It took over 3 hours for Eric to reach Orad, running the whole distance. That itself was quite the accomplishment. No stops were made, neither to relieve himself or eat, as his mind was set on one goal.
Katrina Katova's position of the apprentice being stripped from her.
How fitting that would be.
Knowing his father would approve, the tale he had spun was ready. His jealousy of Katrina coupled with his ambition to follow in his father's footsteps compelled him to put on this show.
Eric burst into the guild, tears running down his face, "Father!"
A loud thump, followed by thunderous footsteps and Elric came bursting through the inner doors. He quickly scanned the room before his eyes landed on his son. "Are you hurt? Where have you been? Do you know how worried I was when they said you weren't in your room? I was just about send the Knights to look for you."
Eric is wrapped in an embrace and knows he's already won the medal for best storyteller of the year in his fathers eyes. It wouldn't really matter what he said to be honest. For Elric, his sons word was law.
With the Knights all dressed up and ready to go, an assortment of villagers and adventurers were also present to see them off. The perfect crowd listened to Eric's tale of woe.
Believing Katrina had a secret that made her better than him, Eric told everyone that she had been entering unclassified Dungeons without approval all along and he now had proof. He had followed her and found the location of a new Dungeon. One not marked in the map in Orad's adventurers guild.
He swayed their opinion by telling them she wanted the Core's power for herself. Saying that's how she became so talented, even for an apprentice. He said he tried to warn her, to talk her out of entering, to stop her from destroying the Dungeon Core.
But, he had failed.
Katrina had already turned power crazy and abused the apprentice title she possessed. Sprouting nonsense about being entitled to its power. It would be hers soon anyway, so why should she wait?
These were all lies of course, but Eric was great at spinning the truth.
It was, after all, a crime to enter an unclassified dungeon. Even if that person was the apprentice of the current Expert. They had yet to become fully-fledged Catergorisers themselves and can only enter Dungeons when accompanied by the sanctioned official.
Overhearing the story being told his son no less, Elric could contain his smile. The same smile his son had spotted not that long ago when he also had the same idea.
Stroking his beard, Elric had found the the perfect opportunity to rid himself of the over-talented apprentice that outshone his son at every turn. The person who was almost guaranteed to take his job when his tenure ended. This was the best time to cement his bloodline in the upper hierarchy of Ishda. To do that they needed to keep the reins and get rid of the do-gooder Katrina Katova.
With a devilish smile still-plastered across his face, Elric combed his hair back and ordered the Knight captain to have the men ready to depart within the hour. The trip would be long, so they need more than searching supplies.
Informing the villagers that they were going to apprehend Katrina, Elric wanted to make sure there were no flaws in his plan. If he somehow wasn't able to get rid of her, he would make sure Lord Aldus had to hold her accountable for her actions. Having her dismissed as his apprentice would be good enough to make sure his son took the Expert title.
With Eric's story finished and the crowd critiquing the missing apprentice, the first step was already complete. Elric downed a mug of ale before retiring to his room to let out his joy.
Alone in his room, the Categorisation Expert praised the Gods for granting him such a bountiful opportunity and his son also for hand delivering it. Thinking of ways he could accidentally kill Katrina off inside the Dungeon, Elric couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
It was going to be a good day for their family.
-Eric, and Elric, Highgrove.
Dungeon Catergoriser Apprentice and Dungeon Categoriser Expert.
----------------------------------------
Moving on from my last bout of idiocy, I get Ali to accompany our guest since Dropper looks like she could do with a break. Once Katrina is reluctantly peeled away from her relieved babysitter, we finally get the show on the road.
Exiting the lovely Rogues' Retreat, we step out beneath the awning and Iet Katrina take it in. Although, the apprentice isn't the only one shocked. Ali's eyes dart around the room faster than our guests. I suppose it's understandable though. She was probably expecting to see the same tunnels she sees everyday.
Not anymore, girl. Space is the new selling point of this floor.
It's still a lot to take in for Katrina. She was passed out when the Hana and Mira carried her to the Retreat so she didn't see my tunnels. Which is actually a good thing. What was I thinking?
Katrina looks to Ali for assistance, but is out of the luck. The chef is trying to make out the building she can see in the distance.
