The night came and went, with Veris getting what she desired, much to my ongoing concerns. I was also overstocked on DP once again, yet barely even noticed as the income passed my threshold and added to the ongoing total of accumulated points.
I stopped watching Overstock's growth because it was causing me to look forward to the future and was slightly dampening the joys of the present. However, that's no longer the case anymore as Overstock has almost reached its level cap. Who'd have ever thought that saving up DP was this easy?
Certainly not Me. That's for sure.
I chuckle in the deepest recesses of my mind. A place where I can think without having to share every thought with my mentally-bonded companion. Not that I have anything against our connection. Sometimes, a Core just needs her privacy.
With Overstock currently sitting at level 9, that means I'm able to retain 90% of any DP earned. Another candidate for the most outrageous dungeon trait, but definitely not one to complain about.
As the sun rises over Varona, I watch merchants offer prayers to the Bale of Fortune before setting out to sell their wares. I still can't believe the world's most-frustrating feature finally evolved, and into something spectacular no less.
It may still look like hay, but that's exactly what it is. What more should I expect? I mean, I wasn't actually expecting it to upgrade when I paid the ridiculous cost. I was hoping it would. After so many failed attempts, I was beginning to see it as a waste of time and a failed effort. It's a good thing the DP factory started up when it did or I wouldn't have been able to fund it.
Hell, none of this would have been possible if Wheeler and his guards had chosen any other direction in their moment of peril. Luckily, they came to me and what a blessing that was. Without the well-fed merchant's effort, the citizens of Gorn would have scattered and ended up everywhere else but Varona.
Granted, he has a stake in my city and isn't spreading the word due to the kindness of his heart.
I built Wheeler a shop on the High Street, as requested. He employs his own staff to run the business so that he can travel, spreading word of the beautiful mountain city while acquiring different goods from across the region.
Wheeler.
The man, the merchant, the legend.
On the opposite side of town to the Bale of Fortune, the first rays of sunlight begin to creep up the mountain that gives my home identity. The multicoloured landmark has grown three times larger since the addition of my extra floors. However, seeing how clouds mask its peak, I don't think people have noticed the change.
Even if they have, I haven't heard anyone mention it recently. Unless they've just grown accustomed to the strange shit that happens around here. With potions that have a slight chance of turning someone into a Goblin, the growing mountain isn't as unique as it once was.
Still, at this time of day, just as the leaves and foliage light up in the morning sun, I can't help but think that it symbolizes home. To me, the colour of each area represents a different family member. The Mini-Bosses and Bosses that hold power inside me literally make me who I am. When I think of them the thought serves to brighten the already-surreal sight to greater heights.
I love my mountain.
I love my dungeon.
And I love my family.
From my tower, I watch the sun rise with my collection of stuffed animals in a harmonious silence. Until the presence of another person brings it to an end, that is. If Ed, Ned, Ted, Deb, Seb and Bobby can be quiet, why can't User Notification System? Hell, I haven't even used my voice yet.
"I knew you would be up here. You're always in your tower at this time of day." Me's arrival pulls me from my serendipitous state of relaxation.
"Yeah. I suppose you're right. I can't get enough of watching the sun rise on my mountain. Watching it with Ed and the others has become a bit of a daily routine," answering honestly, Me looks intrigued by my statement.
"What's so... Special about it?" He looks at the sun rising with genuine interest. Ever since I stuffed Me's consciousness into a body of dungeon-borne flesh, he's become a different person. Not physically and he still pecks at me to spend, spend, spend, but hes becoming inclined to all things human. His thirst for knowledge knows no boundaries and he wants to learn all he can.
Which is cool and all, but is that going to give him more ideas to winge about?
"Well... You're a little late today, but I'll show you tomorrow morning. The sunrise is much better witnessed firsthand, rather than having someone explain it to you. Honestly, words don't do it justice and you'll appreciate it more if we watch it together." Me nods but looks slightly confused.
"Is it like a date?" As the words leave his mouth, Me turns slightly red from embarrassment. I open my mouth to say something, but no words come out and my jaw hangs in the air. I'm sure my face is ten-shades darker than his, but I have to say something to disparage the awkward comment.
"Sort of, but not a romantic date. It's more of a family one. Anyone else that wants to join us is more than welcome to." Smiling as the flushed feeling in my cheeks fades away, I only hope that I'm no longer the same colour as Noir's hair.
"Good. I thought you were suggesting something lewd for a moment." Me has already calmed down and now seems disinterested in the conversation. Although, I don't see any need for the shade he's throwing at me this early in the morning. I mean, I didn't say anything crass or uncouth. Did I?
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"Come on, Me. I've been quite good recently. I've even been cutting back on the pins and innuendos." Fighting my corner, I defend my good behaviour with the world's strongest armour. Truth. In all honesty, life is fantastic at the moment. Plus, I'm only snarky and quick lipped when I'm not happy. I do feel bad for Me though.
Having to put up with Abi the Foul-Mouthed for the first few months of his life must have been tough.
"Last week you asked if I wanted to share the futon with you." As usual though, he calls me out with his perfect memory. He's like Anya. The Rainbow Mage also never fails to call me out on my bullshit when I'm acting up.
"Yeah, but it was cold. I just wanted to share some body heat." I smile as Me sighs and shakes his head.
"Your body is stronger and more resistant than mine. Plus, I don't feel the cold, so how can you?" Sound logic prevails over banal bullshit.
