In the Core Room on the sixth floor of the dungeon, a King Mimic is licking the accumulated dust from one of its many motionless brethren. He has no idea why the other chests refuse to get up and clean themselves and their laziness is beginning to frustrate him. Even after spending his own precious time assisting them, before taking over the task completely, the Wooden Chests still refuse to clean themselves.
He gives each one a thorough going over, taking specific care around every nut and bolt. Even going as far as lifting the chests up so that he can give the new marble floor a good shining too.
After doing twenty less-than-desirable chests, Colin's tongue is feeling a little worse for wear. Ever diligent though, this does not stop the drooling Mimic as he looks at the ten Silver Chests the Supreme Master placed recently.
Surely, those guys will clean themselves? Maybe if he injects them with his seed? Unlike the other twenty loafers beside him, this time he's hoping for a positive outcome.
His lid chatters away merrily as he skitters towards them. Stopping in front of the first chest, he sizes it up and inspects each part of it before his large frame quivers in delight.
Retracting his legs, Colin sits infront of the chest as his lid opens wide and hopes this will be the one. Raising the Silver chest in the air with the strength of his evolution, black tendrils extend out from the abyss inside him and pierce the Silver Chest's frame. Leaving no physical marks, Colin begins injecting the Abyss from himself into his inanimate brother.
Tendrils pump away vigorously, supplying the needed amount to awaken his brother. When they're finally removed, Colin places the chest back on the ground and gets up.
Observing it patiently, anticipation clings to him as he waits for the chest to do something. Anything. He inspects every angle, circling multiple times as agitation starts knawing at him. He shimmies left and right and even attempts to prod the chest. With every fibre of his Core, which he knows is connected to the main Core, Colin prays to the dungeon that this new chest will be able to clean itself.
Circling the chest a third time, the lid slowly starts to creak open and it halts Colin in his tracks. With his full attention on the chest, the King Mimic watches awareness come into existence within the inanimate object.
Legs appear beneath the creature, raising it off the ground as a fleshy pink tongue rolls out of its chest. Standing up for the first time, the Mimic notices that it's taller than the golden chest and chitters in excitement. Being bigger usually means one is better, stronger and more likely to be chosen by adventurers.
Unhappy with the situation, Colin pulls on the Mimic's closest leg and it stumbles forward. He then thumps it on the lid in a true display of strength. The monster hisses in retaliation, threatening to eat the golden chest. Having arms is a major benefit though and Colin uses that to his advantage.
Grabbing the Mimics tongue, he pulls back until tight and then let's go. Barrel-rolling into the wall, a boss has been established. Now amicable to his needs, Colin goes to lick the Mimic's frame with his tongue. Horrified, the monster trys its best to run away.
Again, having arms is a major boon and Colin puts them to good use by lifting the creature off the floor and disabling it's means of escape. After cleaning a small section of the Mimic's chest, Colin points to the rest and waits for the monster to finish itself off. Five minutes later, a lot of pointing and a bit of tough love, the Silver Mimic is sat in a corner cleaning itself. Albeit looking rather sad and beat up.
It's lifegiver, ontheotherhand, is ecstatic. He watches the Mimic cleaning and only has to threaten it once to make sure it gets right in the cracks. Delighted that he has one less chest to clean, Colin points toward the Wooden Chests until he gets the Silver Chest's attention.
Realising what's being implied, the Mimic looks mortified that, not only does he have to clean himself, he has to clean the others too. Colin, however, is buzzing. If he can avoid splinter tongue, then that's what he's going to do.Especaill now that he has a lacky to do the task for him.
With the task a success and his lesson taught, Colin moves towards the next Silver Chest. Tendrils sink into the rest subject number 2 as the King Mimic repeats the process, much to the shock of the other Mimic 1. As he injects life into the inanimate object, the Silver Chest learns that finding out how one comes into existence is a truly terrifying experience.
-Colin, King Mimic
Dungeon Stories Volume 1
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A few drinks later, and with one man carrying a lot less coin than when he entered, no one seems to be too phased about being inside a dungeon anymore.
I don't whether to be surprised by how theyre acting, or not. On one hand, totally get it. My mind might also be blown if I still thought about the things they're thinking about. On the other, who follows a drunk into a dungeon and doesn't ask questions about monsters?
It's amazing how alcohol can ease the burdens that trouble the soul all on its own. Regarding the matter that Light managed to slur his way through, which Talia translated and added more context too, overall I'm quite satisfied with the situation so far.
"So you're telling me... That your master... Is a woman? Get outta here, where is she?" Wheeler can't seem to get his head around the idea of a woman owning a man as he scans the bar. Although I don't technically own them, I'm more like Momma Core than anything. Plus, why was his first question about my gender?
