A few centuries ago, monsters known as Mimics could be found in almost all of the dungeons spread across Tironia.
Mimics are patient creatures. Capable of sitting motionless for days on end until they are ready to act. In no way does this mean that they are docile or lazy monsters. They are exceptionally cunning and extremely vicious, one must be very careful when encountering one.
They lure prey in with the incentive to earn rewards and riches, under the guise of a regular treasure chest. They have no outstanding features that are noticeable until it's too late and you're already in its maw.
All races on Tironia know that dungeons provide rewards for those brave enough to journey inside. It's common knowledge. But when the mimics started to appear in large numbers, a change occurred.
The adventurers who had made a living by venturing into dungeons instead became wary of entering because of these deceptive monsters. This reduced the number of dungeon goods available in the market and only then was something done about the dangerous enemy. If one were to search the history records for such details on why Mimics are no longer commonplace in dungeons, the conclusion they would reach is that the creatures had been wiped out.
An incalculable number of parties made up of the collective forces of Tironia, put an end to the threat plaguing their lands and minds. For a full week, parties ventured into every known dungeon across the world in search of chests. Not to loot but to kill from afar in hopes that it was a monster.
This was what would later come to be known as 'The Week of Release'. Removing fear from adventurers, old and new, over their enemy. Ever since that day any Mimic that has been found has been destroyed along with the core that created it, with extreme prejudice.
Mimics are born from the dungeon, just like all the other mysterious types of monsters that they can create. After Mimics and their Cores were wiped out across the land, new dungeons stopped producing them. This showed more intelligence on the part of the dungeons. Avoiding their death by removing the monster that was detested by all.
No one has recorded seeing a Mimic in the last hundred years and they are now presumed extinct. If anyone comes across a Mimic whilst inside a dungeon in this day and age, they are required to report all information on the creature and anything else that could be relevant to the type of despatch required.
People do not take being eaten by a treasure chest lightly and anyone found harbouring information on such a creature may also find themselves punished with the same fate as the aforementioned monster.
A History of Monsters. Chapter 3 Mimics. Written by O'mi Soras.
----------------------------------------
Stockpile is level 7!?
That means Barry has been ploughing away, all that time.
That's definitely cheating now, right? You can answer me this time, Me. I mean, if I ever come across another dungeon won't they hate the fact that I had a power start and they didn't?
It is not cheating. Stockpile is available as a skill for any Dungeon Core. Should they choose to waste their DP trying to acquire it, that is. They cannot hate you for doing what they themselves can also do.
So I'm not special then?
You are most certainly unique, Abi. That, I can guarantee.
Thanks, Me.
I'm not a hundred percent cerain that was a compliment, but that's how I'm choosing to take it.
Can I see my stats, please?
Dungeon Core Abi Level 3:
1/15 XP Until Next Level
9 Rooms
8 Tunnels
4 Monsters
0 Traps
102/60 DP Available
Wow! I can only imagine how beneficial Stockpile is going to be when I have an even larger pool of DP to abuse. Not that it will be happening any time soon, but a girl can dream.
Ok, time to spend these built-up points. I'm a little worried that I've fallen behind due to my recent escapade to Nightmare Land. In reality, the points I could have spent were used differently so they weren't really wasted.
I'll put my expansion on hold for now and try to fill the rooms I currently have. There's no point creating them if there's no one to defend them, right?
After that Terrortation session, I've realised that I need to strengthen my defence. There's no need to bring up my purchase list either, as I know exactly what I'm going to do.
Me. Summon 8 Rogues, please.
Ok, but what about the wolves?
I know I said there was nothing for them to do, but at least there are other people to talk to now. Not that they've said a word, but Light and Ali shouldn't feel so lonely. It's certainly not because I heard about the upgrades.
By the time the light of creation fades away, eight Rogues are lined up waiting to carry out my will. Unfortunately, there isn't much to carry out, so I set them the task of familiarising with each other.
There isn't much that differentiates them, to be honest. Other than their heights and build. To be Frank, every male looks identical apart from Light and that's only because he has facial hair. The females are slightly more distinguishable thanks to the fact that none of them seem to wear their hair up.