"What's that over there, Master?" Ali is pointing at the Shed of Salvation and I'm not surprised she can't make out what it is. It's tiny. Hell, I can hardly see it either and by the way Katrina is squinting, I don't think she can see it at all.
I tell her and all I get is an," Oh," for my troubles. Followed by a, "What's that?" as she points at another building. I can see where this going and I tell her to wait. That's what the tour is for after all.
The heat of the sun shines down on us from above and both women shield their eyes while they adjust. I feel neither the heat or a strain on my optical senses so, ha. Guess I'm winning.
"Why is it so bright?" Ali's on a roll with the questions, but I wasn't expecting it to be her asking them.
"What's the Dungeon saying? And why are you asking so many questions? Don't you live here?"
I suppose it seems strange to Katrina, since Ali is supposed to be more knowledgeable than she seems. It's not her fault she spends all day cooking in the kitchen if the Retreat though. If anyone should be blamed, it's me for not summoning her some helpers.
But let's not argue over the semantics of who's in the wrong. There's a tour to conduct. Afterwards, there might be a cooking feature somewhere kicking around on my list that a hard-working Rogue like Ali would appreciate. She does seem to kick ass in the culinary department. If my monsters and the Catergoriser are to believed.
Both women gawp the entire way to the Guard House. Neither can hold a candle to Peaches, but they make comical runner ups.
"I... Haven't seen this before. Did this happen earlier, Master? Is this why I felt so much pain?" They can be quite intuitive sometimes these Rogues.
"You felt that? Did everyone feel it?" Ali nods sympathetically. "The room was created after Katrina passed out. Someone did something and something else happened as a result, but it's fine now. There's no need to pass blame out so don't worry over it."
Ali nods again. This time she's sporting a massive grin, however. I'm not gong to say anything about it though, I'm a master of misdirection.
"I was thinking about purchasing the cooking feature for you. Would you like that?" Ali almost misses her step, but manages not trip, before continuing to follow me with Katrina.
"You don't have to do that. I'm more than comfortable cooking at Talia's. She's got everything I need." Ali's modesty is appreciated, but the tension as she clenches her jaw is a dead give away.
I let her known that I plan on building it anyway and at the mention of someone taking the position, Ali firmly shoots down my proposal. Then accepting the position herself without having to be asked a second time.
Yeah. That's what I thought.
After it a few upgrades, the person in charge may end up being able to offer contracts. Just like the Retreats' owner can.
"You should build the kitchen as soon as possible. I can't wait to see how it looks. Or how it upgrades at least. First impressions aren't everything, so they say. I can't wait to have my own building." With hesitation a thing of the past, Ali's true colours are in display.
I love these guys
The prospect of an upgrade is a big deal for everyone. Even monsters, huh?
Everyone, even myself, strives to be the best they can be.
If I had eyebrows, remember?
"The Dungeon Core is going to create you a Kitchen? Where does the food come from?" Katrina watched Ali's one-sided conversation, but still managed to catch the gist of what we were on about. Before asking a question she was probably better off not asking.
"Yes!" Ali can't keep the jubilation out of her voice as she grabs the hands of the taken-back apprentice, jumping up and down.
"I made your food in The Retreats' kitchen but my master is going to create a special feature just for me. I'm so happy. I'll get to be like Talia!" Releasing the still-startled Categoriser, Ali skips ahead and we finally arrive at the Guard House.
Well, maybe not just like Talia.
I can't see you having two Taskmasters. Then again, I didn't even know what they were before yesterday.
"Who's Talia? Is she the blonde that saved me?" The mention of a different name peaks Katrina's interest. She seems to be relaxing around the people I've summoned now, who are technically monsters, but again, semantics. A monster should be described by its acts, not how they look.
"No, that's Dropper. Her and Light are the ones that saved you." Ali sets her straight without even being told to. So far she's the best interpreter I've had. Hell, I don't even think she needs me here, but where else would I go?
"Light? That's a weird name for a woman. Also, what sort of name is Dropper?" She calls the one who named the Rogues out on her bullshit, stabbing my emotions in the process. I'm lucky my Core wasn't damaged any further.
