A lot closer to than entrance and less than a day since his return to Orad, Eric Highgrove once again finds himself standing in front of the Dungeon-housing mountain and a shiver runs down his spine.

Having not slept since the night before, the effort he put in to get everyone there has left him exhausted. Even with the stamina of an Direwolf, Eric's legs buckle as his father dismounts his horse.

The last known location of Katrina Katova, apprentice Catergoriser and a now-wanted criminal, looks somehow different to Eric that it did yesterday. Assuming his tired mind is playing tricks on him, the Expert's son ignores the subtle differences as he watches the Knights make camp.

Not employed by the local Lord, the men under the his father's command were all paid by the Catergoriser himself. Outfitted with the best weapons and armour that money could buy, they provide him with his very own protection detail. More mercenary than Knight, the men drilling in stakes and erecting tents will do just almost anything for a fat bonus.

Stood at the cusp of the Dungeon's entrance, the Expert reaches out with his senses. Watching eagerly, Eric can't help but feel giddy as he bounces in place. His prayers are about to be answered and his dream is going to come true. Best of all, his rival sealed her own fate the moment she entered the mountain of her own volition.

His father's thoughts weren't that different either. The entire ride, Elric had been thinking of different ways he could remove the obstacle blocking his son's path. Now that they had arrived, his lips twitched as he kept his back to the men.

'This couldn't be better. Not only are we in the middle of nowhere, but this is the perfect opportunity to dispose of the evidence. With her gone, Eric should have no problem inheriting my title and keeping it in the family.

Having her die in the Dungeon is much better than a trial in Ishda. I can't afford that soppy Lord sparing her because of favoritism. Gifted or not, she deserves punishing for entering my Dungeons. To avoid that soft bastard sparing her, I'll just enforce it myself. I know he has a soft spot Katrina. Fortunately, I don't. Eric is he one person deserving in my eyes.'

Deciding the outcome he liked the most, Elric joined his men and son by the camp. He was proud of his son's ingenuity and wanted to boast about it. Even though the Mercenaries guised as Knights were currently under his employ, loose lips sink ships is what people say and trust is hardest commodity to pay for. It's fickle nature and fleeting ideals that drive men into the arms of money as a bag of gold is all it usually takes to loosen a tongue.

"No one is to enter the Dungeon, other than myself. Make sure you guard the entrance and Eric until I return. If the apprentice comes out, subdue her and I'll sort it out when I'm back." Brief orders are barked out as the Expert faces his son.

"You're staying here. Unclassified Dungeons can be dangerous since we don't know what Monsters might be inside. Even traps are able to take out seasoned Adventurers if placed correctly and I don't want you to get hurt."

Eric doesn't appear to be happy with his father's order. That's only his facade, however, and inwardly he let's out a sigh of relief. Not wanting to follow his father inside the Dungeon, the only thing the exhausted apprentice wanted to do was crawl inside a tent and sleep.

"You'll be safe out here and the men will protect you. There wasn't many monsters on the journey here, but you can never be too careful. This for your own good, Eric. I will deal to the missing apprentice myself."

Even though the Mercenaries were only there for the money, Eric was much happier staying with them than following his father. Even though loyalty can be bought and sold in the world of a sellsword, it wasn't like there anyone in the forest to outbid the Highgroves. Not that Eric knew anyway.

Still, Eric tried to mount a small defence for why he should be allowed to follow his father, if nothing else but to look good. He argued how he had followed the shady apprentice, how he had found the Dungeon and how he had been the one to deliver the news.

His stomach dropped as his father actually considered his argument. Contemplating the risks of allowing his son inside an unclassified Dungeon, Eric began to sweat as he waited for an answer.

"No. I will deal with Katrina myself." Jubilation. Sleep was beckoning and Eric was accepting. His shoulders slumped and he released the breath held in his throat. That was close. His argument should have been weaker.

Without pressing any further, Eric slumped into the closest tent and crashed. He was asleep before his father managed to cross the Dungeon's entrance. Dreaming a future no longer bound for second place. A winner, that's what Eric was. His father told him just as much. Winners don't worry about losers or the path needed to put them above the rest.

Winners win.

That's all there is to it.

Watching his son slink off put the Expert's heart at ease. There was nothing he cared more about than Eric. He was his world. His light. His everything. Under the same mindset as his son, Elric Highgrove stepped inside the Dungeon.

