Faran’s Dungeon, Faran’s POV
I was watching how the last one of the three creatures, the bunny that killed the hunter, was getting used to its new body. Viper had evolved two days later than the wolf, while the bunny took four more days.
The viper gained resonance with the darkness element, not surprising seeing that she favored stealth even more so than normal vipers. Her size grew slightly to a 4 meters, while being as thick as a human arm, and she was even more adept at hiding now. Most of the upgrades were focused upon her poison and fangs though, giving birth to an even deadlier venom, and reinforcing the fangs with her new element. After seeing her in action, I could easily see how the fangs can now pierce thick hides with ease.
Alpha had dominated the cave he lived in, suppressing the other pack. With his upgrade, he grew even more powerful body, focusing upon strength. Currently he can crush the scales of the constrictor snakes with a bite, while being able resist the crushing hug of them with his body.
The bunny seemed to gain elemental powers of wind, making me slightly unhappy from the association with the Goddess of Wind, Ilessa. His size stayed at double of the other bunnies, while his claws grew even sharper, growing more like how I called them, slasher bunnies. Unlike before, he seems to be flitting around in a fight, doing hit and runs while bleeding enemies to the death.
Upon observing the different evolutions, I noticed how the core grows in slightly different sizes, proportional to their size of a brain. Upon asking Elan, he said cores are indeed located within the brain, while size may differ, the difference in purity offsets the amount. I think some monsters, like the alpha wolf, grow in power while accumulating more first, before starting to purify the energies. While some, like the viper, grow stronger while purifying the energies and later on condensing them. The bunny looks like a mix between the two.
Currently the alpha has grown more intelligent, as has the viper. I assume such thing happens eventually for the bunny as well. For now I’m prepared to first contract the evolved creatures, so they don’t accidentally get killed after I start converting the creatures in the second floor. I was planning to leave the bunny on the first floor, while placing normal constrictors from second floor as a boss in the caves before my old core room leading to the second floor.
According to Elan, I should be able to easily contract the creatures in my dungeon, seeing as they instinctually know that I am their creator. Doing so will improve their power, as during the contract I will need to infuse them with my own mana. I can also link with its mind with ease, as they already have the imprint from me upon their souls. Focusing upon the wolf, I merge with its mind.
The alpha gives a startled yelp, then looks around in confusion, seeking the intruder within his mind. I can’t hear any thoughts like from humanoids with a language, all I get are feelings, concepts, from his mind. Somehow I understand what each of them means, as those feelings and concepts are translated to a language I can understand. From the alpha I can feel fear, hesitation and, to my surprise, even reverence.
“Creator, greetings. Orders, wishes?”, the alpha asks from me.
Okay, so they don’t seem to be best talkers for now. I think to myself, and plan to keep things simple for them to understand.
“Reward for the alpha. Name, and a contract. Become stronger, as my guardian.”, I tell him, sending the understanding of the contract I’m planning to bestow upon him. The alpha grows excited, ears perking up, starting to wag its tail.
“Contract, name, I agree!”, alpha sends with a tongue lolling outside of its mouth.
Huh look at him, what a good doggie… Hey wait a second! Where did my ferocious, battle-mongering alpha wolf go? I think in dismay upon seeing his radically changed demeanor. Is he a simpleton? No I better focus now. I quickly clear my mind from distractions as I prepare for the next step, following my instincts as a dungeon core.
“I will bestow you a name of Renzi, The First Alpha. I, Faran, take you as my guardian, granting you power, and offering a sanctuary for your soul. Renzi, do you agree?”, as I granted him the name, I saw a small shift in his soul, the same I went through when I gave my name to Trendal. I barely finished voicing the contract, as Renzi already agreed with a happy bark. I suddenly felt a connection to him forming, and that connection moved to the area of my mind with other knowledge as a dungeon core.