I get it. I already apologised. And it's not my fault if she doesn't want to change it now, right? Plus, there are a lot of worse names I could have called her in my strop. Imagine if I called her Alfred? How bad would that have been. Any regular person would have known something was up with her. At least this way she can get it away with it.
After justifying myself to no one besides myself, I realise Katrina's not going to be happy when Ali corrects her on whose name's whose. On cue, the Rogue-turned-rogue throws me under the cart and informs Katrina that Dropper is actually the female. Frowning and certainly more annoyed than I thought she would be, Katrina questions my naming skills once more.
"What? Why is she called Dropper? Is your master a tyrant? Does the dungeon make you do cruel and evil things only to belittle you by calling you names?" She slanders me with her words and I'm cut deep.
Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!
I'm not that bad, I promise. I really did offer to change her name. I know it was stupid of me in the first place, but I'd just been turned into a dungeon Core. I think I deserve a some slack because of that.
"Nothing like that, silly. Dropper just happened to be the first Rogue to bring one home when the master was going through an existential crisis. She had only just been turned into a Dungeon you see and Dropper, she... Well, she just dropped it right on the floor and that's how she got her name." Ali giggles as she rationalises the thought-making-process of Abi the One Day Old.
Katrina doesn't seem convinced and states to get the truth from Dropper herself later. The reason being was that Ali's explanation was lacking. Letting her know, I tell her to add more detail.
"Master hates Goblins," was all she added. Thanks, Ali. Thanks.
I'd like to say a wave of understanding wash over the face of our guest, but it didn't. Instead, Katrina looks more irritated than she did before and confusion is the only thing washing her face.
Someone once said, there are no stupid questions.
"Why does she hate Goblins?"
Let me tell you, that person was wrong.
Unable to answer, I'm caught off guard by the outrageous question that was just spoken aloud in my Dungeon. It's a good job I didn't summon Katrina, because I might have just dismantled her there and then.
But seriously, why? Does she like Goblins, or what? Are we going to have a problem?
I thought everyone hated Goblins.
I mean if she really wants to know, I'll tell her.l exactly how I feel.
"Get ready, Ali..."
"My master has a vehement dislike dor Goblins. They're horrendous creatures and should be exterminated with extreme prejudice. They're disgusting, ugly and they always flash their little peckers whilst running through the woods. It's gross and disgusting. They eat children and commit atrocious acts on the women they kidnapped that are never seen again. If they ever were to return to society, they wouldn't be the same as they were. Kind of like what you're harbouring right now, if we're honest." The last part caught her attention the most.
Having just likened Talos the Defiler to your everyday Goblin, Katrina actually snickered. My joke my have been in poor taste, but at least she caught the important part.
"They are malicious, little bastards who breed like flies and eat like pigs. They're the scum of Tironia and a plague to everything that is beautiful. Ugly faces and green skin have no place in my..."
"OK. OK. I get it. She doesn't like Goblins. That was... Yeah." She disrupts my monologue, which was only just getting started before asking a tricky question, "Why is the Dungeon Core so... Human? There are buildings inside with people running them. Yet you're all actually... I don't mean this offensively so please don't take it that way, but you're all... Monsters. And you're all living here like... Real people. Really, damn, beautiful people. How's that even possible?"
At least her sanity has returned a little more now. When she had Dropper in the bear hug earlier, I was a little worried. More about Katrina than Dropper, but it was still worrying. It also sounds extremely nice to hear that the beauty factor in my Dungeon isn't biased.
As much as I'd like to tell her, 'I was a human too', I just can't.
It's not that I'm unable to, I just don't want too.
Maybe it's an inherent dungeon emotion that doesn't want me socialising with the enemy, or giving away secrets...
There's no such thing.
... or I might just not trust her completely yet.
Better?
Quite.
I explain some of facts that people thought they knew about dungeons. Nothing too major and nothing that Me would agonise over. As I'm doing that, I casually throw the Dungeon Cores secondary objective into the conversation. I embellish it a little by adding a few words to make it sound believable, like the fact that I have to aid and benefit mankind.
