Dungeons are born with the knowledge to be able to grow and take care of themselves. Whether that's in the wilderness, surrounded by nature and monsters, or closer to the human populace. They can be a source of revenue for a town, helping them grow substantially. Or they can be the polar opposite, which makes them a threat to their own existence, killing everything in sight. It all depends on the Dungeon Core itself.
No two are alike as they have their own individual identity, consciousness and monsters.
Adventurers must choose their words carefully whilst moving inside the dungeon as the floors and walls are part of the mysterious creature's body.
One rule about dungeons remains as true today as it did at the time of its creation.
If you come across an unguarded dungeon, you should not enter and it should be reported straight away so that it may be classified a category and destroyed if needed. You never know what kind of monstrosities might be waiting in the dark.
Safety is never a laughing matter.
- Excerpt from the Worldpedia. Chapter 4. Dungeons.
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Awakening to darkness, I open my eyes before realising that I'm in an unfamiliar place. Believing that I'm still partially dreaming, I begin carrying out my morning routine. I try to stretch out my arms, but a wave of fear crashes down over me instead. Immediately, carrying out the simple motion that I've done thousands of times, I notice some thing's wrong.
My arms are gone!
Worse yet, the strange phenomenon isn't only limited to my arms. I don't seem to possess any of my limbs. None.
Legs, arms, head.
All gone!
It begs the quesrion 'How am I able to see?' And more importantly, what's happened to my body? Wait. Do I still have a body? Where is it?
Butterfly's flutter in my non-existent tummy and a cold sweat runs down my back as I take in the only object in sight. A gorgeous, green crystal. Pulsing a soft, green light, the small gemstone looks to be worth more gold than a Lord's manor.
What the hell is going on!?
A conversation springs to mind that I try to forget, but can't. Not that it would help. Unable to ignore it, I start to panic and break down.
No.
No. No. No.
Don't be silly. I can't be, can I?
I'm not... A Dungeon Core?
Not that I've ever seen one before to be certain, but I'm told this is what they're supposed to look like. Only, maybe a little bigger? The whole Dungeon is supposedly controlled by this tiny gem that acts as the heart and soul of the supernatural creature. Destroying one grants Adventurers special powers. Depending on the strength of the dungeon, that is, and also at the price of being labelled a criminal if caught.
That's ridiculous though.
This is obviously one of those crazy-strong dreams. The kind where you feel as though you're awake, but you're actually not. I mean, it has to be. I am definitely not a Dungeon Core. If that's even close to the truth then... Then... What am I going to do? Then again, I could be dead. I might not be that stunning emerald, which makes me feel quite sad actually, but a ghost instead?
That could be a thing.
Right?
Dungeon Core........ Please enter a name
Noooo!
I don't want to be a stupid Dungeon Core. It doesn't matter how nice gem is.
Fear sinks its claws in deeper into my soul and imaginary tears spill from my non-existent eyes.
How did this even happen?
The last thing I remember is being with my party.
We had taken a contract that required us to kill a group of Ogres that were camped in the forest. Now, Ogres are quite tough. Not that we're amateurs or anything, but neither are we masters of our respective trades. We are confident in our abilities though and most importantly, have trust in each other.
Before we reached the Ogres, we came across my least-favorite monsters. Goblins. After killing a small group loitering around, we found their cave. Having already put a fair distance between us and Orad, we decided to clear it out and rest inside. Shockingly enough, that cave turned out to be a Dungeon.
Instead of returning and reporting the dungeon, as good adventurers should, we decided to try and make some money first. And it went well. Really well.
We were selling loot to travelling merchants before returning for another load. Staying out of cities and, never using the same person twice and hoping not to get caught. At the risk of expulsion from the guild, we decided to do one last run before reporting the unclassified Dungeon. Racking up quite a catch, we called it on the Seventh floor. Deciding to rest there before leaving, Anya taking my watch was the last thing I remember before everything turned... Wrong.
Wrong. Wrong. Wrong!
I don't wanna be a dungeon. I wanna be me again. Like I was before.
Why is this happening to me!?
Surely someone has done this to me on purpose. Someone must have killed me! Was it my friends? No, I don't believe that. What if it was the Dungeon we were in?
