Something was off with the dungeon.
During his tenure as Expert of the Ishda territory, Elric Highgrove had gained insight over the power of his will to better understand his class. Armed with that knowledge, he was a prime example of what Categorisers in the region should strive to be like.
"How strange?" Having learned to recognise the trickery and deceit that most Cores attempted, he had grown confident in his ability to determine wether or not a Dungeon posed a threat the moment he stepped inside. Yet here, in the bowels of the mountain, all he could feel was hope and determination.
Strange was definitely the right word for it.
The first room of a Dungeon is always empty. The so-called entrance being off limits for whatever reasons restrict the Core. This one was no different, yet it felt that way. Trying to harness the connection between the Dungeon's will and his own, the seasoned Catergoriser began forming a spell.
Sublimation.
A major spell for any budding Catergoriser and if they chose not to take it when prompted, their career was ruined. Even if they didn't realise. It was one of the first spells Elric had learned after picking up Identification. Another crucial spell.
Even without guidance, or a paid and bought for tutor, anyone could become the Expert. It all depends on the skills taken when given chance by The System. Most skills can be learned with practice and even non-class related skills can be obtained through hardwork and perserverance. There are some skills, however, that you are only offered once and worst of all, they always come with a choice.
Fortunately for Elric, he was very lucky when his choice was offered. He was also blessed with good fortune and a golden spoon. His father was the Minister of Finance in Ishda and had more money than sense. He paid for tutor after tutor and Elric absorbed everything them had to teach him.
He had a connection to the Dungeons that no one else did. Easily passing the tests that were conducted on prospective apprentices, Eric's father threw more money into his son's future. So much so that he was eventually forced to resign for miss appropriating funds. Fortunately, with his son being the number one candidate for the next Expert title, he was spared death.
Elric was sent to live with the current Dungeon Catergoriser after that and continued to shine in his position. After learning everything he could, however, life suddenly became monotonous. With no one else to learn from, Elric slowly started to resent his Master.
Years went by and Elric's learned there was no greatness that came from having a Master to teach you. Not when you covert his position. Even after starting a family of his own, he was still held down by the title of apprentice. Sure, he was already a Dungeon Catergoriser of considerable skill, but the position of Expert beckoned him. Pleading with him to take it.
The problem was that Elric didn't want to leave Ishda to so do. Other regional Experts were returning here and there, but he had no wish to leave his home. Not when he was already so comfortable and his path was promised. That was where his path started to descend
Ordered to classify a new Dungeon that had made its presence known by sending out monsters, Elric and his Master made their way to Tune. Five mile oitside of the fishing town, trolls inhabited the forest and killed anything that entered. With a small contingency, the arrived before the Dungeon where Master and Pupil entered.
The events regarding what happened inside will forever be a mystery. The only person to exit was the apprentice, claiming they had been split up. Zahir, Caterisation Expert for the Ishda region, was never seen again. Presumed dead inside, Elric used Obliteration on the Dungeon after recieving his new title.
These days, Elric has taken to calling Sublimation, 'Invader's Delight'. Meant to stop Dungeons from harming him when he performs examinations, the spell lasts for a full hour before it can be cast again. While in use, Dungeon Cores are unable to use any of their features. Unable to summon traps, monsters or any other means at their disposal to eliminate invaders.
The only downside once it's been cast is that the Catergoriser has to wait the full hour before they can use it again. With its charge time being the same as its duration, the spell is a doubled-edged sword. Meaning any monsters entering the Dungeon afterwards, could potentially catch the him off guard. The whole reason Elric keeps a group of mercenaries outside the Dungeon is to prevent that very situation from occurring.
Holding his spell at completion with a practised ease whilst cursing its flaws, a Bandit emerges from the tunnel and gives Elric pause. Taking in her provocative armour, his magic fizzles out as a fire is stoked inside him.
'Does she know Katrina? Or have they already taken care of the problem for me? Either way, she certainly shouldn't be in an unclassed Dungeon.'
After the introductions are over, however, Elric is struggling to contain his laughter. Ever since his son returned with joyous news, Elric's mood had been at its peak. It had been a long time since he's felt that good and he decided to go with the flow. A little sightseeing would be harmless since he knew how the tour would end.
Playing along, he was curious over how many Bandits had actually made base inside. Unafraid, since Sublimation was also capable of being used on people -a secret he would take to his grave, he followed the vixen down the rabbit hole and was led further into Dungeon Abi where his playful nature threatened to expose him as the sadist he was.
