to focus in enough on the disturbance to figure out that it was Eorlas who was coming back at high speed. It was surprising that she was coming back so soon but it also gave Jack some relief that he was getting information no instead of the last minute. Hopefully she would have some good news since right now. While most people would like the idea of becoming a god, which Jack also kind of liked the sound of it, he knew that people in power tend to not like change or a new contender. If nobles didn’t like any up-and-coming people that might threaten their authority, he can only imagine what an established god might think.

Jack didn’t know how many minutes it was when Eorlas first entered his dungeon’s territory. But she made a grand entrance of rocketing through the air some a form in hand. Aegisthal stood between him and her while she flew at high speed with no sign of slowing. Aegisthal must not have known who exactly was coming since he stood in a fighting ready stance. Perhaps his vision wasn’t as good at long distances as it was for short. Something to test later.

His hands were raised and loosely open, ready to defend or attack. The second Eorlas came hurtling through the balcony entrance at mind boggling speed, Aegisthal lurched forwards. His armored hand catching her by the throat. Making her upper body stop dead in its tracks while her lower half carried through. Just before her back was parallel with the ground, Aegisthal threw his weight forwards and down. Slamming her with enough force to create a spider web of cracks and fractures in the stone floor of Jack’s workshop. Eorlas gasped deeply after having the air knocked from her lungs, yet her hand clutched one of her blades with the tip pressed under Aegisthal’s arm pit. Jack didn’t even see her draw the blade nor when she moved to press the blade to Aegisthal. What he did see though was the person she was carrying get hurled forwards, carried by the momentum and slip free of her grip.

It was a second after Aegisthal realized that the possible threat was in fact another dungeon sentinel.

"Eorlas, next time you approach at such speed, provide advance notice. I detected rapid movement but could not identify you clearly due to the velocity." He said plainly, gradually releasing her throat then held out the same hand to offer assistance to stand.

“Oh, Aegisthal, how sweet of you to care about my safety. Slammed me down like a falling star, such a strong grip you have. Next time, I’ll send a little whisper ahead…” she said, sheathing her blade then too his hand. “Or perhaps you’ll learn to keep up with me. Shall we test which comes first?”

"I am far more concerned with why you have brought an outsider to the heart of the dungeon," Aegisthal stated, lifting Eorlas to her feet.

Jack found that he agreed with the immoveable wall. Who or what did Eorlas find that that she thought was important enough to bring directly to the heart of his domain?

His curiosity quipped; Jack moved closer to the prone figure. Being careful not to get too close just in case their ‘visitor’ in question was playing possum. What he found was that they were a mostly un harmed with the exception of a few minor scratches and a bruise here and there. What really got his attention was that their guest was a half-orc. If Jack had to guess, they were a knight of some kind. They wore half plate armor stained, carried an axe with an armor piercing spike opposite of the blade head. Except the blade was heavily nicked and chipped while the parts where the blade wasn’t chipped was heavily dulled.

On the chest plate was an insignia of a fist holding a sword along with a, what Jack thought was an implied, tattoo of a viper. The chisel work was subpar at best and there were almost no clean lines. The armor itself though was a fine piece of work leading Jack to believe that the insignia was made by someone else and not the original forger. The half-orc himself was a male, strong and bulky like most orcs, though his skin had a tinge of grey along with brownish green. They had a long-healed scare across their cheek and metal rings in their cheek bones along with wooden beads braided into their black hair. He laid on his side, his face twisted in pain as his hand clutched his shoulder. Probably dislocated from the landing. That or Eorlas found it easier to make someone more co-operative if they couldn’t use one of their arms.

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“Was not expecting this,” Jack said as he made sure to not take his eye… sockets… off their new hostage. “I’m guessing you’re one of the big shots?”

"Rrgh... whole body aches..." the half orc growled, still wincing in pain.

“Yeah, that happens when you get thrown around like rag doll.” Jack said, his guard up, not willing to chance getting attacked. “Alright big shot, what are you and your army after? Who is giving the orders?”

After regaining their focus, the half or gave Jack a hate filled glare. Their teeth bared in a snarl while still holding their injured shoulder. Managing to sit up on their own despite their injury.

"Who da hell are ya, bone-walker?! You da one who sent dat beast?!" They growled with their short tusks bared at Jack in Challenge.

“For you specifically, no. You just got crap luck and drew the short straw I think.” Jack said off handedly, not feeling any particular need to guard his words. “What is your group? How many are there? What do they want?”

"Why da hell should I answer yer question?!"

“Know what, that is a good question.” Jack answered back, taking a second to consider it. “Your right, you don’t have to answer a single question I ask.”