I'll build up the courage soon, Me. I promise.
A new monster has been unlocked:
Vagabond: 20DP
New features have been unlocked:
Rundown Rogue Bar: 20DP
Weak Ale: 1DP
Weak Wooden Table: 1DP
Weak Wooden Chair: 1DP
That's a lot more than I was expecting. I was only after the upgrade.
You will find that most upgrades come with similar features.
That's good to know. Thanks, Me. What would I do without you?
Probably cry.
Hey! Don't be mean after being so nice. True as that may be.
I need to focus. Two of the new purchases are quite expensive and I'm not feeling quite as flush as I was a minute ago.
I leave the Rogues to mingle and explore, hoping Light or Ali can give them pointers to occupy their time. Now that everyone is settled in I still have sufficient points to summon the Vagabond. For the same cost as a room, I might add. I'd be lying if I said that it didn't hurt a little, but I need these guys to defend me. Just in case that army of knights I mentioned earlier is actually loitering around outside.
The now-familiar light of creation erupts into existence once again and my Core flutters at the same time. I'm so much better than regular dungeons.
As the light fades, the Vagabond is left patiently kneeling before my Core, awaiting her first command. Her picture-perfect face is a sight that could pierce any man's soul. Her eyes match the light of creation and her white hair is tied up in a ponytail.
Finally. Maybe she can teach the Rogues some fashion sense.
Dressed all in black, a set of full-sleeved leather armour protects her modest chest and is engraved with intricate designs. The armour sculpts her body to her thighs and looks more like a dress. Holding the material tight around her hip, a belt decorated with owls that has multiple pouches and two daggers hang neatly on her side. Knee-length boots shape her leg and leave her thighs on view for all to see.
Or maybe I spoke too soon.
Still, she looks a far-sight stronger than my Rogues.
I notice the light of creation clinging to her body, almost like it's waiting for me to do something. Not being one to leave things unfinished, I concentrate hard and a notification pops up.
Optional Choice:
Set Vagabond as the Dungeon Boss
Yes/No?
How did I forget about the Bosses? There's so much to remember as a dungeon.
Sure, why not?
I'm sure she will do a much better job than any of the Rogues. Not to be mean, but she is a step up from them. She's also going to need a name. It will have to be a strong one as well. Especially if she's going to be a Boss.
Crap! This is where it gets hard!
After struggling for a while, I name her Veris and leave her in my Core Room. Anyone who might be looking to take out a newbie Dungeon Core, such as myself, will have to go through my Rogues and my Golem. Then, they'll have to beat Veris. If they manage that, then I suppose I can let Colin eat them. All he does is sit in front of my core anyway, happily drooling away.
Hmmm? Me. Why didn't the system let Barry or Colin be a Floor Boss?
Unique or contracted Monsters cannot be set as such. There are other parameters and restrictions as well but none that you need to worry about right now.
Seems unfair. Also, I think that I'm going to have to give these rooms some permanent features. It's hard to keep track of them by just numbering them. What do I have that can change that?
A quick look at my list leaves me confused.
Me. I'm able to create a new floor now.
Correct. You needed a minimum of 5 rooms and a Boss Monster to fulfil the condition to create another floor.
Damn. That means I wasted quite a bit of DP up here then, doesn't it? Why didn't you tell me sooner?
You never asked and technically, you have not wasted any points when you include Stockpile in your calculations. Having a larger Dungeon and more monsters is a good quality for any Core to possess. Even humans use the term safety in numbers. The only downfalls are that you would be at a higher level if you had already progressed and your Regeneration rate would have risen.
If I go down a floor, can I still alter the rooms up here?
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
Correct. You can edit any room or floor whenever you want, wherever you are. The only time you cannot make alterations is when adventurers are occupying the floor you wish to edit. If that happens, the floor will be restricted until either they change floors, die, or leave the dungeon. Categorisers are a different story.
OK. OK.
We're on a roll with this useful information business. Thanks, Me.
I'm still a little weirded out over the whole killing adventurers part, not going to lie. But if I have to do that to stop myself from dying again, then that's what I'm damn well going to do.
No ifs, buts or sourfoots.