I swear, I don’t see my prideful, strong, and brutal alpha anywhere now. I thought to myself as I gathered my mana, sending it towards Renzi’s core. A whirlpool made of mana formed atop the core, like during his original evolution, drawing in the extra mana I was feeding to him. He underwent the same effects as before, chaotic mana ravaging his body, ripping it apart and healing it after.
I spent an hour as I slowly fed mana to his core, watching as the mana within grew more purified, and his body grew stronger, yet staying the same size. His fur turned black, gaining a slight tint of red within as he accumulated more fire element. He was now 1,5 meters high at the shoulders, and 2,6 meters long with a sleek body rippling with muscles. Seeing as Renzi was getting near his limit, soon being in danger of dying, I withdrew my mana. I would leave the detailed inspection of him for later, and let him rest from the upgrade.
“Welcome Renzi, first of my guardians. Rest now.”, I sent to Renzi as I absorbed the gore on his body, as he answered in a tired, yet oddly satisfied tone.
“Creator, my gratitude. I defend the Creator, kill all intruders!”, Renzi said with conviction, before passing out. I sent orders for the creatures to not attack him while he recuperated, startling most of them from unexpected contact.
Surprisingly, that took a third of my mana, albeit most of it leaked out. From what I observed, most of it went for fixing small imperfections throughout his body, as well somewhat boosting his mana in the core. As soon as I inspect him properly, maybe I can use him as a reference when creating wolves with a core. As I upgrade other wolves, I should be able to see if they look different with other elements. I thought to myself as I shifted my focus upon the next exper-, I mean candidate, the viper.
***
Meanwhile, Frontier City of Josmar, Traveling Merchant Deithus’ POV
Having sold my merchandise of the latest trip, netting a profit of three gold and seventeen silver coins, I left my wagon to the stables of at the inn I frequent during my visits in Josmar. Silver Tankard is favored by merchants, as the inn is located near the market square, along a well patrolled route of city guards. This makes the more rowdy members of society to avoid frequenting the place, and with enough coin the barmaids will warm your bed at nights. The owner, former merchant himself, also prefers the clients being more cultured, refusing to rent rooms for groups of mercenaries or adventurers. As a result, the tavern in the first floor is a rich source of information through the merchants and travelers gathering there.
Walking through the streets covered in gravel, I arrive at the local building of Adventurers guild. It is of an impressive size, located along the main road between the marketplace and the western gate. Four stories tall building with first floor made from stone, it occupies the whole block with training grounds next to it. They also provide lodging for the guild members, along with a bar services, on the first floor.
Stepping inside through the double doors to the large lobby, I am greeted with a sight of a groups of adventurers milling around a large notice board on the left side of the room, along with a set of large stairs rising to a second floor. On the left side of the stairs, is a desk with a clerk sitting behind it, ready to handle adventurers either accepting or reporting a mission. Behind him was a door leading deeper in the building. On the right side I can hear a rowdy voices, coming through a doorway to the tavern area.
Heading towards the clerk with confident steps, I stand in front of the young, smart looking man manning the desk.
As I arrive to the desk, he gives me a business smile nearing perfection, asking with a pleasant tone, “Hello. How may I be of service?”
Slightly smiling, I grab the pouch I got from the hunter upon my waist as I say, “Hi, I am a traveling merchant, Deithus, and I have come to report an unknown dungeon found in the western wilderness.”.
As the smile upon clerk’s face froze, I could feel the stares from the adventurers behind me, as the noise died down. Stiffening, with a cold sweat forming on my back, I keep focusing on the clerk.
With a start, the man recovered, and stood up with a slightly stiff smile.
Showing a way with his hand, he then proceeded to guide me towards the stairs, glancing at the adventurers. “Follow me please. This talk should be had with the officers of the guild at upstairs, not in the lobby.”
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Glancing behind me, I saw a few hungry faces upon the adventurers, and hurried to follow the clerk to the upstairs, feeling the stares on me as the hushed conversations started.