It was strange. Stranger than most Dungeons he had even come across. There wasn't a single trap, or monster, as they followed the path straight forward. Eventually, the tunnel's exit was blocked by a large feature that looked like city gates. As they passed through the doors, Elric walked into heaven.
It was as though the goddess of lust had just pierced Elric's heart. Now there was a pyramid of beauty, he didn't know which of three Bandits to look at. Thoughts of what he would do to Katrina had already been shoved away into the filing cabinet, far behind having a good time.
It was time to get the party started.
Three toys were more than enough.
"If you can't handle this much, you might not want to go further in. You haven't seen anything yet." Restarting Sublimation, Elric prepared to knock out the women until he's overwhelmed by curiosity. How many more women are inside like these three? Turning Bear, Dropper's words are like nectar as Elric's mind runs wild and kicks logic out of his earhole.
Unable to contain himself, Elric bursts out of the Guard House and finds himself blinded in process. There isn't much to hear over the sound of his own voice until he finally gets to witness bliss. In heaven, angels chirp down the street and Elric's passed around from pillar to post. Any spells he had building are long gone as he revels in delight until he's finally surrounded.
There was no doubt in his mind that he was in a dungeon. The women, however, betrayed that notion every step of the way and only when he was left to his own devices did his senses return. When they did he felt foolish. Foolish enough that anger was bubbling up inside of him. It had been a long time since he was deceived.
That was when he caught sight of Katrina. The original problem. The one he would rid of himself here and now. Just like back then. With a tried and tested method guaranteed to solve problems, Elric would let the dungeon eat her.
Thinking happy thoughts, Elric released Sublimation and strode toward the house as a fine mist ascended from the floor. He made short work of the door, after brief mention a crime, and threw her out into the street. There he was judge, jury and executioner, ramming his blade so far into Katrina's belly she was guaranteed to bleed out if it was removed.
A quick death wouldn't be satisfactory. Nor did he want to end her immediately. He would enjoy himself, if only briskly, he thought. Until the mist turned into fog, attempting to conceal the prey from him.
Elric, staggered as the room shook before the miniature sun was replaced with ominous clouds. It didn't deter him as a second dagger appeared in his hand. Taking aim, he decided not to play with his food and aimed for her head. Before the projectile could make contact, a wall of stone rose from the Dungeon floor.
With his attempted murder foiled at the last moment, Elric immediately scanned for a mage. What he saw them shocked him even more. They Bandits weren't Bandits at all, but Rogues and Vagabonds. Dungeon Rogues and Dungeon Vagabonds at that.
He couldn't believe it, even though they had told him so from the very beginning. His brain struggled to process the information and he turned his frustrations to Dropper. Removing yet another dagger from his person, Elric lashed at the first person he met when entering the Dungeon.
Before he could express his fury, pain unlike any other assaulted Elric violently. His bones vibrated whilst his head threatenes to burst and he screamed an almighty number of curse. Blood seeped through the fingers trying to hold his skull together as tears pooled in his eyes.
A Potion of Healing and a Potion of Enduring are downed in quick succession one after another. A risky move for an adventurer, taking two different potions at once, but as the only person standing Elric should have been fine. It wouldn't matter if he be same groggy, disorientated or worse, there was a full day before his spell ended and the men were outside.
Fortunately, it was the right move as the dungeon roared at him once more. Only louder and harsher than before. Elric endured by gritting his teeth and tensing his entire body until the sound finally died out. When it did, the first man he had seen so far was standing in front of him. Information showed him as a Dungeon: Shadow Walker and the Catergoriser immediately knew something was wrong.
Giving up on his original goal to have the Dungeon take the blame for Katrina's death, Elric immediately began casting Obliteration. Before it was complete, a portal, ringed in gold, appeared before him and spat out carcus after carcus alongside a torrent of blood. He steadied his resolve as to not lose the spell, but his mind faltered and it fizzled out anyway. A side effect of drinking Potions the way he did.
It wasn't enough to stop him from restarting the spell, but the head that landed by his feet was. It was enough to erase all thoughts completely and the Catergoriser buckled completely. Landing in his knees, the lifeless eyes of his son's corpse was the last sight he saw before the world turned upside down.
Holding on to the image of his son, Elric's world slowly turned to white as he realised his life was over. As everything faded away, his evil intentions and dastardly schemes had meant nothing in the face of ridiculous stupidity. How? How can a Dungeon create humans?
As everything that made Elric who he was slowly slipped away from it, elsewhere it was used to judge him. On a broken scale, owned by a faulty immortal, the ex-Catergoriser is nudged down a path he normally would head down.
This is supposed to be accompanied by the clean-slate program. An autonomous function that has no self awareness. A subfunction of The System. Another quick nudge and Elric bypasses that feature also before mocong in to the next.
