Outside the entrance, my Rogues bring Katrina in after I give them the all clear. I've done all I can and it's time to show it off.
Seeing how Katrina isn't the person I'd pegged her to be, I'm not as worried as was the last time she set foot inside my Dungeon. Knowing that she isn't destruction orientated either is a huge load off. Let's hope this tour goes well.
Or as well as something like touring inside a dungeon can. Now that there's a fully-functioning sun inside the mountain that houses my dungeon, it couldn't get any stranger. Let's be honest.
Regardless, this will be a good warm-up for when the real Categoriser turns up.
As we make our way back through the dungeon, Katrina notices the changes that have been made as I explain myself to Ali. She relays my information and I double down on my idea to borrow her whenever I have to talk to anyone from outside.
What's strange is that I'm unable to add anything to the small room that my houses my entrance. I can add tunnels that lead from it, but that's all I can do. It sucks, really.
The room after that has been turned into a welcoming area for adventurers. This seems to confuse Katrina, but she doesn't say anything. She just stares at Ali with skepticism written across her face.
It's not that bad, is it? There's rules to read and I'll even add some other features later. Why isn't she asking me about it?
She might be type that holds her questions till the end.
Fine. Let's see how long that lasts.
"Why did you get rid of the traps? Why do you have a hole in your wall? What were those large rocks for again, rules?" It wasn't long. Halfway down the tunnel to the Guard House, Katrina looked back before releasing her curiosity. I wish she didn't. She just pointed out a couple of flaws I didn't even realise where there.
First, I swear to the Gods that I closed off Barry's original tunnel. I can't do it now with Katrina in me, so I'll do that later. Second, the rules I have written for the adventurers are at the top of the monoliths. Right at the top.
For Core's sake.
At least I can explain the traps. I'm not telling her about the other two. I'm trying to come off as an intelligent Dungeon.
Confused as to why the man-eating dungeon would replace her primary defences with large stones that have nothing on, I get Ali to tell her that I'm still thinking of the rules. I don't even acknowledge the ball-sized hole in my wall.
"It was... An experiment." Until I gave in because she wouldn't stop asking. This Catergoriser knows more than she's letting on, I'm telling you.
Either way, I give her a curt reply before changing topics. Letting her in on a another Dungeon secret. Nothing that I deemed special though. Letting her know I can swap rooms and features at no cost aslong as there are no humans on the floor, it's only the last part that catches her attention.
The traps have been moved so that I don't accidentally kill anyone before they have the chance to show me they're not after my heart. I don't need potential suitor, thank you. People like that will be eaten with extreme prejudice by myself or Colin.
That sounds convincing, right? Not the part about me or Colin, but the not wanting to kill anyone by accident.
It sounds believable. More so coming from Ali.
I can't fault Me as he isn't wrong. Ali could sell rat skewers in future restaurant and people will probably still pay for them. She's a charmer that one. Her hair's the same vibrant green as mine was and her eyes match, ahh
It's almost like looking into a mirror. But even better because this image can cook like a boss.
"These rocks of rule, or rule rocks if you will, are there to inform my visitors of what 'is' or 'isn't' acceptable when entering me." I let Katrina know the reasoning behind their appearance is basically to show my hospitability and understanding nature.
Gentle, but firm. And sweet and succulent is always fine.
Abi!
Getting away from myself, we arrive at the Guard House. The defensive structure is placed in a way that it covers the entire exit and the doors that lead inside are the only way through. Hana and Mira would usually be inside, ready to question prospective visitors and guests.
People that are happy to oblige to the Dungeon's will are more than welcome to step into her paradise. If they're not we let them in any way. The chances of them leaving again, however, turn to ash the minute they pass the Priests or attack anyone
I've imposed my will and dictated my dictatorship. These guys should know who is and isn't fair game now.
As we enter the feature, I almost regret bumping Shack City up the queue instead of doing the Guard House. This place is still a ruin, even after the debris and clutter have been removed. The next upgrade takes it to tier three, so that's something. I can't wait till everything tier four like the Retreat.
My Dungeon will look banging then. Not that my points are anywhere near enough for that after my last spree.
I don't miss the disappointment on Mira's face as we leave them behind. They have a job to do after all and I've still got the five-star interpreter Ali with me. Although, her mood might be because I didn't upgrade their feature rather than the fact we're leaving them here.
I know, Mira. I feel your pain.
It saddens me to the Core and I feel worse than before over their conditions. Then I realise that these two Rogues have had a 24/7 position with no relief and I feel even worse.
I'll make sure to correct that mistake before upgrading the feature.
Everyone deserves time off and I swear, the whole Dictator thing was a joke.