"I would also like to meet with your master, is she available?" Eyeing Light up like a kid in a candy shop, Sophie shows no ill regard for the supposed woman and is curious about who she is. This one I'd less like to meet. I cn already see the jealousy in her eyes.
Red in the face from the ale that Talia has been supplying them, Aaron slides off the stool and boldly declares, "I love this ale!" Swaying back and forth, he manages to right himself before loosing it, landing face first on the floor.
"I'm fine... Go on without me..." his eyes close and I don't know what to say to that one. He looks like he's enjoying his dream though, drooling away with a smile on his red face.
What does he mean by that?
Nothing. He's just drunk.
Ahh. Just like Light.
Haha. Yeah, that's right. Only this guy's way more drunk than our resident alcoholic. I swear, if Light spends anymore of his time in the Retreat, Talia's going to end up employing him. Although, he must be building up some kind of tolerance now. I haven't caught him sleeping on any of the tables in a while.
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As I talk with Me, Light sits himself on the bar next to Sophie. The blonde guard furrows her brow after being ignored and repeats her question, asking for a meeting with his master.
"My Master... Is usually around. Well, most of the time she is. She's always watching." Why did he add that last bit? He was doing so good at keeping it discreet.
"Does that means she's here now?" Looking around, no one else has entered the Retreat since they arrived. The only ones here are Talia, Light and her own companions. And a sneaky Dungeon Core watching through overview.
"When can I meet her then?" For some strange reason, Sophie is really determined to get a meeting with me. What's that about? It's a little worrying in a way. Not in a, she might kill me way, though. More of a, bitch might hurt my feelings somehow and I don't need that shit right now, way.
I... I don't...
"She's... Away, at the moment, and has left me in charge, " the semi-drunken dungeon monster proclaims, proudly sticking out his chest and finishing the contents of his mug in one. Again, I don't like that last bit. He could have at least made it sound believable and said I left Talia in charge. It's like he only has half of a good idea. The rest is just...
"Haha, don't be preposterous. You may be a capable fighter, but it's plain as day you're not a leader," Wheeler knocks Light off his podium with his harsh words and doubles down on my opinion. Sophie looks aghast as the Rogue shows off his poor acting skills. Honestly, it's almost as bad as his barely-believable charade.
Stepping closer to Wheeler he says, "You cut me deep, Sir."
Are you serious? I mean... I swear l, Light. I swear to the gods, if you don't...
Realising where he is and who he is laughing at, Wheeler begs forgiveness the best a drunk, overweight man can. He apologises profusely after dropping to his knees, just incase the blabbering fool is temporarily in charge.
Huh?
"Hahaha. I'm only joking with ya. Don't worry about it. I'm not hurt or nothing. Anyway, let's head to Ali's for some food. I'm starving and we can keep talking there." Heading towards the door, Light gestures for the others to follow him.
I don't know he swung that. Maybe those dead people from earlier popped to mind? Probably, there's nothing else that'd make a man like him get on his knees for anyone. Except maybe a bit of gold.
Even though he carries the girth of three people, a pale-faced Wheeler bolts up faster than he hit the ground at the mention of food. All his worries forgotten as colour flushes his face and he strides towards the door adjusting his pants, "Let's go!"
"H-hey, what about your friend?" Light calls out towards Wheeler, who's almost at the door. Light slides off the bar, avoiding Aaron and in the process getting closer to Sophie. The guard doesn't miss the opportunity and links arms before pulling him on.
"Aaron'll be fine, he always goes down afrer a few. Just... Chuck him in a bed and we'll pick him up later. Now, dinner." Poining with gusto, Wheeler exits the retreat with Light and Sophie in tow. The latter seems to have no intentions of letting go and I'm not gonna say shit. Good luck, Light.
"As long as he's not eaten by the dungeon, he should be fine. Come on, Light. Which way is it? I'm hungry, but I'm more curious to see what food is served inside a dungeon. I also have like a million questions to ask, but they can wait until we've eaten," pulling his arm, Light looks back at the sleeping guard Aaron before nodding at Talia and heading off with Sophie and Wheeler.
I tell Talia to chuck Aaron in bed. I don't need him choking and dying on the floor for whatever reason and them bam, I've eaten your friend. Whoops. Who's a Silly Dungeon Core? It just won't fly. Instead, bed is the best place for the drunk.
The two humans aren't the only hungry people in the dungeon. Light's belly broadcasts his thoughts which earn him a round of laughs and a smile from the accompanying duo.
"Ali is amazing. Her food is out of this world," Light tries to play down his embarrassment and keeps uptalking how good the food is until they come to a stop outside a yellow-brick building.