That actually sounds plausible. I mean... Dungeons eat people all the time, right? It only makes sense it would kill me whilst I slept. But how did my friends not notice during their watch?
Were they killed too?
If so, then where are they? Why am I the only one here? And why am I bright, jade diamond!?
It doesn't make any sense.
Dungeon Core........ Please enter a name
My name is Abi! Stop calling me Dungeon Core.
And I'm human, not a Dungeon.
Name Confirmed:
Dungeon Core Abi has been registered
Entrance will open in 24 hours:
Unfortunately, you are not human anymore. Please make adequate preparations during this time. Otherwise, you will die.
Wait, what? No. Hold on. What do you mean die?
Dungeon Core Abi:
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
1 Room
0 Monsters
0 Traps
Current DP available:
20/20
What?
Is that... My status?
That's not what I asked for.
And it tells me nothing!
What do you mean, I could die?
As you only have one room, anyone could destroy your Core quite easily once your Dungeon opens.
Even a Goblin, with a stick.
Hey!
That's a little harsh. I'm in the middle of a crisis right now and you're saying I might die again tomorrow? By a dirty Goblin as well!
What's your problem?
I was human yesterday and now, I'm a Dungeon Core. What's it going to be next? Will I be a monster tomorrow!?
That thought scares the hell out of me.
I really don't want to turn in to a monster. Then again, I don't want to be a Dungeon Core either.
Why can't I just be me again?
The only way to become human again is by utilising the reincarnation cycle. However, the chances of that happening are slim at best.
Here comes the waterworks.
Can I even cry? It's doubtful.
Stupid, stupid, stupid Dungeon.
Why did I let Kal talk me into that last run? If I would have known that something like this was going to happen... I shouldn't have come here.
Dungeon Core Abi, do you wish to die here?
Don't be stupid. Why would I want that? In fact, who would want that? Do you want to die here... Whoever you are?
I cannot die. I have no form and am only a program. One of many that are linked to Dungeon Cores to provide help and advice. I keep track of your Dungeon Points, your regeneration rate, as well as the location of monsters and intruders on all floors. I can also provide you with a list of items available to purchase with your DP.
I just want my body back. That's all. I don't care about points or lists right now. I just want to be able to move!
Then you must reach Level 10 by expanding your dungeon. You will unlock a projection skill that matches your wishes.
That means I don't have to stay as a pretty gemstone all my life.
Unfortunately, you are now the Dungeon Core and will remain as such until you die. Manifestation will make you appear as... Something else. It also lets you interact with those inside the Dungeon. Over time you will be able to improve the ability, but it is a long way off. I suggest focusing on the present.
So... I'll never be human again in this life?
Sadly not. But on a more positive note, I am here to help. May I start by suggesting that you make a purchase with your DP? Your points will then start to regenerate and can be used again when full. This will result in the chance of death reducing slightly.
I burst into tears.
I don't want to be a dungeon!
How long can I cry over this? Apparently, not long because people will be coming to kill me as soon as I'm open for business. Which is less than 24 hours away. As much as I want to wallow in self pity, I've got to do something. Sitting around waiting to die will get me nowhere and seeing how I've managed to bag myself a helper, I would be foolish to ignore their advice.
I have no idea how to be a dungeon so I'm going to need all the help I can get.
Helper?
I am the Voice Activated User Notification System. You may address me however you wish.
That a right mouthful. Voice Activated User Notification System. Gods, that rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it?
Hmm?
Distracting myself from the awful reality that's now my life, I try to come up with a better name for my helper. The bulky name it has now is no good and I certainly don't want to say all that every time I have to ask a question. I need something easy to call it, like Sam, or Max.
Let's think...
Its a special programme that's designed for me. It's also part of me now and is going to help me grow without getting destroyed or killed in the process. I'll be honest. I've always been rubbish with names so let's try and keep it simple. Really simple.
In fact, let's make it as simple as simple can be.
I'm going to call you, Me.
Me? My prior statement where I regarded that anything would be fine still applies, but Me seems to be rather awkward.
Hehe.
I can't help but giggle. I know it's childish, but it takes my mind away from the horror that's now life.