It was just a joke.
Dungeonin' ain't cheap ya know.
Katrina's seen two rooms and a feature. Think she'll make it all the way around?
Her collapse was probably due to shock.
Yeah. Mira's a stunner, right?
Quite. That's not what I was referring to, however. It's more likely that it was Mira addressing you as Master, that did it. Plus, the surplus of goods you created her before she stepped inside didn't help.
Oh.I suppose that does makes more sense.
Hehe. You agreed that Mira was beautiful though.
You just... Caught me off guard.
That's shocking all on its own, but at least you know beauty.
Exiting the Guard House, we find ourselves back in the System-created room and the humans are immediately blinded by the light. I might have to find a way to dull the sunshine temporarily.
When their eyes adjust, I don't miss Katrina's shock at the houses further inside. Of she wasn't shocked so safe, she is now and that's exactly what I wanted. There isn't exactly an easy in' for a Dungeon Core to be accepted by society. It's even harder knowing that other Cores are out there belittling my efforts by doing what normal Cores do.
I could have done any upgrade I wanted in reality, but I chose what I needed based on someone else's oponion. I'm too impressionable. Anyway, what's done is done. It's lucky for me, the Expert is acting like I expected her too.
Being a former human, I know how appeal to there feelings.
Having already been in the sun-filled room before I politely kicked them out, that isn't anything new. The way the red, slat roofs catch the sun, however, is a different story and Katrina is quick to point out the living standards of her saviours should at least be that standard.
Is it strange that she still refers to them as people? Then again, don't I do the same thing? It's getting harder and harder to think of them as monsters now. I was just curious to know if Katrina would she still act the same way if Trixie was the one that saved her?
Probably. Trixie is a stunner.
We head down the street towards the Retreat and Katrina can't keep her facade from breaking. Sweet A and B catch her attention briefly, arguing over rooms outside the closest home. Ali also claims herself a detached house on the otherside as we pass and seeing the adorable smile on the face of my culinary hottie, I'm filled with the same happiness as she is.
The moment isn't lost on the apprentice either. She seems to be even more pleased with the recent upgrade after witnessing Ali's joy first hand. With a smile like that though, Ali can melt hearts faster than a fireball.
"How did you change all the huts so fast?" Biting her lower lip and looking super cute in the process, I almost gave away a secret that Me certainly wouldn't have been happy about because of a pose.
"First of all, they weren't huts. They were Shacks. If you're going to diss them, at least do it right. Second, I can't tell you that! It's super confidential Dungeon information that I don't feel comfortable sharing. Would you be happy sharing your bra size with any old adventurer? Exactly."
What if it was your friendly-neighbourhood Dungeon Core asking?
Abi!
Sorry. I was a just messing. I was mesmerised by how the sun was reflecting off her. I'm telling you, the beauty factor in this Dungeon is off the charts.
All I can see is the Catergoriser, cuddled up in Trixie's snow-white fur basking in the sunshine. Laid in a meadow whilst colourful flowers dance in the window, the rest of my family gather behind them for what-can-only-be-described-as a picture-perfect portrait.
Ali was the very first being I ever summoned and the feeling of power I had then is not lost on me now. I never would have imagined that the crowd before me now would swell to such numbers in such a short span of time.
All together and in one space for the first time, it honestly looks like a miniature army. If I didn't love the fact that I created them, I could definitely see myself being scared of them. Samantula especially.
Even some of those from the monstrous element of my Dungeon are fairly good looking. Violet and Peaches spring to mind. There's even potential to improve since they all have more evolutions to undergo.
I seriously think that making good-looking people is my superpower.
You do not have superpowers.
Are you sure, Me?
I was kind of stunned for a second back there. Katrina must be getting prettier whilst she's here, or something like that. It's a good thing she called the Shacks huts. I might not have been able to stop myself otherwise.
Maybe you just like women?
Woah!
Where did that come from, Me?
I'm not opposed to women, but I like everyone for your information. Everyone has the potential to become hotties.
Setting my companion set straight over the preferences of his Core, the tour continues.
The Rogues Retreat looks amazing under the sun and stands out superbly as the apprentice has noticed. It wants too for 160DP. The tier four feature is the best-looking building in my entire Dungeon and Katrina is blown away at its magnificence.
It confused me momentarily. I mean, not only did the apprentice eat here, but she slept in one of the suites too. She's definitely seen the inside of the Retreat. Then I remember that the indoor sun was sponging everyones attention when we left, not the structure itself.
Now that she is face to face with it though, she really is in awe. I suppose I've never really taken the time to look at all the details. I've been too busy Dungeonin' to take everything in. Having an actual person inside me is a good way to slow down and take stock of the little things.