I definitely not going to die again. Even if I have to become immortal. I'm going to live forever.
However, they're tomorrow's problem. Good luck, Abi. I've still got today's crap to worry about. Do I stick with the plan and summon more troops for defence? Or should I drop some floors, move my Core and earn XP? Even after debating the pros and cons for a while, I'm at a loss.
Both ideas have merit.
Screw it. I'll stick with the original plan for the moment. I can alter it when, or if, I need to. I've got just less than 6 hours left. That should work out at around... 358 DP. As long as Barry doesn't slack off, that is. Not that he would. He lives for the grind apparently and is my most efficient monster.
The cave system he's been digging seems to be progressing quite well. I can tell that from the points rolling in and taking Stockpile to level 7. I can also see the first tunnels worth on my map. Anything further away and I'm unable to see it. I could take control of it now if I wanted to, but I daren't risk damaging my Core again.
How come Barry can go in there? Isn't he part of me because I created him?
You can send monsters outside your dungeon to scavenge, harvest, raid, pillage and such. However, this would attract unwanted attention if there were any settlements nearby. The reason you cannot leave is because you are the Dungeon. If you were able to leave somehow, then your Dungeon would cease to exist as you would no longer be connected to it.
Oh. Seems so obvious now you've said it. Dungeons can be terrifying. They use monsters to attack villages and are known to be extremely dangerous.
But is that really me now?
Extremely dangerous?
It's awesome that Barry and the gang are able to go out. Plus, I know there are no settlements outside as well. Orad, that's where I'm from, is probably the closest place to us and that's like an eight-hour walk from here. It's not likely that we'll see anyone just randomly strolling by. Especially if we're in the same place.
I'm reluctant to get my hopes up though, just in case Kal is still nearby. He could be outside somewhere. What if my door opens while he's there to see it? He'll either report me or try to loot the dungeon himself, just like last time. Then I'm screwed.
OK. I'll change my plans. Just in case.
Light, Ali and all the other Rogues. Move to the front entrance, please.
What are you planning now?
It's just in case Kal or anyone else is lurking around outside. I'll get the Rogues to rush out as soon as I open and surprise attack whoever is out there.
That... Is a good plan, Abi.
Hehe.
I know, Me. I know.
Veris and Colin, you two stay where you are for now. Barry, just keep on digging my little Rockstar.
Now then, Me. I want the Rundown Rogue Bar in the corner room, please. Opposite both tunnels, so you can see it from either one.
Rundown Rogue Bar has been purchased:
2XP Awarded.
You need to select a Rogue to work in the establishment for it to operate successfully.
Establishment? I wasn't expecting that. I thought it would be a hideout of sorts. I'm not going to complain though, thanks for the XP.
Looking at the silent Rogues crammed in my entrance, I decide to spare one of them from the plan. Selecting one for the position, I name her Talia and assign her to the feature.
This leaves me a Rogue short at the entrance as Talia disappears, teleporting away to the bar.
Rogue Talia has been upgraded to Shady Rogue Barkeeper Talia:
All stats increased by 10.
New skills have been earned.
Nice.
The rundown establishment has been constructed in all its cobwebbed glory. Looking as bad as it sounds, let's be honest, this building is a dump. Broken windows, a rickety roof and there's almost nothing inside except a few cockroaches.
Did they come with the bar, or do I have bugs?
They don't seem to bother Talia and she steps into the building through the door-less frame with a bright smile. No longer in the same armour as the other Rogues, Talia's sky-blue hair flows freely down her back.
Why aren't these women tying their hair up? It'll be much easier for combat.
Now that I can actually see her face, not only is she pretty but Talia looks quite tough. Just like Veris. I wonder if all the Rogues I create will turn out like that? Still dressed all in black, but now wearing a shirt and pants combo finished with a white apron, she suits the role of a barmaid perfectly. I mean, I certainly wouldn't mess around in her establishment.
The bar came with one sorry-excuse-of-a-table and two, equally-poor chairs. A lonely-looking bottle of alcohol sits alone on one of the not-many unbroken shelves. I was expecting more from a 20 DP purchase. The best part was the Rogue upgrade. As I watch, Talia stares at the desolate bar with glee and I decide to lighten the Rogues' Corner up for her.