It sounded perfect to me. It's also nowhere near as long as Voice Activated User Notification System.
Quite. I suppose any name will suffice as it is just a means of garnering one's attention. Now, I suggest that you make a purchase quickly as you have already wasted a good amount of time. I will show you what's available from the categories you have unlocked.
Available Purchases:
Goblin 3 DP
Wolf 5 DP
Pitfall Trap 5 DP
Rogue (Special) 10 DP
Random Gacha 10 DP x2
Tunnel 5 DP
Room 20 DP
Looking at the list floating before me, I wipe away a non-existent tear with an imaginary hand. I'm still on the verge of a breakdown, but I'm trying my best to fight it off. There's no time to waste, according to Me, so let's put my best foot forward.
Staring at the prices, however, all I can think is, why does it cost so much? Shouldn't things be cheaper than this for a newborn Dungeon Core? And why the hell are the Goblins the cheapest Monsters on the list? Screw them. Let's see, if I purchase a room then I'll have no defence for when I'm attacked. So that's out... A tunnel is no use yet either without anything to connect it to. Also out.
That leaves fewer options to consider. I've already chosen to ignore the option of summoning cheap and smelly Goblins. Who would want to purchase those ugly-little beasts, right?
What's a Gacha?
A random summon. It includes every feature and monster available across all Dungeons.
That actually sounds quite good and I find myself really wanting to purchase a Gacha, but the (special) Rogue option steadies my hand. That was my class when I was still human. With sentiment pulling on my heartstrings, my decision is swayed and I make my first purchase.
The Gacha will have to wait.
A bright blue light erupts into existence inside the small, dark cave. It pushes and ripples the air around it, growing steadily until it becomes the size of a person. After a few seconds, it begins to fade until it disappears completely. A female Rogue is left behind on the cold floor of the Dungeon and I'm shocked. Not because she appeared from nowhere, but because I created her.
Me.
With my crazy dungeon voodoo magic points.
That... Was... Amazing!
Thankfully, she's not naked and is wearing your basic Rogue gear. A cheap, leather-breastplate, chausses that cover her thighs and knee-length boots. Gloves hide her skin and a cowl covers her face. A small, crude-looking dagger hangs at her side finishing her attire.
From the features I can see, her chin and lips, she looks young. Definitely human too. Dark curls of divine, green hair escape her hood and cover her neck, reminding me of what I've lost.
She also appears to be level 1.
I wonder if that's because of how I summoned her?
Can I make her stronger? Not that it matters now, but she will get stronger right?
Quite. Your monsters need XP to level up, just like did when you were human. You can also make them stronger during creation by adding more DP. Anything you create this way will be enhanced to a certain degree, but lower-level Cores shouldn't dabble in this practice. If a high level monster is discovered in a starter Dungeon you may be deemed a threat and an army might be dispatched to eliminate you.
Wait? What?
No!
What's that about? I haven't even done anything yet. I most certainly do not want that happening.
Next monster, Dungeon Core Abi.
It's just Abi! Not Dungeon Core Abi, OK?
Next monster then, Abi. Preferably a normal one.
That's better.
Pulling my mind away from an inevitable death at the hands of adventurers, knights or Goblins with sticks, I kind of listen to my advisor and spend my points on the random Gacha x2. Not a normal monster like I was advised to choose, but it will be a monster nonetheless.
C'mon! Momma needs a Dragon for protection!
Once again the cave is lit by the glow of summoning. This time, however, the light that appears is a vibrant orange. More beautiful than any sunset, it covers much more of the room than the little glow my Core my gives off and it keeps growing. Growing. It's much larger than when the rogue materialised and eventually wipes out the remaining darkness my small room was harbouring.
That's when I realised that wishing for a Dragon probably wasn't the smartest idea. Really, I should have been wishing for something small, adorable and not life-threatening at all. Something no one is going notice.
The summoning light becomes an enormous, swelling mass. It's almost like a sun has formed inside my dungeon and the worrying part is that it's almost reached my Core. Panic sets in again as the thought of my pretty, green crystal shattering causes me to fret. A second death looming over me.
Is that monster even going to fit in here?
What is it?
Oh no, please no.
Please don't break my heart!