Aware of none his, Elric's soul is processed, shipped and delivered to its new life in the span of his vision whiting out.
When that vision returns, it's after being harshly deposited on a cold, stone floor. With his new body in pain, Elric's mind struggles to understand what has happened. Shaking feebly, he is unable to stand on legs because the front of his body feels too heavy. He also feels itchy and fur is the first thing he sees as his eyes finally adjust.
Not crawling, as he had first, suspected, his leg end in paws and the front of his face stretched out further than it has any business stretching. He tries to scream, but the only sound Elric can make is an incoherent whimper. A howl next to him scares him stiff, but also offers assurance at the same time.
Turning around, Elric comes face to face with the large Lobe Hound he's ever seen. The monster seems to be overjoyed and immediately begins licking Elric all over. As he's turned and turned, the ex-Categoriser is again showered with assurance as he realises what's happened.
When finally comes to a stop, Elric is facing a different Lobe Hound. This one looks exhausted and nowhere near as playful as the other. She also has a swollen belly and is panting hard. Her privates are on show and look absolutely revolting as a placenta comes out from the same he did.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
There's only one thought left on Elric's mind as his father howls louder than before at the birth of his pup.
'Shit.'
-Elric Highgrove, A New Chapter.
-Day One.
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Katrina has been moved to the bed in Ali's house and a Healing Potion has been applied to her wound. It should be enough to stop the bleeding and stabilise her condition.
After what she said about me, she is definitely my favorite person. Without a doubt.
I suppose her life does hold some value.
Most life holds value, Me. I'm just happy that I didn't lose a single member of my family to that creep.
Quite. They seem to be fine now that the Catergoriser's magic has worn off.
You're included in that statement as well, Me. When you weren't there, I didn't know what to do. I... I know I'm like a broken record, but I don't know what I'd do without you. We're also family me and you.
Er, quite... Yes... Well said.
Hehe. I love you, Me.
I suppose this time, I can... Reciprocate the sentiment.
Aww, Me. You're gonna make me cry.
Please don't.
Ali is in The Retreat cooking up a feast for everyone in my Dungeon and all is back to normal. Apart from the apprentice, or ex-apprentice I should say, sleeping upstairs in one of the suites.
It's a repeat of yesterday.
I'm maxed on DP and can't spend it on the things I said I would spend it on.
I can't even continue the fifth floor since that won't go down well with the Rogues waiting on me up here.
It's a tough life letting Stockpile get fat.
Talia is handing out booze like there's no tomorrow, reminding everyone of the hard work they're going to have put in to get stronger. Finishing her semi-motivation speech, she downs a large mug of Ale and laughs heartily before slapping Light on the back for some strange reason.
Everyone also happens to include all of my floor bosses. Webster, Violet, Trixie and Samantula are all mingling together near the bar. It looks weird as hell, but makes me mega happy at the same time.
Barry has chosen to continue his day/night/day job. The ever hardworking Mythril Golem is still a little too large to fit inside the Retreat and wouldn't want to damage the building. Even after its resize.
Trixie, on the other hand, was able to just squeeze in. Followed by Samantula. In a sea of mostly-human faces, those two tower above the rest. Trixie's body is taller than every single person here. Samantula wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the creepy human half sticking off the top. With the spider half of her hidden behind the Rogues, she looks like a seven-foot monster made of hair and teeth.
So yeah. Mega happy!
Talia doesn't seem fazed in the slightest with the loss of floor space due to the wolves. In fact, the diligent Taskmaster keeps on topping up their water as well as everyone's drinks. Truly showing off the skills which befit her station and keeping the party flowing.
Somone has given Peaches alcohol and she isn't doing very well as the Sweets try to keep her human form together. The Vagabonds scouts are watching in shock, probably glad they summoned only to be given to Veris. The offender in question is sat with Light and Dropper, banging on about something she killed when she was out. Even though she's technically their boss, since she is my Boss Monster, neither seem all that impressed.
They could at least try to look understanding. Dropper even roles her eyes at her. At Veris! Who knows what that crazy bitch will do?
Dropper only has one thing on her mind and brings it up at every opportunity. A soft blue light is covering almost a quarter of the people enjoying the night, so she's not the only one waiting on me.
The Acolytes are actually on the heavy stuff this time. Disciple Avos might be forcing them though as he seems to have dragged the Con Men into a sermon. Then again, we did almost die today. Everyone deserves a drink, even those that don't want one. There's no tee-totalers in this Dungeon tonight.
