Chapter 36: Level Two Construction

"Not having to craft all these rails and tie bars is really saving us a lot of resources," Brent remarked to Emil, his core glowing slightly brighter as he continued his work on the new level of the dungeon. He carefully manipulated large chunks of stone, shaping and molding them to create a sturdy base for the next grand challenge.

"Glad to hear it," Emil replied, his mechanical voice tinged with satisfaction. He hovered beside Brent, watching the intricate details come together. "This means we’ll have plenty of resources left over for more prizes, specialized traps, and other... ‘enhancements’ to keep the adventurers on their toes."

"Exactly," Brent said, sweeping away excess debris that crumbled from the newly shaped rock. "It also lets us experiment. If the tracks are too narrow, the racers won’t be able to jostle for position or dodge attacks. We want this to be more than a simple race—it has to be an experience."

As Brent stepped back to assess his work, the steady thump of Ferron's heavy metal boots filled the chamber. The Iron Golem Foreman strode into the Core Room, his expression one of grim determination.

"Boss, the last run just ended," Ferron announced, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "Probably a good idea to shut down for the six-hour reset so we can help you out with these renovations."

Brent’s core pulsed with appreciation. "Good thinking, Ferron. I’d definitely appreciate the extra hands. The pace is too slow when it’s just me moving things around piece by piece."

"Alright, what are we tackling first?" Ferron asked, his iron limbs already flexing in preparation.

"The layout," Brent said, pointing to a projection of the map hovering in the air. "The track can’t just be a simple circle or a boring straight path. We need curves, ramps, narrow passages—anything that will keep the adventurers guessing and make them sweat."

Ferron's eyes lit up, catching the excitement. "I like the sound of that. Something to keep them on edge. Maybe a tight spiral near the middle? Wouldn’t hurt to have a sudden drop, either."

Brent grinned. "Exactly. We want to make them think twice about every turn they take."

Emil floated closer, a mischievous spark in his gaze. "Might I suggest a few particularly nasty surprises? Hidden switch plates, for example. Some could lead to a smoother track, others to a detour filled with traps."

"I love it," Brent replied, his core flaring with enthusiasm. "A real risk-reward system. Make them decide whether to play it safe or gamble."

At that moment, Kagejin materialized from the shadows, his ninja-like presence startling everyone but Emil. "I have some input, if I may," he said in a calm voice. "A section of shifting shadows, perhaps? Adventurers would find their senses dulled as they race through."

Brent pondered for a moment. "Shadows that disorient and force them to rely on their instincts... Very Kagejin of you. I approve."

"Thank you, Brent," Kagejin said, melting back into the darkness with a quiet nod.

"I’ll go fetch the rest of the team," Ferron said, turning toward the door. "We’ll need all hands on deck."

"Appreciate it," Brent called out, then turned his focus back to the formation in front of him. He extended his power, shaping the walls around the track to create jagged cliffs that loomed ominously over the pathway. Bits of stone and earth fell away as he worked, and the room took on the appearance of an ancient, perilous cavern.

Within moments, Ferron returned, followed closely by the rest of the minions. Ignarok, with his fiery presence, stepped up with a grin that promised chaos. "What needs smashing?"

"Not quite yet, big guy," Brent said with a chuckle. "We’re still building for now, but I'm definitely excited to see you get more involved now that you can leave the boss room."

Ignarok’s shoulders sagged slightly. "Fine. But let me know when I can smash."

Mechard, the Dungeon Scientist, stepped forward, adjusting a glowing crystal apparatus on his chest. "I can contribute to the precision work, Brent. Intricate traps, hidden mechanisms... just let me know where to focus."

"Perfect," Brent replied. "Mechard, see that area over there?" He indicated a jagged section of rock near the edge of the new track by lighting it up with a bit of his magic. "I want it to look stable but actually be on the verge of collapse. A bit of weight should trigger it."

"Consider it done," Mechard said, moving over with calculated steps.

The minions set to work, each contributing to the grand design. Ferron and Ignarok moved large boulders, creating obstacles and pillars. Mechard fine-tuned pressure-sensitive plates and hidden gears that could spring traps at a moment’s notice. Shadow added subtle illusions, ensuring that the track would always keep adventurers guessing.