For example. I never actually noticed that the feature has its own sign outside that says 'The Rogues' Retreat'. Big, white-tubed letters are displayed across the front of the building above the door. It's also rather large so how I missed that one, I have no idea.
I guess we'll never know.
May I offer a suggestion?
If it's that I'm not the most attentive person, then no.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
.....
Me!
Were you actually going to say that again?
I thought you would find it humorous.
Yeah, OK. It wasn't bad. I'd smile if I could.
Like Katrina?
Bigger, Me. Even bigger.
Knowing that I can't smile anymore, I take comfort in Katrina's. Until she turns to Ali and asks, "How is it possible for the Dungeon to create building like this?"
She's lost in wonder and to be fair, so am I. What can I say that would satisfy her curiosity without giving away too much?
Any idea, Me?
You could still kill her?
You know that's not happening.
Hmm. How about, "It was one of the features I was created with, but that's about all I can tell you, sorry." It's almost the truth, if you forget about the Rogues that had to be created to unlock it. Katrina begrudgingly accepts my answer whilst still muttering phrases like 'it shouldn't be possible' and 'it's so beautiful' for everyone to hear.
Passed the Retreat, we don't have to travel very far before we reach the next features. We're then greeted by Tara, Lara and Lucinda from the Shop of Secrets and the Cracked Cauldron.
"Hello, Master," they voice in unison on our approach.
"Hey ladies. Be nice to our guest, OK? Try not to fleece your first customer," the trio look pained at my words. "We need to show Categorisers that we're fair, generous and other decent shit like that. I don't want to die again and trust me, neither will you. On the other hand, merchants, if or when we get any, you can rob blind." That receives large smiles. The prospect of wealthy merchants, with deep pockets, is a potential opportunity for us to grow.
Caught by the women and their devious sales tactic, Katrina looks at Ali in panic.
"Don't worry. No harm will come to you unless you pass the priests, remember?" She kindly reminds the worried apprentice as she is led into the Broken Cauldron by Lucinda.
That's my fault. I shouldn't have written the rules so high.
A faulty start is not a good omen.
Back to dramatic, I see.
The future does not bode well for Me.
I want to roll around on the floor at that one.
If only I could.
Ok, Me. No messing around now.
What's up?
I... Don't know.
Good.
Admittance is the first step, buddy.
I'm proud of you.
Exiting the potion shop, Katrina is quickly snatched up by the other merchants and guided to their stall. Which gives me some more Me time.
Next up is the hard part. You have to admit you have feelings.
I most certainly do not have feelings.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Really sure?
Yes, Abi.
Super sure?
Abi!
Completely sure?
Stop it.
Why?
Because it's annoy...
Go on, Me. You can do it. You were nearly there.
They're not feelings. They're... Just bugs.
Bugs my shiny green Core. They're feelings and you know it.
Ali has a huge smile plastered on her face. Not the same as when she called dibs on her new home, but like she's trying to surpress her humor. It's almost like she can hear our conversation.
I can instruct monsters on your behalf so of course they can see me.
I never even thought about that. If you can do what I do, why does The System even need me?
I can not do everything you do. I also don't know why you were chosen.
Interrupting the sour mood that was about to take hold, Katrina returns and the tour continues. That was a close one.
On the way to the next feature, Katrina surprises me with how happy she is with her purchases. She rambles to Ali about her new potions and how the variety in my dungeon will only grow with time. She also makes me giddy when she says my Dungeon is almost like a regular town.
Other than the fact that it's inside a mountain, it has all the staple beginnings of a homestead.
Almost.
Another short walk and we arrive at the Swindler's Den, greeted by Jack and Koniva. Once again, Katrina is taken back. This time, it isn't due to their wiley words or promises to win big. The Con Men were appropriately named by The System since they're a natural con to the eyes. With the physique of a bodybuilder, their true power is in the brains they use to device people during games.
She won't have any money left by the time she leaves here.
It's unlikely, but they may let her win a few games. Just to keep her playing.
Not when her opponent is Shifty Jack.
Nevermind that. What about what you were saying a moment ago?
What about?
Don't play dumb with me, Mr. You know damn well what I'm talking about. Why did the system make me a Dungeon Core when she can create them herself?
I'm sorry, Abi. I honestly don't know. If it's any consolation, I also find it to be a rather strange thing to do. More so now that you have mentioned it.
I know, right?
I ended up being turned into a Dungeon thanks to the whims of an outdated program and I don't even have anyone to complain about it. Well, apart from you.
Stupid Gods and System. I just don't get it.