At the bar, Noir and Carrie are the center of attention. Praised all night long, Noir blushes whilst attributing his success to me. Which is bullshit, but it's growing in me a little. Carrie doesn't even look as though she cares that she almost-singlehandedly save everyone here from death by Obliteration.
Am I really the only still worried? I'm not as scared as was then, but I still remember it. If it wasn't for Prince Loudmouth and the Ice Queen, I wouldn't be here to witness so much happiness. I'm that grateful, I'll even forgive his ridiculous comment if only for tonight.
The only ones missing are the lower leveled monsters who aren't floor bosses. Can't we call them up aswell, Me? Although, I doubt we could fit anyone else in here.
Look up.
What?
Look. Up.
Doing as I'm told, I swivel my wisp and look up at the ceiling. My family, as I'm still choosing to call them, are some of the scariest bastards I've ever known in either of my lives.
In the rafters above the suites, hundreds of eyes are all staring back at me. Directly at me. Everywhere I look, there is a Spider. If it's not a Spider, it's a Bat. Now, just being up in the ceiling isn't what makes them scary. It's the fact that they're all hyped up and wriggling away that makes the scene horrifying. Rolling myself away, I spot the two celebratory heroes once again.
Huh. Would you look at that?
This time I actually did have two Rogues rush in to save me.
What are the odds?
Quite high now. You are the one who created them after all.
Hehe.
Yeah, I suppose the odds were far greater this time. Can't argue with that.
Thinking of Katrina still resting upstairs whilst the celebrations play out, I can't help but feel like we should have waited. She might have enjoyed celebrating he death of scum with us. Then again, she hasn't met the monstrous side of my family yet. She might even retract her previous statement once she does.
After all, there's more than one candidate for Scariest-Mary in this Dungeon. Or maybe Wierdest-Wendy might be more apt.
Violet and Peaches are the top runners for that spot. Violet's hair may cover her modest, but she can at least hold a conversation. That alone puts her in second place. Weirdest-Wendy goes to Peaches. Who, even though she's clothed now, is still struggling to keep herself together. Scariest-Mary, however...
I look at Samantula down a mug of Ale before liking residue of her gristled feature. It's probably a good thing we didn't wait for Katrina. We can hold a smaller party when she wakes before slowly introducing her to people that might give her a heart attack. She'll have to meet them at some point if she wants to stay in the Dungeon.
Thoughts of that happen pass idly through my mind as I spot Colin skittering across the top of the bar. He doesn't look like he usually does, however. Now, there are more candidates for Strangest-Sally than any other category. I mean, almost everyone is up for that position, even Me. As always though, Colin takes the cake.
A pair of macho arms empty mug after mug into a foaming chest as he skitters passed any unfinished drinks. Apart from the fkaring fact that he has now has arms, Colin's metal work has become gold and his spider-like legs have turned into crystal.
When the hell did Colin get those? And why is he gold? He doesn't do anything but drool?
Even with eight legs, Colin misjudges his step after having one too many and slips off the side of the bar.
It would appear that he has undergone an evolution.
What?
When did that happen? Can you confirm their upgrades, Me?
Quite. I can only assume it was when he was gathering pieces of your Core.
So... He's part Dungeon now?
No. It does appear that he syphoned a large amount of XP from you, however.
Well, damn. How lucky is Colin?
Cheeky little bugger.
Definitely the Strangest-Sally.
Or maybe I'll go with Crazy Colin?
No. If I was going to go with anything, it would be Colin the Cutiepie.
The celebration continues and at some point, a semi-healed Katrina leaves her room. Talia and Me both assured me they were soundproof, but I was still dubious. Now she's here it's obvious she woke up for some reason. She should have slept for ages after the things she's been through.
"Kat!" Trying my best to brighten her spirits I call out to her as loud as I can, I even bust out a nickname. Now that we're besties and all, I'm defo allowed call her that. Unfortunately, I'm left not only feeling stupid, but a little responsible too.
Obviously not over her last trauma, I accidentally scare Veris and she spits her Ale straight into Light face. Who, coincidentally, falls backwards off his chair into Tweedledum. The defenceless Rogue can't help but stumble into Coral and Mysitique's table in, overturning it by no fault of his own. This sends their drinks sailing through air into an unlucky Ang, on her way back from the bathroom.
Caught unaware, she's hit in the back of the head and stumbles forward, directly into Talia's path. The Taskmaster, proficient as ever, sidesteps the incoming Acolyte who ends up crashing straight into her own table. The monsters beside it scarper and everyone is thrown off balance as their table is flipped by Jack, falling over a passing wolf. One of the mugs, heading directly for Talia, is ducked and hits an embarrassed Light in the face before he hits the floor a second time.