Pretty confident that Ali's beauty and innocence could even charm my Con Men, I chalk it up as a job well done and continue the tour as she leads Katrina into the Guard House.
I didn't miss her disgusted look when she saw the shameful living conditions of those that saved her life. I could see she dissapproved, but she held back since that wasn't out destination.
Yeah. I know what she was thinking. They're shoddy, so what?
At least they're better than tents, right?
Absolutely.
Thanks, Me. It's nice knowing someone's got my back.
I mean the Shacks. They're unbelievably shoddy.
Oh. Well.. At least The System thinks so. She said it before I did. And if you think they're that bad, I'll just have to upgrade them.
Have you already managed to forget what happened the last time you did that today?
Not likely. I doubt I will ever forget that experience and don't underestimate my genius, Me.
A single thought fluttered through my mind as I was reminded of the shoddy Shacks. So simple that I'm wondering why I didn't think of it earlier. Not that I would have been able to do anything in account of Katrina.
Genius?
You'll see.
We pass through the partially rebuilt Guard House where Mira and Hana welcome us on our arrival. "Master, Ali, welcome. Since you are with our Master, we're obligated to greet and treat you well also. Welcome."
Obligated? That was also harsh. I know I joked about being the Dictator, but you guys are taking it too far now.
"Thank you. My name is Katrina. It's a pleasure to be here." Taking in the feature, her face betrays her words, but I get it. This feature isn't like the Retreat. None of them are, yet. The only thing we have going for us at the moment, is the fact that everyone here is an absolute stunner.
Need an Idol?
Come to Abi's. I've got you covered.
They are just complying to your law.
Still. She could have phrased it better, or just left it out completely.
Anyway. It's time to show you my genius.
This will be good.
Oh, ye of little faith. Watch and learn my Voice Activated User Notification System. Watch and learn.
Oh and this bit is super important so don't forget and make sure you remember what I say, OK?
OK.
Most Dungeons... Are stupid!
With the insult to other Cores hanging in the air, I make the three Rogues escort Katrina to the entrance of my Dungeon before they all step outside.
As soon as she steps over the threshold, a weight I didn't know I was carrying is lifted from my Core.
Ahhh. That's what I'm talking about, Me.
She left. She actually left. You asked her to go outside... And she did.
Hehe. I know.
Simple, right?
Quite. It really does make a difference having monsters that can communicate with humans.
If I keep this up, I might start going by Abi the Genius.
If that were the case, your Core would not be in pieces right now.
Always with the harsh logic, Me.
I'm really glad I have 5 floors right now. My Core is much further from the surface than it used to be. If I was in that state that when Peaches the Priceless arrived, I may very well have crumbled away in the presence of her cuteness.
Bringing my stats up shows me how far I am from my next level, which is quite far so I close it in a huff. I suppose, in a strange kind of way, this aspect of life is similar to that of a human. Every level always requires more XP than the last, just like the class system.
System?
Hmm. System?
Hmm.
A nagging feeling tugs away at the back of my mind, and I'm not talking about Me. I don't have time from introspection right now as Katrina and the others are waiting on me. It doesn't appears to be raining from my limited point of view, but I don't want to keep them out there any longer than necessary. Saying that, I choose the upgrade for Shack City since Katrina's judgemental attitude left me feeling like a bad landlord.
Shack City has been upgraded to Hospitable Homes:
Proper properties made from actual bricks
From Shack to Home all amenities a Rogue might need are provided within these modest walls
A new feature has been unlocked:
Hospitable Home: 10DP
Reward:
8 XP
In the center of the first floor, the housing provided by Dungeon Core Abi surpasses expectations and breaka stands. From Shack to Home, like The System rightfully pointed out, houses with fully functioning featuring are now available to my general population.
Don't get me wrong, they're not mansions, but I shouldn't find myself catching another eye roll from Katrina at least. Not that I think she was dissin' my dungeon, but the standard of living her saviours were hacing to endure.
I get it.
Every building is a sandy yellow and has red roof. With four windows, two upstairs and two downstairs, a blue door and space for a garden, it's not too shaby anymore. It was good that this is a third-tier upgrade, otherwise they wouldn't be much better off than the She'd of Salvation. Although nothings as bad as a first tier feature.
