How do you describe your maker? The being that creates you. Guides you. Gives you warmth and fills your belly with sustenance. Provides love. A mother? A provider? A divine being?
In the beginning, there was nothing until IO came into existence. He knew little about anything until he created the universe by using himself as a foundation. The universe created was full of many wondrous sights and IO longed to share them with another.
All alone and with no one to voice his thoughts to, whilst starting to grasp the concept of loneliness, he decided to create another being using his own body as material. He had done this before, for everything that surrounded him, so performing this task should have had the same outcome.
This newly created being, which IO named LO, did not reciprocate the same feelings and resented his creator for bringing him into existence. One full of eternal boredom and surrounded by no one, except the one that gave him life in the first place, placing a tiresome burden on the other only being in the universe.
LO decided to create other beings for himself, he thought that if his creator could accomplish such feats, then why wouldn't he be able to perform the creation himself? The act succeeded and he created his followers, but the beings born from LO's resentment came out cruel and twisted as they were forged from negative emotions.
Shortly afterwards LO and his followers departed, IO was left confused over this and alone once again. He decided to try to create another being, seeing how this time he now had some minor experience in the matter and was still learning after all.
IO created a second being, this one also made from his body. She was different from LO and he found what would soon become known as hope, so he named her AO. However, just as LO had tired and bored of IO's solitary world, she too felt the frustration of being alone with IO and followed in her predecessor's footsteps.
Unlike LO, AO's creations were peaceful and full of love as that is what she desired when she had created them. Peace and love were not enough to make them stay though and soon they departed as well, leaving IO alone once again.
These are who we refer to when we talk about any of the Gods, whether they are the Benevolent Gods or the Evil Gods. Or even IO, the lonely God, they all fall under the same category.
An excerpt from the History Of Tironia. Tira's Church Edition. Passage 1, Verse 1.
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Oh my gods!
Managing to fill the only room in my dungeon with ease, a large Golem looms directly beside my Core. His slightest movement could shatter my very being.
What am I going to do with him?
It's larger than any Golem I have ever seen, heard of, or read about in any book. Resembling midnight, the twinkling of stars on its body captivates me as the summoning light fades away.
Statue-still and not moving a single part of its enormous frame, the presence it exudes is kind of terrifying. With hands the size of boulders, the Gacha-summoned monster looms over the crystal that's now my heart and causes it to pulse erratically.
That's gotta be classified as a dangerous monster, right?
Monster Unlocked:
Mythril Golem
Quite. There are not many Mythril Golems currently inhabiting Tironia. It will attract attention if it is found due to the material its body is created from. If adventurers strong enough to defeat it enter your dungeon, they will take the body with them. Mythril is valuable to humans and can be sold at high prices.
I know that!
We have mines for obtaining Mythril though. Ones without dangerous monsters like this one, I might add. One of the jobs we took frequently was a routine sweep of the closest Mythril mine. All we had to do was make sure the paths were monster-free.
I don't think I've ever heard of a Mythril Golem before though. I just thought this was a larger, darkee and shinier version of a normal Golem.
It is. The better term is evolved. That is why this one is classed as a Mythril Golem. Much larger than other variants of its species, they are created from mana-efficient materials.
Sure, it wasn't a Dragon. The monster is still very imposing, however. Especially when standing next to my Core like that. Considering the fact thst I used to be human, seeing the Rogue was second nature to me. When the Golem appeared though, I nearly fainted.
Can I even do that?
Do Dungeons faint?
Not normally. However, you seem to be a little... Different. So you never know.
Don't be like that, Me. You're meant to be my assistant. Please, help me. What am I supposed to do now?
Now you want to listen?
Yes. I need help, please. I really don't wanna die again.