Oh well. It was worth a try.
"Okay, I'll rein it in. So what brings you here so early in the morning?" The sounds of the city waking up and coming alive can be heard as people arise from the slumber of another peaceful night in Varona.
"Well. Your points are..." Before he can finish his sentence, I press a finger against his lips. Silencing the words he has on repeat. To be honest, there's no way I can spend all the points I have without exhausting myself in the process. Because of that fact, I've decided to take it easy 4 days out of 7 for the foreseeable future. In turn this has led to more visits from my ever faithful, ear-bashing companion.
Although, sometimes I think his visits to talk points are just so he can join in on activities with myself and Anya. Which I don't mind. Other than my best friend, Me has been there for me ever since I became a Dungeon Core. I know The System created him for me, as she does for all dungeons, but I'm grateful nonetheless. Without him, I might have ended up as Abi the Extremely Sad and Lonely.
My family and the contracted Tironians look at me as though I'm some sort of higher power, all because I created the dungeon and the city that stands outside. But that's not the way I see it at all.
Without Me's multiple and repeated explanations, without my Rogues and their early scouting parties, without Wheeler and the DP Factory, none of us would be where we are today. I alone am not responsible for everything we have, but everyone's efforts are what brought us this far.
"I know, I know. My points are just sat there in abundance. I suppose I should spend some, but what do I spend it on? More floors? Now that I'm open, distancing my core from the surface should be priority number one, right? The only problem is that means more Goblins and I've already got enough of the ugly-little shits as it is. I've even got the bloody Goblinators!"
I shouldn't complain, but how can I not? Goblins are involved and I really don't want any more of them. Maybe I can find some other unintelligent monsters for the humans to level up on. In fact, I'm sure I remember unlocking a Troll or two somewhere down the line.
That said, instead of teleporting off to create new floors, I find myself standing in front of the Rogues' Retreat. The first feature I ever built is one of the most popular buildings in town and Talia gets no end of customers. The Task Master runs a tight ship all on her own, unlike the other business owners who now have multiple staff members helping them out.
As there's no one around yet, I confirm the upgrade and watch as the Tier-Four feature transforms into a work of art. My words can't do justice to how spectacular Talia's establishment has become.
The theme is different for the Rogues' bar, as it always has been. Everything else in town is a pristine white, but the colour scheme here is red and black. Banners hang from the awning, displaying the dungeon insignia on a mug, the universal symbol for taverns. Large windows let passers-by see the fine establishment's interior and well-stocked racking. Looking through, I can also see the owner of the establishment jumping up and down at the sudden alterations.
Above the door, a large sign displays the new name of the business. The same one my notification showed right after confirming the upgrade. One that couldn't be anymore fitting, even if I thought of it myself.
Rogues' Retreat has been upgraded to One For The Rogues':
Task Master Talia has been upgraded and will now reward Monsters with more XP upon completion of her contracts
A place for the weary Rogues to rest their heads
Whilst on the same floor as the bar all Rogue type monsters have their attributes increased by 80%
Any alcohol consumed on the premises will intoxicate the drinker with happiness and joy
Anyone one who gets drunk on love from the Rogue's ale will grant double DP for 24 hours
Taskmaster Talia:
All attributes have been increased
New Skills have been acquired
A new Contract has been unlocked for Taskmaster Talia:
Increased Contract Limit: 200DP
New features have been unlocked:
Assorted Spirits: 16DP
New Loot unlocked:
Golden Dagger: 80DP
Reward:
32 XP
Maybe The System deserves some credit for that one. I don't like how she still calls my family members monsters and the loot seems pointless when each fourth-tier being comes with their own signature weapon. Her naming skills have advanced a bit, so at least there's that.
Another bonus for the Assassins means even more strength for Varona. I pity the first city that tries to wage war on us, for whatever reason they claim justifiable. I mean, it's probably guaranteed to happen at some point. Stupidly greedy people always want what others have, and in this case I have a lot for them to want.
The ability to earn double DP on anyone who's had a drink is something I would have been grateful for earlier. I've only got myself to blame for that one though, but it's not like there was a rush on the need to get drunk. Not back then anyway. Now, every night needs to be finished off with a drink at Talia's before heading home. Some alone and some off to increase the population a little bit more.
As I'm lost in thought, staring at the building I've just upgraded, Veris' voice snaps me out of my blissful state of mind. My heart jumps as I see her skipping down the street towards me. A black cape fluttering behind her and a mischievous look in her eye.
"Hey, Boss. Holy shit! Look at the Retreat. One for The Rogues?" She checks out the feature as I look her over. The added cape at least covers more skin than before, even if it is only around the back.
"I think it's quite good. Definitely a boon to the city. What are you doing today, Veris?" At my words, Veris places her fist across her chest and bows to me.
"Thank you, Master." Her choice of words catches me off guard as Veris never calls me Master. It's always Boss this and Boss that. Is she that happy with the building I made for her last night? It was only the equivalent of three houses combined.
"I was looking for you to say that. So... Now that I have, I'll be on my way." Blushing slightly, which is also out of character, Veris rushes off to be anywhere else other than in my sight. Silly girl. Doesn't she know I can see her anywhere?
Also, does everyone have the love bug? The strange irking that I've been feeling? No. It's probably just a me thing. Although, if Veris is feeling it, then I must be giving off some extreme love today.
Oh well. There are worse things to emit.