I should’ve known! With no nearby dungeons, adventurers are traveling to the wilderness from Josmar, with no guarantee of profits. And now they know that I know a location for a dungeon, with certain profits. I despaired at my mistake I made for being too excited of my future profits.
I wonder if I can survive with this information, the word is surely going to spread around by those chatty adventurers. Especially if other parties with an interest are going to come after me. Oh, how did I manage to make such an elementary mistake?! I’m a merchant for divines sake! I kept disparaging myself as I followed the clerk to the upper floors, tightly gripping my pouch.
Soon we arrive in front of a large double doors on the fourth floor, with a sign of “Guild Master” hanging atop them.
Feeling trepidation, I realized that I was soon going to meet the famous mithril ranked adventurer leading the local guild hall for the last decade, Torgin. Before retiring at the age of 64, he was a part of famous group of mithril ranked adventurers, acting as a frontliner with his longsword and a shield. Even now he keeps training both himself and a new generation, while keeping good relations with more open minded nobles, such a Duke Wyrinth, lord of the city.
The clerk quickly rapped on the door, and stood in attention, being slightly nervous.
From within the room came a tired sounding voice, with a deep, penetrating quality to it, “Enter.”.
Clerk opened the door, ushering me inside as he gave a slight bow towards the guild master. The office was a large room, with a low table in middle of the room, surrounded by a pair of sofas and armchairs around it. Next to the walls on both sides was two large bookshelves placed at the corners, with a left side having a large windows, and right side of the wall was decorated with a different weapons, along with an armor stand of impressive set of Black Steel plate armor. Above the low table in middle of the room, hung an enchanted chandelier with light stones, shaped like an upside-down lotus flower. At the end of the room, was a sturdy, heavy looking large desk filled with stacks of paper, with a tired looking guild master sitting behind it. In front of the desk was a pair of wooden chairs.
The man had a tall, muscular body with wide shoulders, and he looked to be in his early 50’s, wearing a simple leather boots and pants, with a green shirt under a leather vest. Torgin had an angular face, bushy eyebrows, slightly greyed, light brown hair, divided to the sides from middle, reaching his strong jaw. He had a jagged scar starting from between his brown eyes, going across the bridge of his nose to the right cheek. His face was covered with a permanent looking stubble, like he was too lazy, or busy, to shave properly.
“Master Torgin, I brought a merchant Deithus to report about unfound dungeon in the western wilderness. Unfortunately, the adventurers at the lobby also heard about this, so I rushed him to you.”, the clerk said with an apologetic tone.
I looked at the now frowning man, feeling a sense of pressure in front of him, as he said, “Fine, good work. You may return to your duties at the lobby now.”. The clerk bowed once more, before leaving the room, closing the doors behind him.
Torgin focused his gaze upon me, saying with a stern tone, “Well then, lad. I hope you spoke the truth, as otherwise you may be torn to shreds in the streets when the rumors start circulating and nobles want the information you’re supposedly to have on you.”
***
Local Adventurers Guild Office, Guild Master Torgin POV
Finished in scaring the young merchant, I look him more closely. He is of an average height, with a lean body, wearing a clean set of light green traveling clothes and leather boots, with a grey woolen cloak on his back. Dark brown hair tied to a short ponytail, with a pleasing, yet common, facial features. Has a short beard under his shin, that was now shaking nervously as he tried to get a sound of his mouth. He was gripping a pouch on his belt, from which a dagger was hanging on the opposite hip.
Maybe I should stop circulating my mana, poor man obviously hasn’t had training with it. I thought to myself as I stopped reinforcing myself. “Now that you know the situation, why don’t you take a seat and start from the beginning.”, I said as I waved towards the pair of chairs in front of my desk.
With a start, the young man started walking across the room, stumbling slightly as his foot caught the carpet. Blushing, the merchant proceeded to sit on the chair.
Nodding to myself, I said to the very nervous merchant, “Now, why don’t you introduce yourself first, and then tell me how you came upon the information upon this new dungeon.”.
With a slight stammer, the merchant then proceeded with his side of the story.