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"Boss, what about a section where the track splits into two?" Ferron asked, wiping a bit of dust from his metallic brow. "One leads to a narrow passage with no traps but little room to maneuver. The other is wider but full of danger."

"Perfect," Brent said. "It forces them to make a choice. Safety or speed?"

Emil nodded approvingly. "You’re truly thinking like a Dungeon Core now, Brent."

"Thanks, Emil. It’s all about making the experience memorable."

The hours flew by, and slowly but surely, the new floor began to take shape. Ramps, switchbacks, perilous cliffs, and hidden traps—everything came together in a dizzying array of challenges designed to test the mettle of even the bravest adventurers.

At one point, Ignarok stumbled upon a section of stone that jutted out awkwardly. "Want me to crush this?"

"Actually... yes," Brent said. "It’ll make a perfect falling hazard. Just leave it precariously balanced."

Ignarok’s grin returned. "My pleasure." He smashed the stone with practiced ease, leaving it barely hanging in place.

As they continued making more adjustments, Brent took a moment to admire their work. "You’ve all outdone yourselves," he said. "This is going to be something special."

"It better be," Ferron said, crossing his arms with a proud smile. "No one else has a dungeon like this."

"That’s the point," Brent said. "Now, you all go get ready for the next wave of adventurers, and I'll stay here to continue the work on the second level."

Brent focused intently on a particularly tricky section of the new track—a series of intertwined ramps that would spiral upward before sharply dropping into a narrow passage. It was meant to be one of the grand features of the new level, challenging adventurers with sudden turns, vertical climbs, and dizzying descents. He extended his energy, molding stone and shaping metal to fit the vision he held in his mind.

"Okay, just a bit more support under this section..." Brent muttered to himself, feeling the strain as he concentrated on balancing the structure.

As he released his hold, there was a moment of tense silence. Then, with a loud creak and groan, the entire ramp shuddered. Pieces of rock crumbled, and in the next instant, the whole structure collapsed with a resounding crash, sending dust and debris billowing into the air.

"Seriously?!" Brent yelled, frustration coloring his words. "I thought I had it!"

Emil hovered beside him, his mechanical eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, you almost had it, if by 'almost' you mean 'not at all.'"

"Not helping, Emil," Brent snapped, though there was no real venom in his tone.

"Just saying, it had a certain dramatic flair to it," Emil replied, pretending to polish one of his metallic limbs. "The kind of flair that says, 'I tried and failed spectacularly.'"

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up." Brent grumbled, but a small smile tugged at the edge of his core’s glow. "Alright, round two. This time, I'm going to reinforce the base more."

Brent concentrated again, this time summoning extra layers of stone beneath the ramps for stability. He shaped and reshaped, ensuring that each piece fit snugly. It took longer than before, but eventually, the structure stood once more, its intricate spirals rising majestically. He pulled back, surveying his work with cautious optimism.

Just as he was about to declare victory, a tiny crack appeared near the base, spider-webbing out until it reached the top. With a loud snap , the entire upper section sheared off, collapsing in a heap.

Brent let out a groan that could have been heard across the entire dungeon. "Are you kidding me?!"

"Third time's the charm?" Emil suggested, his voice both sympathetic and teasing.

Brent huffed. "If this falls apart again, I'm making it your job."

"Oh, please. I'd have it done with zero structural integrity, just like you," Emil quipped, his metallic mouth forming a wry smile.

Determined, Brent gathered himself for another attempt. This time, he worked methodically, layering supports and stabilizing key points with extra care. He listened to the way the stone settled, adjusted any signs of stress, and even consulted with Ferron for tips on reinforcing tricky areas.

With sweat-equivalent energy pouring out of him, Brent finally completed the structure. He pulled back, half-expecting it to crumble again. But the ramps held firm, spiraling and twisting in exactly the way he had envisioned.

"There! Third time," Brent said triumphantly, a mix of relief and pride washing over him.

Emil nodded, mock-serious. "Congratulations, you’re now only partially terrible at this."

Brent laughed, feeling the tension leave him. "Hey, we’re all about progress, right? Next time, I’ll get it on the second try."

"And I’ll hold you to that," Emil replied, his voice warm with approval. "At this rate, you might even become competent."

Brent chuckled, feeling a renewed sense of energy. "Thanks, Emil. I needed that. Now, let’s keep going."