At his last statement, he could sense the confusion of both Aegisthal and Eorlas through his link with them. He could sense they had a hundred unspoken questions. Jack of course ignored them all. The half orc was, of course, confused by Jack’s words.

“Eorlas, how much time would you say you bought us with your intervention?" Jack asked his huntress and spy, never looking away from the captive.

“Master, I have delayed them with caltrops, traps, and a few unfortunate ‘accidents’ in their supplies. I’d say they’ll have a limping behind for three days.” Eorlas said quickly and promptly to his question.

“Now that is good news.” Jack said as he watched the half orc. “how many heads did you count? Rough estimations are alright.”

"Master, last I counted, they numbered between ten and fifteen thousand, give or take a few scouts, wagon drivers, and a leader or two, though I doubt they’ll be missed. Mostly consists of orcs, trolls, centaurs, and minotaurs. I couldn’t extract precise counts on their specialists, fighters, healers, mages, elites, title holders, too many variables, too much movement. If you wish, I can rectify that oversight.” She said, her tone respectful and with just the slightest hint of disappointment in herself.

Jack stood there as he listened, taking in all the information while he watched the half-orc. Watching for any kind of reaction. When he heard the rough estimation of how many people were in that army…

…. Oh… fuuuuuuUUCUK! He cursed internally, being careful to keep still. Fucking son of a BITCH!!!! WHY?! Why the fuck are there so many! The fuck to they want?! Two thousand upgrade points is not enough for taking out an army! … Ok, a medium sized army, but it’s still a fucking army!!!

“Good,” Jack said doing his absolute best to keep his voice from cracking with dread. “Since I am expecting this guy is someone important, and this is an army, the rules of war apply. No torture, no unjust harm, decent quarters. If he behaves but acts like an ass, no harm besides a bruised ego. If he harms a resident… Then you have my full permission to use your imagination Eorlas.”

“My pleasure. ~” Eorlas purred as she stared hungrily at the half-orc who paled at the sight.

Nope, not gonna look deeper into that. He quickly thought to himself.

“Good, I want you and Omnus to see what information you can get out of him. As for you my unexpected guest, answer their questions and don’t make this harder than is has to be. Who knows, maybe no one has to die if we play are cards right. Aegisthal, I need to say to ask you a few things.”

With that, Eorlas took their prisoner away. Helping him to stand up then escorting him to the central lift to leave the tower workshop. All with a blade resting at his ribs just in case he decided to do something very foolish. That left Jack with his first sentinel Eagisthal. His Bulwark, his sword and shield and tireless guardian of his dungeon residents.

“Your thoughts?” Jack asked, retaking his seat at his throne. lazily waving his hand to make a chair form out of the ground made of stone for Aegisthal to take.

"Victory will be difficult, my General.” Aegisthal started while taking his seat. “The standard mobs provide numbers and can be replenished, but they lack the strength to turn the tide. Even if you purchase the mob upgrade and gain access to stronger creatures, we cannot win a sustained battle in the open. Coordinating with the adventurer town is not an option—they would be more hindrance than help. The golems you have crafted are invaluable as shock troops, but they must be deployed sparingly against the greatest threats. Eorlas excels in eliminating command structures from a distance. Omnus is suited for crowd control. From what I have observed of Halyndra, she will serve best in mending our most powerful constructs. As for myself, I will command, coordinate, and stand at the front."

“Yeah, I thought so too.” Jack sighed, leaning and arm on the armrest. “No sense taking the gamble on points. I’m going to spend some on a dimensional plane… just in case.”

“That would be the wisest course of action.”

“What are the odds they have something stupidly strong with them?” Jack asked while toying with a few thoughts.

“The odds are high. An army of that size is bound to have a backup plan, or perhaps a powerful weapon for insurance. Judging by the prisoner’s equipment, it is likely the latter. They would not attack a branch of the Adventurer's Guild unless they were certain they could fend off an enemy of that power.”

“Yep… we are up shit creek without a paddle in sight. Now we got a hole in the boat.” Jack said with part of his focus now delving deep within the earth bellow.

The One Who Watches more than hinted that he could find something that would some remains that would help him.

Pushing most of his consciousness deep into the earth, Jack began his search to see what treasures he find. All while making sure to keep some of his awareness within the workshop to keep speaking with Aegisthal.

“I fail to comprehend how we are submerged in a body of water composed of excrement, nor how we are within a vessel that has a hole.” Aegisthal stated, in his usual flat tone.

“It’s a metaphor big guy. Means we’re have struggles ahead of us without a sign of anything that might help in sight and it’s getting less and less ideal.” Jack clarified without much thought. Currently too involved in exploring the earth to see what might help.