-Eric and Elric Highgrove,

Camped in the forest outside the Dungeon, beneath Mt Morte

----------------------------------------

Immediately, I feel the cause of what put Me's knickers in a twist. On a different level than Katrina, I shiver as a powerful presence enter my Dungeon. He wasn't even polite about it.

No hello.

No first date.

He just came right up in me without a care in the world.

Are you quite finished?

I'm nervous, Me. I think my Core might even be sweating.

Your Core does not sweat. If anything, it is more likely to be damaged again.

Don't say that!

Where's Barry? Is he ploughing? He's ploughing, right? Tell me he's ploughing, Me!

Barry has been going nonstop since you started your meditation. Also, thank you.

That's good to hear, but what are you thanking me for?

Seeing you in this state has alleviated my own panic somewhat.

Panic? Who's panicking? I'm not panicking. Were you panicking, Me?

Abi! Calm down.

OK.

Alright.

I'm calm. I'm calm.

Who am I kidding? I'm not calm. I'm freaking the hell out, Me. That's not just an apprentice, you know?

Quite. That much is obvious. The Expert is examining the entrance whereas the apprentice is hiding inside Ali's. Hana informed everyone of his arrival and Katrina confirmed his identity.

Why is she hiding?

I don't know and it's not like I can ask her to find out.

You could have got Ali to ask, Me.

I... Didn't think about that in my moment of... Poor programming. It has been 5 minutes since they arrived outside and your monsters are prepared to welcome him. Although, I would be remiss to admit that I for one am not confident in this plan.

Poor programming? Just say that you were panicking, Me. I suppose you're kinda getting around that feelings barrier. And don't worry about the plan. My little army has become pretty efficient, don't you think?

Quite. You also seem to have settled down rather quickly. Faster than it would have taken you before at least.

Yeah. Terrortation did a number on my senses, but the mystery of the hiding apprentice has me intrigued. It's almost enough to override the fear completely. Plus, the last tour went OK. How bad can this one be?

Still, I wonder why Katrina is quivering away at Ali's. Is the Expert a bad guy? Or has she done something she isn't supposed to have? With how nice Katrina is, it makes more sense that the man that's entered my Dungeon is a closet villain?

Then again, what if it's because she's worried over what people will think about her? After what happened, it is understandable. I might have realised sooner if I was slowly losing my humanity through lack of physical contact. That's the only thing Terrortation had going for it. It felt so nice to be able to smash that Goblin-loving Core.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Musing over my thoughts, I manifest in the Rule Room and summon Dropper. I know that she and Light are in the Dungeon because The System's notifications are waiting to acknowledge. The one sitting on top, with a good deal behind waiting their turn, concerns the return of my big hitters and I have to stop reading when I see the amount of XP they brought back during my nightmare.

I was right! My Vagabonds must really believe they have to up the ante everytime they return.

Really hoping I survive the Expert's tour, the DP Light and Dropper managed to bring home this time will surely help my Dungeon grow. As I gawp, the female in question arrives by at my side. A huge smile is plastered across her face and she's obviously proud of their accomplishment.

She's also covered in the same light she was when they brought back the troll. I had to look twice to make sure I wasn't seeing things. It was their first time out since ranking up and here Dropper is ready to go again.

No way!

Was I just a bad Rogue? Did I not know the secret to leveling up? Whatever is was, I'd love to talk to her about it and listen to her story, but I don't have time for that right now. "Congratulations, Dropper. Once again, you and Light are literally shining examples of hardworking and determination."

All I can do is acknowledge their achievements and move on to meet Mr Doom. There isn't time to blow smoke up her arse. Even though I want to praise them both, it'll have to wait and see if we can avoid destruction first.

Arriving in my entrance, I come face to face with the official Dungeon Catergoriser. The Expert on all things relating to Dungeons in the Ishda province. Like Katrina, his outfit is all white. Only the one-stripe apprentice, three black lines run down chest and confirm his rank.

Even if he is a goverment-appointed official, he's still just a man. One who isn't the best at hiding his emotions apparently. Unable to surpress his shock when Dropper enters the room, the lustful gaze in his eyes missed by anyone. The corners of his mouth twitch up and using his hand, the Expert masks his face.

"Who are you and why are you in this Dungeon?" Trying to compose himself, the Categoriser coughs a few times before getting himself under control. I can't imagine it's easy, Dropper is a stunning specimen of a woman. Or she would be if she was really human and not a Dungeon-summoned Monster, that is.

"My name is Dropper and I'm here to speak on behalf of my Master." Dropper answers without being prompted and I'm relieved it's not Light doing the talking.