In that case, you must move the Golem further into the dungeon so it can avoid detection. To do that, you must first expand beyond your current parameters. Unfortunately, you currently have 0 DP so moving the Golem is not an option for the moment. If adventurers enter, the Golem will either be destroyed, or reported. It will then be destroyed at a later time by whoever the local Lord sends. Whether that be powerful adventurers or a group of Knights. Monsters above a certain threat level are hunted down and destroyed to stop them from growing stronger, along with the Dungeon Core that spawned them. New Dungeons are created by The System every day and there is never a shortage of them. If anything it's the opposite and they are culled to keep regular citizens safe from attacks.
What the hell was that?
I didn't want to hear about death again.
Plus, I know most of that already. Even if it was quite a lot.
Where's the help, Me?
Without DP, you are currently unable to do anything. You must wait for it to refill.
That sucks. Why do I have to wait?
Is that a dungeon thing?
Why can't we just start digging now?
As stated, you do not have any points to create a tunnel. Only after placing a room will you be able to move your Core away from the entrance.
I know that I can be a bit of a fool sometimes, but I do understand what no DP means. What I meant was, why can't my new Golem dig the tunnel for me?
Like, right now?
I... You... T-That is not what monsters are for.
But the Golem can do it though, right?
I... Suppose so. It's not as though you have reinforced walls yet. In that case, you need only command it to carry out your will.
See, this is why I need your help. How do I do that if I can't speak?
You need only will it to be so. The monsters understand the intentions of the Dungeon Core automatically.
Oh. Is that why my Rogue is perched on the ground? I was thinking, just go sit down for a minute, before I tried my luck on the Gacha. It was a little startling when she did.
Correct. You have already used it once so it will not be a problem to repeat.
Carrying out Me's advice, I will the Golem to start digging somewhere it won't damage my Core and to be as careful as possible about it. As though it's a flower and not a Golem, the brute ever-so-carefully turns around and tiptoes toward the closest wall.
That wasn't what I meant when I said to be careful, but it's good enough to relieve some worry so it's fine. Scooping out a silly amount of wall, I tell the Golem to head straight and not dump his excess near my Core or the exit.
Hey, Me. When does the door open?
Oh. That one did sound pretty weird. Maybe Me wasn't such a good idea after all?
It will open automatically in 23 hours and 3 minutes.
Ok, what can I do while I wait? I need to do something. I don't just want to stare at the walls.
Most dungeons do not require the need to do something whilst they wait. They enter a meditative state which increases the recovery speed of Dungeon Points.
Meditative state?
That sounds almost as bad as staring at the walls!
Now that I've spent my points, at least I can freely complain about being a dungeon to my heart's content.
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However, instead of complaining, my attention shifts to the Golem currently attempting to rip out a huge section of the cave's wall. When I say huge, I mean ridiculously huge. It's almost twice the size of my Rogue! It looks comical in a way, almost like the monster is hugging the wall.
That's not what I meant when I said dig. I thought it would just shovel it out with its large hands. Instead, the wall starts to crack as it shows a weakening resistance.
Once a good enough grip has been established, the Golem forces the entire section free with a mighty pull. It then discards the piece of hard-packed earth behind itself with ease, almost crushing the Rogue in the process, before proceeding to repeat the action.
What the fuck?
I'm more shocked than the Rogue is and she was nearly flattened. Not by the fact that this Golem is strong enough to rip out sections of the wall like they're paper. No, it's because that specific segment of wall disappeared right after landing on the floor as if it was never there in the first place.
New features acquired:
Clay 1 DP
Soil 1 DP
Me, what just happened?
Where did that huge piece of wall go and what does that message mean?
You absorbed them through one of your dungeon skills. I'll list them now so that you can see them.
Passive Skills:
Absorb
Regeneration Level 1
Active Skills:
Summon
Dismantle Level 1
Passive skills are always running unless turned off manually whereas Active skills need to be physically used.
Physically used? You mean... I need a body to do it?
Sorry, but no. That was a poor phrasing on my part. When your Golem deposits materials on your floor, you claim them as your own. Did you think about doing that?
No.
Correct. That is because you didn't. Absorb is working passively in the background. For example, it's the same as breathing for a human. For an active skill like Dismantle, you need to designate the material before it can be taken apart.