Oh, that sounds like a name. I'm definitely using that one.
Talia looks happy in her new position as the hostess of a rundown bar so I return my focus to the task at hand. Dungeon planning. This is going to be a long 6 hours and I need to give it my full focus!
Time passed by faster than I had anticipated and, as predicted, my DP brought in 348 points. There are still 10 minutes to go until I open and I'm just calling the Rogues back to the entrance. After being crammed together in that small room thanks to my fear, I felt kind of bad them and said they could relax until needed. Now that it's almost go time, I need them to be ready to charge out as I open.
I've managed to spend my points wisely over this time, trying to lay out a good floor plan. I could've done with more DP if I'm being honest, but making the best out of a bad situation is what I do these days. However, making plans and spending points are not the only things I've been doing with my time.
I've been examining everything with a skill I acquired a while ago. Coincidentally, it's also called Examine. I learned it at Level 2 and never got around to using it, not until a few hours ago that is. The skill provides me with information about everything in my dungeon and it would be easier to list what I can't examine rather than what I can.
One of the first things to be examined was the Rockstar, Barry. Good old, loveable, rock-dropping, Barry. I found out he costs 5000DP to purchase. I mean OMG. Did I seriously luck out or what? He's even earned me close to 20% of that back today alone!
What a Golem!
That wasn't the only shocker though and it wasn't the most surprising. Colin, my loveable and comical Mimic, took the cake by far. If I were to purchase another drooling beauty like him, it would cost me 20,000DP!
I nearly passed out when I saw the cost. I mean, no wonder he's so cute at that price. If I ever reach that number of points, I'll definitely buy another one. That's a plan!
Me says that Colin's cost is due to an incident that occurred centuries ago. The same incident that got them classified as dangerous monsters. I wonder what it was? I could probably get Me to tell me, but it will only be another long-ass lecture.
Let's not.
He almost blew up when I mentioned getting a second Mimic. I just don't think he gets how adorable they are. And if they're well hidden, or in my Core Room, what's the problem?
I checked all the monsters on my list, except for the little green devils. Not a chance. Not even as cannon fodder. Wouldn't waste the DP. Thanks to Examine, I'm able to see how many summons are needed for the next tier to unlock. Which are labelled as ??? for some reason.
Having nothing else to do, I even examined my torches. I mean, why not? They can be upgraded by paying 10X the cost of placing a single Weak Wall Torch. Which isn't so bad for torches, they only cost 1DP, but it makes upgrading summons horrendous. I can't see myself using that feature often, but you never know what future me might come up against.
Anyway, where was I?
I began my spending spree by upgrading my last purchase. After using Examine and seeing the XP reward, I had Me upgrade it as soon as we could.
Rundown Rogue Bar has been upgraded to Shabby Rogue Bar
New features are available:
Regular Ale: 2DP
Watch House: 40DP
4XP Awarded
For the steep cost of 40DP, the Rundown Bar began to change. Roof tiles reappeared where they had been missing, albeit a bit slanted, and windows magically repaired one after the other. One of the front doors appeared back in its place and the inside gained a few more tables and chairs. The shelves behind the bar looked a little healthier as the proprietress smiled happily.
After that, I Examined the Bar again.
Shabby Rogue Bar:
A place for weary Rogues to rest their heads
Whilst on the same floor as the bar, all Rogue-type monsters have their attributes boosted by 10%
Upgrade Shabby Rogue Bar to ????: 80DP
Rewards:
Strong Ale: 4DP
Building's Second Floor: 80DP
8XP
Well... There's no way I can say no to that, right? That boost could be a lifesaver. 10% is good for any class.
It was expensive, but the XP I would earn from it was worth it alone. Once my points had accumulated enough, I went ahead and made my second purchase.