"Your Master?" That obviously caught his attention, but it isn't like we're trying to hide it. It's obvious I'm a Dungeon. More so to a Catergoriser and using honesty has served us well so far.

Although, Dropper seems to think she did something wrong as she drops to a knee and declares, "I'm sorry, Master," giving me up in the process.

"Master!" Putting two and two together, this guy actually got four. I'm more shocked that he arrived at the right conclusion, than about Dropper dropping me in it. Yes, I'm in the room aswell. It's not like I wanted him to know that though.

Well, the snake is already out of the trousers now. She may as well shake it.

"Correct. I was created by my Master, Dungeon Core Abi. I speak for her and carry out her will." Making a fist and placing it over her chest, Dropper salutes my dungeon. Why? I have no idea, but I'm not gonna stop her. It's kind of embarrassing, but I feel cool and respected at the same time.

Queen Abi will now hand out your orders.

With our introductions over, the Catergoriser bursts into laughter and I can't help but find him rude. I mean, there's no need to laugh at us. No one's telling jokes. His laughter dies out, but Dropper's solemn expression doesn't.

"That was a good one. I don't normally put up with Bandits talking nonsense, but you're not bad on the old eyes. Plus, I'm feeling rather elated today. Yes. Let's have some fun. I'll put up with this farse if you put on a good show at the end."

I want to kill him already. How dare he talk to Dropper like that. I don't care if he doesn't believe her, you don't say that sorta shit to anyone.

Making no attempt to reply, Dropper stands motionless waiting for my command. I'm not going to order the attack though. As much as I want too, I don't know how strong this Categoriser and his Knights are. The everyday erogenous thought process of the human male is replaced by an official demeanour and the Expert plays along.

"Hello, Dungeon Core Abi. I am Dungeon Categoriser under Lord Aldur, Elric Highgrove. It is my responsibility to check the threat levels of Dungeons the Ishda Territory." Smiling seductively at Dropper he gives us a proper introduction at least. It earns him no brownie points from either of us though, only an eye roll from my Vagabond.

I'd roll my eyes too, but... Yeah.

"What was your name again, my beautiful Bandit? My mind is not what it used to be, but I remember it was something unique." I'm lost for words. Nice ones anyway. Apparently, so is Dropper.

What the hell? Who does this guy think he is?

Canasoda?

I don't know who that is.

Is he really expecting to woo her with words that like?

I try not to let it bother it me. Which is really hard when I already think he's a scumbag. Why is the this guy the Catergorisation Expert? If he doesn't approve of me, or what I'm doing here, then it doesn't bode well for our future. After some of the magic Katrina described to me, my earlier freak out may have been justified.

Staring blankly as the Expert sizes her up, Dropper waits for the words that will keep us alive another day in the underground world we call home. I don't need to warn her about going off script, she should know how important this is by how nervous I am.

I do, however, tell her not to roll her eyes, pout, whine or use any other body language that might reveal her thoughts. She's not the best at keeping it in, but talking about class ups is enough to spark her determination. She smiles, giddy at the prospect of become a Shadow Walker. The stupid Categoriser smiles back as if her beauty is meant for him.

Fool.

"Welcome, Expert. It's a pleasure to have you in us." Putting on my best acting voice, which I perfected over during my human years, I give Dropper words that are guaranteed to change my second life. She pronunciates my innuendo perfectly and I almost see steam coming from the Expert's ears as he struggles to control himself.

"Yes... Quite." After a short coughing fit he drags his head from out the gutter and composes himself. He's still a little red, but at least he's calming down. "Since I am already here, I will gauge the strength of your monsters and see if you pose a threat to the immediate vicinity. Do you consent to this examination, Miss Dungeon Core?" The sarcasm in his voice isn't lost on me and I worry about what he will think when he actually uses his skills. I mean, it's not like we've lied about anything.

Not yet anyway.

Still, what he just said was like Carrie's sword. A double-edged blade. There's nothing in my immediate vicinity for me to pose a threat too. Not if my Rogues are to be believed, which they are since have zero reasons to mislead their Core. A.K.A me.

Score one for Abi, that's one box ticked off the list. I am not a threat. Check me out being all non-threatening and shit. I don't even send monsters out fool and if you ask about the Rogues, I'll just lie.

The problem stopping me dancing around my Core Room with Colin, is that he wants to gauge the strength on my monsters.

Shit? Every damn time.

The feeling of foolishness this time is like a tidal wave. It's almost as bad when I was caught in the Core Room by Kal. No escape. Only this time, I have a whole dungeon and I'm still trapped.