***
“... and then he gave me this pouch, with a map and couple herbs gathered from the dungeon”, Deithus finished as he placed the pouch upon my desk.
Rubbing the bridge of my nose around the scar, I groaned to myself. “Someone always gets greedy when finding a new dungeon, getting themselves and others, dead. Luckily the other hunter managed to escape from the dungeon creatures. From the sound of it, it should be a young one, with snakes and other small animals within.”
Snorting, I then continued, “Well, the hunter learned his lesson, although he might never view the rabbits he used to hunt the same ever again. It’s the first I hear someone being driven crazy by a bunch of furry critters, even dungeon born ones.”, laughing to myself, I saw the confused look on the face of Deithus. I proceeded to open the pouch and looked over the herbs, sensing a good amount of residual mana in them. Certainly grown in mana-rich soil. Nodding to myself I took a look in the map, seeing that the marked area was already within the mapped area. Definitely points towards either a young dungeon, or the young merchant got duped by wrong information.
“Pardon me for asking, but what does the dungeon born mean?”, the young merchant asked with confusion evident on his voice.
Shrugging to myself, I answered “Ah, that’s how we call dungeon creatures. See, as they can create almost anything, even a bunch of killer rabbits, why don’t we then see more of these monsters along with normal ones already outside the dungeons?”
Chuckling at the still confused merchant, I continued without waiting for his answer, “The creatures created by the dungeon can’t survive outside for long. As soon as the creatures leave the dungeon, the mana of the dungeon starts dissipating, eventually killing them. This usually happens within an hour, and the same happens when we kill the creature in dungeons. Most of the mana dissipates in the air, with a remnant mana of different types, such as fire or earth, staying within the carcass.”
Leaning on the desk with my elbows, I locked my gaze on Deithus. “Now you see why the dungeons are so lucrative. They provide a wide variety of different materials, keep to themselves unless provoked, and most of all, they can learn how to make different materials, plants, creatures, or even weapons and armors. Currently we are lacking a proper vantage point for our forays in the wilderness, as just building a town without a source of revenue isn’t enough, making the true worth of this dungeon even greater. Now, as this dungeon is young, with any luck we can make it very profitable endeavor. Not to mention the resources we can find in the surrounding areas. The worth of this new dungeon is too high to let greedy nobles to handle it, as there are countless examples of them turning the dungeon hostile with unfair contracts they make with them. From what you can do now, is to get a backing of your own, before you’re implicated in the politics around this dungeon.”
Seeing the young merchant growing serious from the explanations regarding the dungeon, I continued observing the youngster, interested in the choice he’ll make. Earlier I saw nothing from his demeanor that would suggest him deceiving me. Yet it is still possible that the crazed hunter was wrong. After thinking for a while, he then opened his mouth, “Master Torgin, I’d like to associate myself with the adventurers guild, and open a store of my own near the dungeon as a reward for this information.”
Looking at the now very serious young merchant, I broke in a laughter. His confused face started growing ashamed as I managed to calm myself down. “Now now, I wasn’t laughing at your desire to join under our guild, I was just amused from how little you want. You obviously don’t know how much money the information of this particular dungeon truly is worth, do you?”, without waiting Deithus to answer, I proceeded with my talk, “Now, I can certainly provide the reward you suggested, and I will add something on top of it, when we confirm the location of the dungeon. Depending on the surrounding area, your shop will be placed in a premium location, in the central square of the new town. Moreover, we will build it next to our guild hall location over there for extra security, and provide you with five hundred gold coins.”
As I kept talking, Deithus’ mouth kept opening more and more, as his eyes started glazing over. I snapped my fingers to make him focus again, “Now don’t get too excited yet, lad. We still gotta confirm your information. Of course, while we’re waiting results, we will make a binding contract. Seeing as I can’t sense mana from you, we will be using your blood to activate a soul contract item. Now, before you grow worried, this is a normal procedure when you get to a high enough position, or handle a lot of money. The item basically allows us to make a contract magic users, internal or external, can make without. As a bonus, no one can tamper with the contract after it has been done without both of us agreeing to it.” Seeing his eyes glazing over, I sigh.