How does she know what I want and need, yet Me here is clueless, even though he was created by her in the first place?
There's too many questions bouncing around my mind that I can't deal with right now, not whilst the tour is underway. If I survive long enough to see myself not get crushed horribly, then I'll have to find a way to have a conversation with The System at some point.
On that thought, I catch Koniva with his hand in Katrina's pouch as she argues fiercly with Jack about something to do with the game.
"Koniva. Are you thick? She is the only person you can't steal from. Well... Her and other Catergorisers. We need them to give us a pass so we can operate openly. How are you suppose to get more customers to fleece if we're killed after your first attempt?"
Reluctantly, he removed his hand bringing nothing out with it. It feels a little harsh telling them not to do the things that I specifically created them to do, but it's only for now. Anyone who turns up that isn't an Categoriser can have their boxers swindled from them for all I care. That's the risk you take when you gamble.
Hearing the harsh words I threw at his doppelganger, Jack drops his side of the argument and concedes the game. Winning her money back, Katrina is psyched and ready to go again. If we let her continue though, she might carry on until she has nothing left and Ali has to literally drag her away from the table to continue the tour.
Back outside, Katrina manages to control her impulses and bids farewell to the Con Men. Not before promising to return to show them her skills. If only she knew what really happened.
Things are going quite well so far, even if I do say so myself. Katrina was a bit off to start with, but my guys have pulled it back. The Sparring Ground is next and Katrina is in good spirits, still smiling smugly after her victory over Jack.
As we get closer, Sandy and Senna can be seen sparring off against each other in a dazzling display of skill.
I mean, seriously, they look more skilled than I ever did. It's not even fair. How's that even possible?
We watch only for a few minutes as Katrina mentions she's not the biggest fan of combat. After her last expedition she would like to stay away from violence as much as possible. Not wanting to offend her, we move on to the see the Priests.
It certainly wasn't because someone was feeling slightly jealous of their offspring. That's a fact.
I'm more shocked than Ali and Katrina when we arrive. Hardly blocking the tunnel that leads further inside my Dungeon, seven people are praying outside the Shed of Salvation.
Seven.
As in, 3+4.
Since when was religion popular with dungeon monsters?
I say seven, but only four are actually praying. Zen and Ang look to be getting an earful from the Avos the Disciple. With some sort of scripture in hand, he is preaching proudly from the top of a crate he's managed to acquire from somewhere.
Apart from those assigned to the shed a pair, two Rogue and two Vagabonds are also present. Rocky, Baluka, Dum and Dee are all on their knees, praying silently on the floor of the dungeon.
That's a sight I wasn't expecting to see. I wonder who they're praying too?
Katrina seems to be thinking the same thing, until she gets down beside them and joins in. Ali looks at me for guidance, but I don't know what to say. I wasn't what you would call religious in my last life. In fact, I probably cursed out the Gods more than most so...
"Let her be," is all I say as we watch her pray. Ali doesn't join and I don't have knees, so...
Who would I even pray to anyway. Even if I could, after gaining insight from Me none of those lazy bastards are worth it. I won't say that to my Priests though, they've still got a job to do. If praying relieves boredom and fills up their downtime, I'm happy for them to do just that.
Avos was quick to notice Katrina join the delegation and a smile that screams he's scheming something is quickly washed from his face. The apprentice didn't notice since her eyes are closed, but it's a good job I'm here to have her back. Even though I'm supposed to be dangerous territory for my predator.
A quick slap with a tentacle from my will makes Avos almost choke from shock as I laugh my core off. That was so cool. That's also what you get for scheming on my Catergoriser... I mean, Katrina.
The sky turns orange and Katrina has to blink a few times to adjust after opening her eyes. She was praying for quite a while and the sun has started to set, it's beautiful and scary at the same time.
Damn my Dungeon is amazing. Although, I'm slightly worried about what's going to happen when the miniature ball of fire sets on my floor. Surely The System wouldn't have created it only to have it destroy me at the end of the day, right?
Right?
How many gods does she know?
Since I don't plan on letting people live that head passed the Priests, we finish our tour in the park. The Fishing Pond got a bigger reaction than I thought it would when she found out XP came from catching my fish. It's just another reason to come inside Abi.
Sitting down on the bench, Katrina and Ali watch the last of the sunset together as I float close by. I wish I could enjoy the soft grassy area and the warmth basking over the two woman. Jealousy is a proper creeper, you know? It finds its way from everywhere. Fortunately, the apprentice doesn't seem to be in the best mood and I ask Ali to find out why.
I know it wasn't the best tour, but there's no need to be upset over it.