What he found was actually rather interesting. There were bones and fragments of creatures that were more stone than actual bone. There were even some plants that looked to have gone through a similar process and even a small deposit of oil. He didn’t have much need for oil since he can didn’t need any lubricants at the moment. The creature bones on the others hand were something rather interesting. There were a few that caught his attention in particular. One was a what looked to be four legged, the back of its head was like a shield with two elongated horns with one short horn at the nose. What was additionally strange about the skeleton was that it had a beak with molar like teeth at the back of its jaw. From what he could judge about its size, it was a nearly twice the size of a cow.

“A curious manner of speech. But it accurately reflects our position. I believe there is still a chance, my general. We need only be more strategic in how we engage them.” Aegisthal said as he with resolute certainty. The link that connected him to Jack saying that he fully believed every word he said. “Hit-and-run tactics will serve us well. Lead them into traps and pitfalls. Force them to focus not only on what lies ahead, but what may lie beneath.”

“Hey Aegisthal, how do you feel about a mount?” Jack asked as he already stated to absorb the skeleton form the earth. Finding that while it was still semi-bone, it a great deal of stone as well.

"A mount, my general? I fail to see the necessity. I do not tire, nor do I slow." Aegisthal said as plainly as ever, not seeing the benefits of what Jack was considering.

“Aegisthal, big guy, giant who I am mostly certain can lift then throw a tree like a spear on a whim. I am trying to give you something to be excited about. Maybe also give us and advantage in the upcoming fight at the same time.” Jack said while standing up from his throne and moved closer to Aegisthal.

Aegisthal, surprisingly, didn’t have an immediate response to Jack’s statement. Instead, Jack could feel that hulking warrior was carefully measuring and considering what was said. Really thinking about what Jack said and sorting out his own feeling on the matter. It was a few seconds before Aegisthal came to a decision.

"I would accept a mount. If for no other reason than it is a gift from my general and creator who I value above all others." Aegisthal said in that same deep even tone, yet Jack could feel the sincerity through the link along with an inkling of happiness.

“Awwwwwwwe, you are gonna get me teary eyed if I still had eyes.” Jack gushed. “Come on big guy, we’ll need to step outside for this one.”

Without a word, Aegisthal stood up from his stead as it merged back into the floor. Following Jack outside as they took the lift down before leaving the tower after he grabbed the treasures that The One Who Watches had given him.

Once they were outside, the found it was a cloudy day outside but still nice enough. What caught Jack’s attention though was how much his budding community had developed and grown. The buildings were for the most part cleared weeds and vines that previously smothered any available surfaces. Leaving only enough for a decorative effect. The yards of the pavilions were also cleared of cluttering foliage, the garden beds had been seeded with plants both edible and medicinal. The original mansion that he had given to the gremlins had been improved immensely. Any and all rubble and debris had been picked up and removed while previously cracked or damaged walls had been fixed. Even the parts of the stone work that had chunks missing were put together and mended with parts of the stone that seemed to have had the seams fused together. When he stepped closer it became clear that his arcane and transmutation circles had been used to accomplish the feat. The mansion had even been painted with colors of black and silver.

The surrounding buildings were also in a similar state or either being or were fully repaired. Some of the gremlins could be seen working alongside Zur'keth to move and tend their homes. Both even had some mobs assisting them from Tin Crabs, Skeletons, and Copper Spiders to help in the repairs or moving supplies. Making the job easier by having them take care of the simple tasks.

In the central clearing where the tower was made, all the rubble had been removed and was used to build a few storage buildings and some walls for their vegetable gardens. One mansion had been a sign made of bronze with iron lettering proclaiming it to be the new study and development center. On the opposite side of the clearing, Halyndra could be seen surrounding by a group of children. Both Gremlin and Zur'keth were listening to her as she told them stories. He wasn’t sure what stories she was telling them but they seemed enthralled and he wasn’t close enough to ease drop. Then again, he wasn’t one to interrupt when a good story was being told.

Adult and elders from both races have been working with one another and it warmed Jack’s flaming pearl heart to see them getting along. To seem them building homes, families being made, and he noticed a few very new and young faces mixed in the group. Then there were some of the more familiar faces from Frizzy’s classes. Some even experimenting with some new gadgets, tools or toys in hand for their efforts. It all gave him hope for the future and reinforced his need to keep his people safe.

Setting his admiration for how quickly his people were developing, Jack moved to center of the central clearing. Gaining the attention of his residents, Jack started to summon copies of the bones he just absorbed and alongside it was a pile of iron and bronze of equal size to the skeleton’s height were it standing on all fours.