Immediately, the Taskmaster's head swivels in my direction.
"It's not my fault they go down like a sack of flies after a few drinks." That's my only defence, but I'm not wrong. I wasn't even talking to them. If anything, Veris is to blame. She spat her Ale on Light, not me.
Talia's gaze is still locked on my Manifestation and I swear I feel myself shrink slightly. She can be scary Talia. I almost want to run away, but it's my Dungeon so...
Instead of saying anything, her glare turns to a smile as everyone starts laughing at Light. The superstar himself doesn't seem too pleased, but after his ego's been stoked the mood has returned to joyous and festive. With nothing to feel sorry for, I turn back to the newest member to my Dungeon. This will be tricky, but we can make it work.
Kat is smiling humorously at the scene of comradery playing out below. She dozen see to mind the monsters mixed in with the people, unless she hasn't noticed them. Which I'd call BS on. Trixie is now laid down and stretched out she's massive. There's no way she's getting missed. Not that she's what you'd call scary. Trixie is a beauty. Plus, it's Sam I need to be worried about.
Instead of threating over the Dungeon full of monsters, Katrina seems to be interested in finding the culprit who caused the humorous disturbance. Her eyes scan the room, but she comes up short.
"Don't look up!" Veris glares at me this time. Her face says, "Again? Really?" I pay her no mind and ask Me if there's anyway I'll ever be able to talk with her myself.
You could form a contract with her. That will allow here hear you.
Really!?
Quite. I should ask you that question. When have I ever lied to you?
That's true.
Sorry, Me. I didn't mean it like that. You just caught me by surprise is all. I trust you with my life, you know?
Oh... Well... Good. Thank you.
Twice in one day. I'm on a roll.
I spend time chatting with Kat, through many different mediators, about forming a contract with my Dungeon. Through my use of the many mouthpieces available, the ex-apprentice-still-Catergoriser manages to meet almost everyone that can speak. Sam was firmly made to stay at the opposite side of the bar just incase she was too much to handle. She did look rather sad about it though.
Katrina decided to think my offer over and I respected her decision. After everything important had been covered, or at least what I remembered to cover, we moved on to small talk. That was when I heard some rather distressing news.
"Isn't the chief of Orad, Goran?" That was the question that threw my world. During conversation about the local topography, Katrina described where I was in reference to my hometown. Northwest of Orad, the small mountain that stand alone surrounded the forest is where I now live. Which was funny because, as far I know, there aren't any mountains in that direction when lookin from Orad. I would know about it.
"The chief of Orad is called Baldur. He's been the chief for aslong as I can remember and I grew up there." Not a hint of dishonesty is heard in her reply, but I'm still left wondering.
Baldur?
Who the hell is that? I've never heard of anyone with that name. Also, where did this mountain come from and why was I shoved inside it?
Do you know, Me?
I do not. It might have taken the system longer to create your Core due to the fact that you were a human? That's just a theory, however.
Well, it's better than the nothing I've got, right?
I suppose. Why not ask the ex-apprentice?
That... Is a fantastic suggestion, Me.
"What year is it, Kat? And how long has this mountain been here?"
"It's 1956. I'm not sure about the mountain though? It looked as though it was growing larger the closer I got, but... That's what usually happens, right?"
....
No way.
No fucking way!
The noise around us fades out and the bar falls silent. My emotions always show through my monsters. My pain, is their pain. My rage, is their rage. Right now, my absolute shock has silenced my entire family and we're all staring at Kat in confusion. Mixed in with that is a sizeable amount of frustration, but that's not aimed at her in any way. That's for another special lady somewhere in my life.
It's been 50 years since I died.
50 YEARS!!
How did it take 50 years to turn me into a Dungeon Core?
Just as I'm about to start a whole new rant over the outrageous fact I've just been slapped with, I feel the presence of somone coming inside me and I'm forced to put it on hold.
Great.
It hasn't even been that long since Elric died, there shouldn't be anyone kicking down my doors for revenge just yet. So who the hell is it now?
I haven't even had time to come to terms with the new abilities yet, or my ever growing list of weird and unexplainable occurrences, but here's another one. An old man is stood in my entrance holding the fluffiest, most-adorable teddy, I have ever seen. The Dire Wolf beckons to me and, as confused and angry as I am, I really want that teddy.
Mira appears next to him and the man drops to his knees, "I had a vision to come here. It said the Syndicate would help me."
It's never a dull moment around here.
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image [https://imgur.com/a/z0GKK77]http://imgur.com/a/z0GKK77