"Why?" Katrina's single word questions are killing me. There isn't much for me to go on when she asks them like that. I don't think she'd be satisfied with a "Why not?" either.
"Why do you want to help humans? We're a terrible species. People are mean and nasty. They do despicable things and only look out for themselves. So, why? Why would you want to help such awful race? You've create such a wonderous space, yet the people you've done it for don't deserve it. So, why? Why would you do this for them?" The waterworks have started, but I was waiting for this. I'm ready.
That is a good question. Isn't it, Me?
It would seem difficult to understand from her point of view. For you, however, it's as simple as a primary and secondary objective.
Even if it is that easy to classify my direction in life, I still want to keep hold of my humanity. It's hard to let go. If I did, wouldn't I just be like every other dungeon?
To answer Katrina's question, I let her in on one last secret. The people she referred to are going to be used as fuel for my future. The Categoriser didn't bat an eyelid at that sentence and I can't help but feel she's warming up to me.
Helping humanity whilst progressing as a Dungeon Core are the only things The System expects of me. What's great is that both objectives can be completed by doing one simple task. All I have to do, is clean up the turd.
Once I get rid of the shit, rainbows should start to sprout. The Syndicate's contracts will be instrumental in doing just that. We've already got our first target and I need to deal with that as soon as possible.
As the sun disappears, we're not destroyed and darkness creeps its ugly mush back into my dungeon. We arrive at Talia's and all I want is for it to be morning again. I didn't realise how much I missed sunlight until now.
Ali hurries off to prepare supper with what she has left and I rope Talia into being my new public speaker. There's no one else around so it's not like she has customers to tend.
Over the course of the night, Talia interprets to a calm Katrina until someone else is roped into the role Talia is a professional at her job and the sight isn't lost on the apprentice. She can tell good work ethic when she sees it. During the conversation, I explain what some of my buildings should hopefully become and Katrina goes into detail about Categorisation magic as we begin bonding.
Alba and Nessa return, bringing an assortment of large, woodlands creatures that'll end up going to Trixie and her Pack. It wasn't a bad amount of DP and XP compared to the Tweedles though. Tagging out, Rocky and Baluka head out of my entrance. Passing Veris as she returns, they offer greeting to the Dungeon's Boss Monster.
Katrina has just swallowed when Veris walked in and found herself choking on undigested meat. The white-haired goddess that entered slaps her on the back as she passes and the apprentice breathes again. Her meat may have hit a disgruntled Rogue, but everything's fine. Don't complain.
Veris didn't seem very shocked to see Katrina, however. In fact, after slapping her, she didn't even look back. She downed a mug of ale, a bowl of stew and grabned Sweet C and D's from Peaces before heading straight back out.
"Cya, Boss." was all I heard as my Veris left the Dungeon for a second time today. Katrina watched her leave before a skin Ali about her. It's like we're winning over her heart and breaking down her barriers, subtly healing her pain at the same time.
My Dungeon not only makes people beautiful, but it cures their misery too.
Damn, I'm good.
Sigh...
Don't worry, Me. You're pretty damn good yourself.
O-oh... Well, yes. Thank you.
Hehe.
As the night comes to a close, the Rogues, Vagabonds and Con Me all head home. Talia cleaning the bar down as Ali leaves with Katrina. The apprentice decided to stay with her as to not be alone and confirmed my suspicions about us growing in her. Although, she didn't have mask it by saying she wanted to check the standards inside.
This apprentice has got some cheek, you know?
With the Catergoriser bunking at the chef's, I'm left with nothing to do. Lookin through my notifications, I realise that Veris never dropped anything off when she returned. I'll ask her about it next time she's back. Coral and Mystique should also be back in a few hours. Baluka and Rocky won't be back around until Katrina's waking up.
With no way to spend my points now that my guest is fast asleep, I nothing to do except admire the beauty in my dungeon. Which isn't as fun during the night now that I've been blessed by sunlight.
It's super boring so I decide to give the dreaded meditation another try.
I'm not gonna lie. I'm cacking it after last time. Now that I know how I died, I should experience Meditation like a normal Dungeon Core. Right, Me?
Hopefully.
I was really hoping for more than your hopes, you know?
And I really wish I could give it to you.
Did you just crack a dirty joke?
It was your imagination.
Well, that's gotta be a good sign.
With dirty jokes on the brain, I really hope it is Meditation and not Terrortation like last time. I just don't want to see it again.
Imaginary fingers crossed, here we go.
----------------------------------------
Just incase you wanted some status.
Dungeon Core Abi Level 15:
95/390 XP until next level
5 Floors
38 Rooms
44 Tunnels
115 Monsters
1 Contract Monster
65 Traps
28/400 DP Available