“We can work out the details later. Now, you should sleep in the guild from now on, to avoid the questioning of the other parties. I will arrange a scouting party for appraising the dungeon. Now, excuse me for a moment, I’ll send someone to bring refreshments in a moment.”, I said as I grabbed the pouch with the map and herbs, and headed towards the door, grinning as I got away from never-ending pile of paperwork.
Maybe I should ask relocation if this new dungeon really is there. Let someone else argue with nobles, and I’ll get to do some real work once in awhile. I thought as I walked through the hallway with a spring in my step.
***
Faran’s Dungeon, Faran’s POV
I watched as Elan kept laughing at my latest addition of special bosses. I refused to acknowledge him as a guardian. By the unknown darkness that is the both the void and a hole between your buttocks, THAT is not gonna be my guardian!
Looking at the half a meter tall, seventy centimeters long, light brown streak of fur bouncing and skittering happily all over the caves, while chirping happily with a high-pitched tone, I despaired. Even my bloodthirsty bunnies changed their nature after gaining a name? Merro, The Slasher Bunny, grew sleeker, and his claws sharpened noticeably. Currently he is very happy for gaining a name. While he was bouncing around, a group of smaller snakes interrupts him, and happy chittering turn to a screech of rage, as he starts dashing amongst the snakes with a hit-and-run tactics, slashing them to pieces. Elan looks forlorn as the happy bunny turned to a psychopathic slasher, as the smaller snakes are cut to a chunks of meat, splashing the pieces, guts and blood all over the stalagmites and the cave interior. Merro started chittering happily again, and kept bouncing all over the cave, eventually starting to roam the network of caves.
“Fine, it is still your creation. Turning from a happy bunny, to a berserk slasher within a mere moment, wouldn’t be possible otherwise. And I was looking forward to seeing something more… normal within here.”, Elan said sullenly, as the previous failure of me producing a bouncing, happily chittering, normal monster bunny was washed away with some good old blood and gore.
“But I still refuse to add a bunny amongst the guardians! And no squirrels either! If you want something furry amongst them, there is already Renzi.”, I told to Elan, as he had wanted me to try and create a fluffy guardian for his resting area as I was experimenting anyways.
Elan took a serious pose, standing straight as he clasped his hands behind his back, and talked with pride, “I refuse to acknowledge that beast among the fluffy furries, no matter how great his fur feels! He is not soft and cuddly!”.
I snorted at Elan’s views of fluffy animals. As he can now do what he wants, and I’m enabling his obsessions, he has grown overly enthusiastic of small, fluffy animals.
“I rather focus upon upgrading the second floor monsters. At least Izael, The Obscure Assassin turned out right, as she acts like she should and is smarter than Renzi or Merro. Even if she is rather prideful.”, I commented at how the scaly second guardian of mine turned out.
Elan immediately turned indignant, “Prideful?! She outright ignored me with a huff!”.
“It wasn’t that bad, she’s just shy. And the way her tail twitches when she’s happy is cute. She is still at the size of 4 meters, thick as a human calf. Only her teeth and poison were upgraded by a large margin. Although I really like her new coloring of dark green.”, I quickly defended Izael, as I was most happy with how she turned out.
“She slapped me with her her tail! That wasn’t a twitch!”, Elan yelled at me.
“No no no, that was a twitch, after all when I talked to her, she did that all the time.”
“I still have a bruise on my chest from that!”
“Fine fine, I will tell her to not give any more love taps to you.”, I finished with a snicker.
“I will now go and rework the creatures in the second floor. This might take me a while.”, I told the still fuming Elan as I moved my focus on the second floor.
Maybe I should start small, like squirrels or bunnies? Or the small snakes? I wondered as I hummed happily in my mind.