Dungeon of the Deep - Chapter 2 - Book One

A chuckle of amusement came from a shining orb in a familiar yet unfamiliar place. Unlike before, this darkness that spread around the voice was not that of a lack of light, but instead a deep void where shadows themselves don't exist. How this voice travelled in the empty void didn't matter, it just did - vibrations were an impossibility, but the noise seemed like it spoke to the soul. Her mirth came from a deep melancholy, her latest memories mostly being plunged in gloom and blackness.

In a place unbound by time, her realisation of what happened went by in a slow flash. Thoughts whirled inside of her mind, but it mostly came to one point... where was the second life she was promised? She didn't even know what she would be in her second life, would she be a human again or would she be turned into an uppity elf? Other options she didn't want to even think about sprung to the forefront of her thoughts, making the orb shudder with a whitish blur.

Seemingly in an instant but what could have taken forever, the absolute darkness receded, and the orb found itself in a quaint little room. A table and two chairs took their place in the centre, with one of the walls being lined with furniture designed to store - a rustic chest and a set of drawers. Another wall having a door of simple design, with the last two walls either side holding sconces with a fire flickering out the tops, providing light. Although there was a directness to the entirety of the room, with a calming noise made by a woodwind instrument of sorts, it was vastly preferred as opposed to the dullness of the dark.

A light knocking noise was later heard from the door and was opened to reveal a rather strange sight. Other than the purple miasma that seemed to be the new background theme, there was an anomaly of a man. First off was the large bald head, next was the clothes he wore - strange, but nice looking formal clothes. One of his arms held a ceramic cup to his bloated lips, drinking a liquid that has an earthy aroma, its strong scent presumably to counteract the heavy bags under his palm-sized eyes. He had five other arms doing various things: one keeping the door open; one holding a stack of papers, one holding ink and quill, one holding something that smelt of sugary goodness, and the last stretching out and pulling the closest chair out from underneath the table.

"Sorry I'm late!", it was garbled but unusually clear, the meaning shuddering through her core. There were some incomprehensible mumblings after, something about 'Askkar skimping on his work again' and how he 'missed the latest reality show'. She didn't know, but she didn't really care - as the being in front of her elicited a feeling of reverence deep from her core.

Once he had set everything in order, the octopus-man fixed his eyes on her - also revealing the deep cosmos that were his pupils. He pulled out a pair of glasses and magically held him in front of his eyes, and with one of his many hands - tentacles - stroked a rather impressive moustache.

"So... this isn't normally my job to do, but the person who was supposed to handle reincarnations is 'taking a day off'. Therefore, you're stuck with me.

On this paper, it says the conditions of your death and the requirements you have met for your second life. I will let you have a look at them later, once I'm busy evaluating your soul.

I don't think I will complain about this job though, a potential formation of a dungeon core is rare enough, nevermind one that would have a sapient consciousness. There will probably be some added bonuses if you choose that, but for now, I will check your soul and you can read these papers."

Saying so, the octopus-man slid over the papers and the content contained was overwhelmingly packed. The writing being too small that it seemed like the only reason she could read it was due to her current form, which she is going to assume is her soul.

She felt a tingle, like her very being was being invaded but it was soon replaced by a pleasant comfort. Ignoring that, she condensed the words into the general points.

'Cause of Death: Died due to a slow-acting venom, from a Deep-cavern Bloodwyrm.

Symptoms experienced from [Experimental] Venichor-venom: Lower-body paralysis through the numbing of nerves in the brain; Dispersing of hosts inner-mana, and a delirium which would have shut the mind down (host accepted system-request, false-death incurred).'

'Client Characteristics:

1 - Has a sadistic streak (consider choices where inflicting pain is a goal).

2 - An esteemed creator in the arts; an imaginative soul.

3 - Fond of delving into caves and caverns.

4 - Reached a Threat Rank A in their previous life.

5 - A young soul (has only been reincarnated 3 times or less [does not have to retain previous memories]).

6 - Pure in body, this soul has not...'

She skipped that part, for some reason a deep shame at that arose. Instead, she read the last part which was the optional vessels her soul could be transported into.

'Optional Vessels Available (+50% Compatibilities):

Dungeon Core [97% Compatibility]: This has achieved almost perfect compatibility, [Recommended]. A dungeon core is a vital part of the manasystem, unfortunately, their existence is very limited due to the benefits of destroying a young core. When combined with their low spawn rate, dungeon cores could be considered as an endangered species,{Additional Types available}.

Duergar (Gray Dwarf) [66% Compatibility]: Reaches moderate-high compatibility. A Duergar, or more commonly referred to 'Gray Dwarf', live in the abyssal layer underground and despite their evil nature, can build monumental citadels and settlements. They are rarely seen by surface-dwellers.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Dökkálfar (Dark Elf) [61% Compatibility]: Reaches moderate compatibility. A Dökkálfar, or more commonly referred to 'Dark Elf', live in the abyssal layer underground and are evil in nature. Calling them a 'Dark Elf' is considered insulting to both Dökkálfar and Elves as they share no relation. More commonly seen by surface-dwellers than Duergar.

Cave Gnome [54% Compatibility]: Reaches moderate compatibility. A Cave Gnome is the underground variant of the Gnome classification (Others include: Moss Gnome; Reef Gnome and Plain Gnome), they are more neutral in nature but Cave Gnomes tend to be the viler of the 4. A rather common sight.