He isn't just going to stroll around my village like Katrina did in her tour, is he? It's his job to make sure Dungeons are safe enough to be mined or farmed. That means he's not just going to stop at the Priests before we enjoy a pleasant sunset together. Maybe...

No. He's going to want to pass the prayer lovers and guage some actual monsters. It's not like I can't tell him no either, is it? We may aswell just fight now if I was going to do that. Could Dropper win on her own? Without the element of surprise and against a Catergoriser no less?

Shit!

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shitty. Shit. Shit!

Calm down, Abi.

OK, OK. Deep imaginary breaths. In and out. In and out.

Huh?

That kinda worked.

"I consent. Im not that deep either, so it shouldn't take too long." Finally managing to get relay something through my interpreter my brain kicks back into gear. Even though it doesnt want to do this anymore.

Why the hell can't I will the monsters outside my dungeon!?

Then again, would it even matter?

He's already here.

"So gracious. Let's get straight to it then. I would like to be home by nightfall if possible and I have... Some other business to take care of." The Expert wastes no time and strides down the tunnel, not waiting for his guide as she hurries after him. Showing no fear at being inside a Dungeon alone, a smiles as she comes up beside him.

This bastard exudes confidence with every step. How big must his balls be for him to be swinging 'em around like that? It turns out they're bigger than his brain as he can't control his impulses to keep his eyes forward. Struggling to contain himself, Dropper's assets are dominating the Expert's attention as we approach the Rule Room.

Asking as nicely as possibly, I I'll just have to use my best words to convince him that I'm worth keeping around.

Not letting a good opportunity go to waste, I enquire about the surrounding location and confirm what my Rogues already reported. There isn't a single village, town or homestead in a 20 mile radius of my mountain.

"Technically, there is no one for you to pose a threat too." Elric stops just before the Rule Room to take in Dropper from behind and I feel like barfing all over him, "As long as you don't possess monsters that are stronger than a certain threat level, this will go just fine."

His sarcarm is really starting to grind on me. The minute he scans for monsters and picks up Dropper is going to be a shock. His words aren't much better either since they don't help me in any way.

I need to do something about Colin. The Rockstar is in his own cave system, but he's still in the second floor. There's a slight chance I might be able to pass him off as unrelated to the Dungeon. If the Categoriser attacks him though, I won't stand for that.

What are the chances that Colin will get away with being mistaken for a regular chest?

Not favourable. Categorisers have a spell that shows them what is and isn't a monster.

Yeah. Katrina mention that one last night. I'm surprised it's not a passive skill. What were the other main spells? Identification, Sublimation and what was the other one?

Obliteration.

Oh, yeah. That's the one.

That doesn't sound good at all. Not in any way what so ever and I could really do without a 'tioning.

"You guys are really going all out. Still, I'll play along." Elric seemed confused after seeing the stone monotiths, until Dropper relayed the information that I haven't been able to lower yet. The same way Ali did for Katrina.

"I suppose it could be beneficial, maybe even praiseworthy, for a Dungeon to behave so typically human. The human playing monster, however... That's a harder sell. How wil spin being able to create sentient beings, I wonder?" Even though he was only supposed to be playing along, that's a pretty deep question. One that I don't really want to answer either.

It was quite wiley considering he's meant to be distracted by Dropper's good looks. He even looks like a pervy old man, how did pull that one out? Seriously? What do I say to that. Whatever I do go with needs to sound believable. The only thing that comes to mind is the truth though and even then, that's almost as unbelievable.

Yes, Mr Catergoriser, Sir. I was a human. Something happened because The System's been left on too long and there's no Gods around that feel like fixing it. I know. Tell me about it. Don't you feel sorry for me? What? You don't? But I thought we were bonding. I'm baring my soul. No. That's not a Mimic and I've never seen that Golem before in my life. What? No. He must be waving at you. I have no idea what you're going on about. I don't even even see him anymore. Why? There not even mine. I don't even know Peaches. That's just what colour she is. No! Please. Don't destroy me. That's not my Core, it's just jewelry. Wait. Stop. I was created to help humans! I'm serious. Super serious! Why would I lie about it? Well... That's a fair point, but I'm not lying. Ask Me. No not me. Me. I'm not delusional at all. Who are you calling crazy? Well, your just a dirty old man. Wait. I didn't mean it.

As we arrive at the Guard House, I haven't thought of a single thing to say.

One thing is certain though.

I'm definitely not telling him the truth.