I start getting worked up again and begin to sniffle.
What now?
I-I'm never going to breathe again, I choke out before breaking out into tears once more.
After wailing for a while and emptying my sorrowful emotions, Me finally tells me some good news. It helps bring me out of the new style of Meditation that I have just created.
The Wail.
Abi, your DP is full. I suggest spending the points so that they can regenerate again. Would you like to view a list of available purchases?
Looking at my Golem, it's almost sad that the stone-hearted monster ignored my wailing wholeheartedly for the last twenty minutes. At least I can see that it made some good progress.
The female Rogue also kept her attention elsewhere but me. Instead of consoling the crying woman who just lost her life, she chose to watch the Golem excavate with a strained expression from her seat on the floor. To be fair, there isn't anything else for her to do except watch, avoid being flattened and ignore the wailer.
It isn't like I have a shovel for her.
Also, doesn't it seem unfair that I get such a minuscule amount of DP from such a huge chunk of rock?
Whatever.
Yes please, Me.
Available Purchases:
Pitfall Trap 5DP
Goblin 3DP
Wolf 5DP
Rogue (Special) 10DP
Random Gacha 10DP x1
Tunnel 5DP
Room 20DP
Why can't I summon another Mythril Golem?
I do not understand why you would want a second Golem so early on. They are not on the list because you cannot afford to purchase another one at this time.
Oh. So I can summon them, I just don't have enough DP?
Correct.
OK. I suppose that makes sense. To answer your question, it's because I was going to put them to work creating tunnels for me. Barry's doing quite well and if I had a second Golem, I would earn even more DP.
Barry? Why would... It isn't important. Just spend some points, Abi.
Okay.
Looking at Barry, he hasn't made enough progress yet for me to add a new room on the end of his short tunnel. Maybe after a few more refills, he'll be far enough in.
Me, how long is a tunnel if I buy one with DP?
Traversable feature are customisable. Tunnels have a minimum length of 5 feet and a max of 50. They can include turns, ascend or descend, and the inner look may also be altered. They can adjoin to any floor in range that is either one level above or below, the current floor. They can also be dismantled and refunded at half the cost, as long as it does not separate the Core from the entrance.
Wow, that was a lot to take in. It also makes my idea of having Barry dig the tunnels himself a stupid idea. Especially when it only costs 5 DP to actually create one. However, without Barry's digging, I wouldn't have my points back to have this dilemma in the first place. Would I?
I suppose you are correct.
So I'm not stupid then?
I never said you were stupid in the first place.
Yeah, but you were thinking it, right?
No. If I were to describe you in human terms, I would use the word 'childish'.
Was that a joke or an insult? I feel like I've just been burnt, but I'm going to take that as a joke. Good one, Me!
Another Rogue later and there are now two people sitting on the floor of the Dungeon. Avoiding pieces of wall deposited in their immediate locale, they both look miserable as sin. I should have really thought about what I was doing before I did it. It's too late now though.
The second Rogue is a male, made obvious by how tall he is compared to the female. His build would also suggest the same thing, especially when I can't see their faces since they're both hidden away under hoods. I'm not just guessing though, a goatee of blue hair clearly marks our newbie as a man. Dungeon man? Whatever.
He's definitely a dude.
Joining his partner, I will them to move to the other side of the room. That way, Barry won't accidentally crush one of them and waste 10DP. They comply immediately and move away from the danger zone.
Using your will is very imposing. I kind of feel like an Empress.
Why did you summon another Rogue?
I was just thinking the same thing.
Still, I most certainly won't be summoning any Goblins and I'm kinda scared of Wolves. Plus the Gacha says X1 and I'm pretty sure that means it can only be used one more time.
They would be your Wolves and would not dare harm the Core that created them. Monsters can not survive properly without you. Do you want your dungeon to turn into a Bandit Camp?
What?
No!
Why would I want that?