I wonder what she'll think now?
It's not as though I did it for Katrina. Even if her impression might have moved it up my list, the people that sleep there definitely deserve them.
As I reach that conclusion, the very people I'm talking about rush over and start housing up. It makes me happy that they're excited having a proper place to calk home. Nobody moved that fast when it was upgraded to Shack City, let me tell you.
That's 80DP gone in the blink of an eye. 174 left.
For some reason, I create a small park by the western wall. Once I'm finished, I'm both happy and sad whilst also being slightly confused.
With a pond in the middle, I filled the entire area with grass and added footpaths for people to walk around. Being able to alter features came in handy since a lot of purchases come square shaped.
The ambience it creates beneath the blue sky once I'm finished is warm and friendly. But if the system wouldn't have given me a sun when I made my boo-boo, I don't think I would have ever created anything like this.
Who would walk around a park in the middle of a dark ass dungeon?
No one sane, that's for sure.
I wouldn't passed someone like Talon though.
Either way, people need somewhere to sit now and benches are going to create themselves. Selecting a Wooden Chair from my List, I stretch it length ways and add a little extra DP to reinforce the wood. Confirming it's location, the bench is created and I'm awarded with my second creation notification.
A new feature has been created:
Wooden Bench: 6DP
In total, I place four benches around the pond, adding resting points to the serene location. Now I'm going to have to ask my Rogues to bring some nice looking trees back. They might need a bigger party for that though? I'd like to get a nice variety going once everything's resolved.
Pushing away thoughts of The System giving me an actual park after my hard work, one that will probably look better than mine, I switch the Trap Room with the empty one for now so that I don't accidentally kill anyone.
I'm not as weak as I used to be, although my broken Core might beg to differ. There's a lot of distance between the damaged heart of my dneim and the surface. Not too mention I'm making some good numbers with these monsters.
In the empty room next to my entrance, I summon two stone pillars and engrave rules into them using my will. These aren't to benefit those that already reside here. Instead, these are for people entering the Dungeon of their own volition.
I may have over estimated what I wanted to say, however. I only managed a few, but I can always add more over time.
For now, I have;
1. Do not cause harm to any other person inside the Dungeon. Attacking another person will be seen as attempted murder and you will be dealt with accordingly.
2. Disrespectful behaviour will not just be frowned upon. Action will be taken and, at best, you will be removed from the Dungeon. At worst, you will be removed by the dungeon.
I really wanted to write eaten on that last part, but I settled for emphasising instead because I couldn't see it going down well.
3. Tributes offered to the dungeon, will be accepted graciously.
Yeah, I know. They're weak at best, but my brain isn't functioning since I'm trying to speed though. I'm trying my best, but with my broken Core I'm scared strenuous brain activity might damage it more.
Seeing as how the creative juices don't seem to be flowing from me right now, I'll do an upgrade. They don't require me to be creative in any way.
The well that provided water to the Rogues has become obsolete since each home come with access to its own source of running water. In the street between the homes, the once-valuable feature has become more burden than benefit.
I use Examine and purchase the upgrade seeing how The System seems to be my best friend at the minute and has been helping me out more than is justifiable. Not that I know this as fact, rarher it's the general impression I'm receiving from her. Plus, this is a third tier upgrade. It should be good anyway, right?
Deep Well has been upgraded to Fishing Hole:
Since you no longer need this feature for water, it has changed into more to benefit the Core who created it
A new feature has been unlocked:
Adventurers are now able to earn XP in your dungeon by catching fish. The amount of XP they receive depends on quality of your fish.
New loot unlocked:
Rod of Reeling: 2DP
Awarded:
4 XP
See what I mean?
These descriptions seem to be her way of communicating, in a strange yet awkward way, or so I believe. Then again, I've been known to make an ass out of myself on a few occasions now. So I wouldn't put too much stock into my own ideas.
Either way, there is now a Fishing Hole instead of a Well blocking my street which needs moving this before I can let the ladies back in. Placing it beside the park, I'm trying to keep the relaxing features together. It seems like a good enough location for the moment and I'm pleased enough to call it.
Last minute purchases complete, it's time to get this tour started for real.