Large windows look inside to the dinning room and a simple sign hangs above the door. The door has three glass windows lining it and is wedged open. Delicious aromas drift out from the building as more than one stomach rings out on contact. It would appear everyone is happy to be at Ali's.
I'm still bummed out, but I've managed to get over my want to eat. Still don't need to, but... Some of the plates she dishes up. Damn. It's not fair. It's not fair at all. Don't I deserve a nice meal? Should I be enjoyed to 'mmmm' to my heart's content? It's hard as hell being a Dungeon Core, you know?
So maybe I'm not over it. Whatever. I could complain until The System does something about, but I've got guests and it's not like she listens anyway.
"Oh my lord. What is that delicious scent I'm getting?" Floating on the scent until he reaches the door, Wheeler's eyes begin to tear as he colllapses to his knees. Apparently, all they've all eaten the last two days is dry rations. A proper meal, or even half a fresh loaf of bread, would be enough to reduce the this guy to his knees and destroy his resolve.
"Wheeler! Get up. You're embarrassing us." Sophie's tone kills his vibe though and he does as told, dusting himself off. Not before rebuking her with what everyone's been thinking since we left the Retreat.
"You're one to talk hooked up to that man like a schoolgirl." Even though she flushes red, Sophie doesn't move. If anything, her grip just got tighter. I even saw Light fluster for a second. Her embarrassment doesn't last long though as she turns a death stare Wheeler's way.
He adjusts his pants as a young girl dashes past his side. Before anyone even has time to think, she already dove into Light's chest. How is he so popular? I mean, he's not bad on the eye, but...
"Hi, Kat. Have you just had dinner?" Light tussles her hair with his free hand before the Catergoriser jumps away, waving a hand in front of her face.
"You stink. Have you been at Talia's all day?" Light looks around for a good excuse before spotting the perfect one on his arm.
"N-No. Master asked me to look after these two and we've just come from the Retreat. And we weren't even there for that long." Katrina looks skeptical at that, but she let's it slide before cuddling back into his chest.
"Hmm. OK. I was just visiting Ali to see how she's doing. Did you know Abi summoned more people to help her with the restaurant? She's too kind for her own good sometimes that one. Although, I suppose she's not really losing out on anything when you consider the fighting potential. She's actually quite clever. Speaking of Abi, where is she? Do you know?" Kat looks at Light with her big, blue inquisitive eyes and he almost buckles.
"Erm... She's out?" Looking anywhere but Kat, Light sounds that unsure of himself that I barely believe him. Trying his best to convey words using his eyes, he fails and Kat just looks more confused. He's a right pain in my Core sometimes.
"I'm just escorting our visitors to Ali's for a nice dinner. There's also a third that passed out in the Retreat, can you go see if Talia's managed to get him in to bed please? I would, but Abi asked me to escort the guests around and explain things to them." Why do he keep emphasising the wrong words? Is he doing it on purpose? Why didn't he just say they're from outside the dungeon?
"Who is she and why is she... Cuddling you?" The blonde on his arm can't contain herself and she blurts out her feelings like her and Light are already an item.
The drunk laughs, but this doesn't stop chills running down his spine at Sophie's death stare. Realising what she's just said, Sophie goes bright red a second time before putting on a nervous smile.
"I'm Katrina, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've got to go see Talia now, but we can chat later if you want. Good bye . See ya, Light," with that the ex-apprentice skips off to Talia's after getting her Light fix. Wheeler, Sophie and a confused drunk, head in to Ali's.
So far, Light hasn't done the worst job at being discreet. Even though I told him to do so on a whim, I'm almost proud. He's in his element when bringing back tributes, but talking to people... I'll give him a miss next time.
In charge of the dungeon my Core.
Anyway, I want to see how the humans behave and act with no monsters around. Not that there are any actual monsters here, only my family, but it won't be long before one of them drops the question. Light will only be able to sidestep it for so long, not that I'm trying to trick them or anything.
I'm just curious is all. Plus, it's nice to see people interacting with each other. Especially since I can't. I've gotta satisfy needs somehow, right?
So far, Light's managed to avoid explaining two major details. All whilst intoxicated aswell. Maybe I should give him more credit? The first one being that he's actually a creation of the dungeon they know they're in.
Because that's how good my summons are. You can't tell the difference between them and regular humans.
The second detail he glossed over is that his outrageously-gorgeous female master is, not only the owner of said dungeon but, is in fact the Dungeon Core itself.
Way to go Light.
Definitely needs more credit than I'm giving him, doesn't he? Maybe I can purchase something for him when this is over. I mean, no one's talking about destroying the dungeon. Neither are they running to the closest Categoriser they can find to report me either.
So yeah, I'm taking this as a win so far.