Also, no thanks on the Wolves. I'm not going there yet.
With slim options, I decide to roll the Gacha and get it over with. I also don't a third Rogue to be stuck in this small room with nothing to do.
It's such a depressing sight.
I'm also a little worried about summoning any Rogues now. I don't want my dungeon to be classed as a Bandit Hideout like Me mentioned. Doubling down, I make my selection and orange light fills the Dungeon for a second time.
I wonder if it always looks like that when it's rolled?
As I ponder matters beyond my station, the light starts to shrink in size. Slowly at first, it keeps on going until it's much smaller than it was when Barry arrived. I feel a tinge of sadness knowing I'm not getting a second Golem, even though it would probably be dangerous like me said. If I was discovered with not one, but two dangerous monsters, I would definitely be on the destruction list. Goodbye Abi.
I suppose I'm lucky that the light is still shrinking. It's even taken on a slightly purple hue. It looks beautiful.
Oh no.
Oh no?
What do you mean, Oh no?
Why's the purple light a bad sign? It's smaller than before so that's got to good, right?
Monster Unlocked:
Mimic
A purple light means that a monster of legendary proportions is about to be created.
Watching the last of the light fade away, the strangest treasure chest I've ever seen is left in its wake.
A long, pink tongue flaps out from its chest as Spider-like appendages lift it off the floor. Running around my Core in circles, the strange monster leaves a trail of saliva everywhere almost like a happy puppy.
There's no way that you can convince me that this adorable, comical creature is a dangerous monster.
I'm reminded of the first Gacha roll when I wanted to change my wish from a dragon to a smaller, cuter and less life-threatening monster. This guy certainly seems to fit the bill I described and I'm overjoyed at the adorable sight. Go me.
What is it? I've never seen a treasure chest with a tongue before. Why is it called a Mimic?
It is a legendary monster that Mimics the appearance of an average treasure chest. Adventurers hoping to obtain treasure from its trunk, find themselves being devoured instead. No one knows where their remains go, but it has been suggested that they are sent to an alternate dimension through space magic.
Woah, that does sound kinda scary. How come I've never heard of them before then?
If I may, you do not seem like the most... Attentive person.
Hey!
There was a lot to learn when becoming an Adventurer. I can't be expected to know about every monster out there.
Anyway, forget that, what shall I call him?
What shall you call him?
You must hide it immediately, or as soon as Dungeonly possible!
Better yet, dismantle it.
It is much more dangerous for the Mimic to be seen than the Golem. If it is discovered that a legendary monster resides in your dungeon, we will be destroyed without a doubt.
Gods, this new life is just doom and gloom, followed by misery and despair.
What's a girl gotta do to catch a break around here?
I know, I'll call you, Colin. Do you like that, Colin? Who's a good boy? You are. That's right, that's right. Colin is. Yes, you are. You're a good treasure chest. Good boy. Good. Now, go sit over there with the Rogues and watch Barry. There's nothing else to do at the minute, but there will be later.
I watch Colin toddle over to the two Rogues that I've yet to name and it looks both creepy and funny at the same time. Hiding his appendages away inside himself, he would look just like an ordinary chest if it weren't for the line of saliva leading directly to him. Certainly not a legendary monster that may, or may not, get me killed.
I get it now! Mimic.
Anyway, I've come up with a plan. A good one where I avoid dying. I'm going to have to wait for a few refills before I can get started though.
One can only hope they will be fruitful. With... Barry, it shouldn't take... As long as it usually would.
Hehe.
That's right.
For now, I'll watch Barry work as well. Apparently, I'm in the same boat as my monsters with nothing to do. Dungeon life sure is slow. Maybe I should give that Meditation a try? Or maybe I should try wailing again? One day I might actually make a sound.
Not that I want to be known as the wailing dungeon.
That would be worse than being known as the Bandit Hideout.
Why can't I be the dungeon of sunshine and rainbows?
Now that would be kick-ass.
A girl can dream, right?