Shabby Rogue Bar has been upgraded to Rogues' Tavern
New features are available:
Strong Ale: 4DP
Tavern's Second Floor: 80DP
8XP Awarded
Dungeon Core Abi has reached Level 4
DP has been increased by 20
New features have been unlocked:
Light Cluster: 3DP
Fire Cluster: 3DP
Swindlers Den: 40DP
A new tunnel has been unlocked:
Shady Tunnel: 20DP
With the upgrade complete, the rest of the windows were repaired and the front door was fully operational, albeit somewhat crooked. More tables and chairs filled the inside of the establishment and behind the counter was stocked with lots of different alcohol. Talia was absolutely beaming, wiping down the counter with a cloth she'd acquired from somewhere.
Another level-up was phenomenal for me as well. That meant I could hold 136/80.
That's what I'm talking about!
With 120 points gone from my total of 358, that left me with 238DP to spend.
For the next phase, I spent 10 points on Pitfall traps and unlocked the next set. At the low cost of 1DP each, I placed ten of them in the room Barry drops his goods and spread them out. They don't seem like they will do much damage and adventurers will be able to climb out of them quite easily. I'll change them somewhere down the line when I'm flush.
Trap Unlocked:
Spike Trap: 2DP
After that, I went a little trap-mad.
Spike traps can be hidden on the dungeon floor or walls and spring out when triggered.
Trap Unlocked:
Firepit Trap: 4DP
Do I even need to explain what that trap does?
With thirty traps set down, I decided to stop myself there before all my points went that way. Even if the next trap did seem like a perfect fit for the Shady Tunnel I unlocked.
Trap Unlocked:
Poisonous Gas Trap: 8DP
Throughout all the trap placing, I made sure none of them covered the area where Barry drops his loads.
As the grand opening drew closer, I had 168 points left to come from the Rockstar and finally gave in to my partner's constant harassment about not having enough variety in my dungeon. I did the unthinkable and purchased 10 wolves.
Reluctantly, I might add.
Coming to life before me, they all appeared in my Core Room as pitch-black monstrosities. Made from the essence of fear itself, their sharp carnivorous teeth sent shivers down my Core. With ten equally scary sets of eyes trained on me, I immediately sent the wolves to a different room. Still shaken, I persevered.
A new monster has been unlocked:
Alpha Wolf: 10 DP
New loot unlocked:
Leather: 2 DP
Still mentally hyperventilating from the first 10 wolves, I eventually managed to summon the Alpha after procrastinating to Me for enough time for more points to build up.
Every other wolf that I summoned was pitch black. The Alpha, which I decided to name Trixie, has white fur that reminds me of snow. I couldn't help myself as I thought, she's so cute. Her entire body is the same colour as Veris' hair.
My imaginary heart, which is really my Core, skipped a beat as the beautiful creature waggled her tail. With her being twice the size of the first wolves, you would think I'd be petrified.
She's just too cute to be scared of though.
Her large golden eyes watched my Core pulse and I swear I got chills. Not because I was scared, but from the love and devotion I felt from her. She was telling me that she will protect me with all her heart and soul. Just how Me said it would be.
Awww. I just wanna cuddle you, Trixie!
After spending my time admiring the Alpha, I sent her to the room with the other wolves and decided to name it 'The Wolves' Den'. That was immediately followed by a notification.
New features have been unlocked:
Grass: 1 DP (per square foot)
Large Woodland Room: 80 DP
Optional Mini-Boss has been Unlocked:
Set Alpha Wolf as the Mini-Boss of the first floor
Yes/No?
I confirmed her as a mini-boss without hesitation. Stunning as she is, I bet Trixie's a beast in a fight. She wouldn't beat Barry, but I would put money on her to win against a normal adventurer any day.
10 minutes left before I open and I've got 98 DP left to spend. I got distracted by Trixie and spent the last of my time wishing I could brush her fur. She even gives Colin a run for his money on the cuteness scale. It's at that moment I realise someone deserves praise for the magnificent specimen of a wolf laid before me.
Thank you, Me.
What for this time?
I would never have such a pretty wolf like Trixie if it wasn't for you.
Yes... Quite. Next time, how about the Goblins?
...
If you ever say that again, I will mute you forever. Do you understand?
Understood, Abi. No Goblins.
Good. I'm glad that's settled.
May I suggest acquiring some different types of monsters then?
Now that's more like it.
Tell me more, Me?
----------------------------------------
image [https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/i/egar_gnizama/Dungeon_Chapter_5.jpg]