{...}'

Each of these options was quite interesting to her, as they usually had their own special traits, and humans were not very good in a specialisation when compared to other species alternatives. There were legends about godly Dwarven Blacksmiths, Elven Archers who could shoot from miles away and other such things, but Humans were only usually noted down in history due to being Kings or Queens. But the inherently evil nature of Dökkálfar and Duergar was not desirable, of course being an outlier and not following the nature may be an even worse option as they would be rejected from both sides. She wasn't evil because she was sadistic, although she couldn't even try to remember if she had done any atrocities in the past.

A soft cough came from the octopus-man in front of her, so she redirected her attention from the read papers to him.

"I have done the necessary searching of your soul, and let's say... yes, it's 'interesting'. I cannot disclose information due to the Soul Confidentiality Regulation 15684/248, which was introduced due to certain incidents where the soul did discover their contents.

But, however, I can further recommend and open more options for your future reincarnation. And before you ask, there are other options you could pick but they are heavily discouraged because of the compatibility with your soul and the vessel, where it is under 50% can bring serious implications - this is often how physical, mental and spiritual disabilities occur."

She was fairly surprised by that information, but only briefly thinking about it and it already made sense. It made her feel a little downhearted at the sudden reduction of her options as if you could freely pick then why pick something that could bring you to a disadvantage? If she was being honest with herself, she would have already picked dungeon core because of the sheer compatibility between them. Although she couldn't talk, she could send her intent of wanting a second opinion.

"Usually, we are not allowed to intervene in the choices made by mortals. However, I will say that a dungeon core would be the best option for you as there are 'higher' options you can choose from. Also because of that stupid, ah... nevermind.

Since you will be retaining a sentient consciousness if you do become a dungeon core, there are more options available to you. Also, in the material absorption, you actually absorbed a fractured dungeon core which has opened further options.

Please read them over and decide which one would be most suitable for yourself."

Another sheet of paper was slid in front of her, this time containing the available dungeon cores she could be instead of different species. Somewhere in the back of her mind (soul?), it felt like the option was being pushed on to her but at the same time, it seemed to be the most logical choice to make. Not deciding to ponder too deeply on the matter, she started to read through the different options presented to her.

'Dungeon Core Additional Options:

Dungeon Core (Basic): A basic dungeon core lacks sentience, and in general are harvested before they can fully develop despite a granted protection period. Protection Period: 2 weeks.

Dungeon Core (High): A high dungeon core is one that has sentience, albeit a slowly forming one. They have a lower protection period but progress much faster, and stronger. Protection Period: 1 week.

Dungeon Core (High+): A high-plus dungeon core has all the benefits of a high dungeon core, but will find an incremental increase in strength and options unlocked that were not previously. Protection Period: 1 week.

Dungeon Core (Ancient): An ancient dungeon core is a risky endeavour, but the rewards directly correlate to the increased risk. A wider range of options (monster types; room types, decor types etc.) along with a much higher increase in strength. Protection Period: 3 days.

Dungeon Core (Experimental): An experimental dungeon core is a new venture into the possibilities of dungeons, you would be the first one if you picked it. Rather than a system-oriented approach, potential strength directly derives from the consciousness' creativity and will. For example, in previous options, a room could only be assigned a type through a list of limited options. But with an experimental dungeon core, it can be freely designed. A much higher potential strength, but if creativeness is lacking then the strength will likely be under that of a basic dungeon core. Protection Period: 1 month (A bonus as even we don't know what the possibilities are.)'

She had never shied away from risk as she knew that rewards often came to those who dared to do so, it was already obvious to her that the basic dungeon core was ruled out immediately, as losing her thinking mind would not be desired - at all. The protection period did interest her, as the details of how it worked weren't explicitly stated. But if she was going to decide, it would be between the ancient dungeon core and the experimental - of course, the octopus man realised her intent, like it was leaking off her soul.

"I'm glad to see you are smart enough to disregard the basic option, of course, you'd deserve it if you chose it. If it was myself, I would choose the high-plus dungeon core, but that's mainly because it would be like a vacation break from all the work I have to do.

If I was going to recommend between ancient and experimental, then I'd have to explain the protection period and a few other things. The protection period merely balances the surrounding mana around the dungeon core, so there won't be any drastic mana increases to indicate an increase in the mana levels. This does not mean things cannot enter your dungeon, however, as it just works as a temporary stealth skill.

Also, I will remind you that dungeons get most of their progress from things that enter their dungeon, so during the protection period and if nothing comes in then progress will be much harder. Each core has a starting durability too, so a basic core could be destroyed by a Threat Rank D Adventurer but an ancient core could only be destroyed by a Threat Rank A. Experimental cores will start at the durability of a basic core, but can later exceed that of an ancient.

Finally, an experimental core has the highest potential strength - I theorise it could even reach levels similar to us beings. But like said before, if you are not up for the task then your strength could even be below that of a basic dungeon core. As much as I love interfering with the mortal world, I am not allowed to offer my own opinion - but between you and me, your soul indicates a higher resonance with an experimental core... whatever that means."

Everything to her sounded like it was balanced out in terms of risk and benefits, but it almost felt like the Experimental Core was a cheat win and a really stupid idea not to take it. It had the highest protection period and she felt that she was more creative than the average person, at least. The idea slowly cemented in her being, making all the other options seem paltry in comparison, that was when the octopus-man took her papers and looked at her closely. She assumed he could read her intent or something, so did the best of a mental nod towards the experimental core as she could. Thankfully, it worked.

The surroundings started to become blurry, and she felt a tug on her soul as if something was goading her to leave this place. In the meantime, she heard the octopus-man complaining about people not properly doing their duties and there 'not being enough coffee around here'. She would have to thank the octopus-man in her own way, somehow.

Then everything became white, and her soul went asleep as it was transported to its new vessel.