Everyone had gathered at this point, all excitedly whispering and watching what might happen next. Many pointing at the prehistoric pile of bones with guesses to what Jack might do this time.

Jack for his part wanted to test his improved spell Divine Artisan to see what it’s limits were.

With the spell casted, the pile of metal liquified. Pooling around the bones before steadily creeping up the bones from the bottom up. Inch by inch it climbed up the bones and fill out the form according to Jack’s imagination. Steadily taking the beast with gears, cogs, torque mechanisms, joints and pistons. The whole process coming far easier and the intricacy of the work now much more refined than what the previous version of the spell could manage. Wanting to test the limits of the spell, Jack began to imagine within his mind the arcane scripting and enchantments. Mentally picturing and shaping it into the metal and bone beast. Finding that he can now, much to his surprise, frustration, and relief, that he could now make magic items with the spell.

There was of course a draw back. While his former spell Form and Function was unable to make magic items or imprint enchantments or arcane script. It was fast, allowing him to mass produce tools and equipment. While Divine Artisan did allow him to make magic items, it was not nearly as fast. Sure, magic item or construct that would normally take him maybe a month to make was being done in hours. But it was still semi-slow compared to work that would take days being done in minutes. Putting that aside, Jack continued to focus the spell. Guiding the materials to take shape and form over the bones. Joints were being reinforced. Mechanical muscle with pistons and gears, protective plating taking shape over the slowly forming body. With the body forming, scripts for moving imprinted, and the mass gradually growing. The iron and bronze beast took its finally shape.

The metal beast laid prone on the ground, three proud horns on its head, the shield like skull made with bronze filagree. The long tail ending with double headed axe. The body large and bulky to the point that the top of Jack’s head reached its back while pilled out one of the smaller crystal brains.

Unsure of how to use it, Jack simply approached the head of the mechanized beast. Holding the brain in his hand in thought while considering how he was going to use it. Then the notification appeared, asking if he wanted to fuse the Lexicon Cortex to the construct. When he selected yes, the crystal brain jumped from his hand. slamming itself into the mechanical beast’s head where it slowly sank into it. the metal and bone bending and forming around the crystal brain until it was safely tucked inside.

With baited breath, everyone watched and waited for what might happen next. Crystalizing threads could be seen snaking their way through the gaps from the back of the head to the rest of the body. Creeping like fast growing vines the interlaced through every limb once they grew through spine of the machine.

After minutes of watching, there was rumbling growl emanating from the mechanical beast.

Then its eye lit up with a pale blue light.

With an unsteady step, the mechanical beast stated to push itself up. Rising to its full height on all fours to where it stood taller than even Aegisthal. It looked around at its surroundings when it paused to look at Jack and Aegisthal as they were the ones that stood closest to it.

Aegisthal moved to stand between Jack and the mechanized beast. A hand out stretched to Shield Jack and to keep the beast’s attention. There was something primal about how it stood and moved. Something old and bring with power that spoke to Jack on an instinctual level. There were no jerky movements nor anything that felt mechanical about how it carried itself. Instead, its movements were subtle with ever so slight movements here and there. It felt more like a living creature that was in metal and bone body then a mechanical construct made to look like a creature.

The mechanical beast made that low rumble as it watched Aegisthal, going so far as to even sniff the air before it let out a steam filled snort. Aegisthal for his part did not move nor look away. this was a test between the two to see who would back down. A suspicion Jack had and quickly confirmed when the beast pawed the ground then raised its four legs up to stomp on the ground. A display to challenge and intimidate.

“I think he likes you big guy.” Jack said as he watched on, feeling the beast would listen to him if he told it to calm down. Doing that though would set a bad example since Aegisthal was supposed to be the commander of the army and guard.

"I find him agreeable. Large, strong, stubborn, and bold. He will serve well as a mount." Aegisthal said stepping forwards towards the new mechanized beast.

With his hands closing into two fists, Aegisthal two more faster steps towards the beast. Taking a jump from his last step, his armored arms raising above his head as he came back down. Landing on the ground with one knee, a thunderous clang rung out as he slammed both fists into the stone floor. The force in which he struck the floor was enough to make the ground shutter, many of the watching residents felt the tremor and the beast took a hesitant step back. Lowering its head as Aegisthal stood up once more.

Aegisthal walked with a slow and steady gate, with no particular urgency as he stood in front of the tri-horned beast. Placing a hand on its forehead.

"Your designation is now Ironhorn. You will serve as my mount and companion." Aegisthal said with finality.

Oh, I am really liking this. Jack thought deviously, his hands rubbing together as he found the second prehistoric beast he wanted to make. I always wanted a pet.