{Evolution to Harpy Monster initiating...}
I curl up in pain. Every bone aching from cracking, growing and reforming. Every muscle wrenching and twinging. Darkness envelops me as rounded walls form and surround me, my screams echoing off the sides of my enclosure. My screams develop into screeches, the realisation suspends other distractions as my mind repels them, a moment of bliss in my moment of surprise, my screeches develop into a song.
The moment allows me to register the weight attached to my back and the enlargement and transformation of my feet. I screech at the return of the pain, my back tearing asunder. I remember the ogre armour, the growth originating from my back fighting the armour’s restriction, the armour constraining, pressing against my breasts and lungs with my breath becoming laboured and short… How can I exist resilient and strong before and suffer as a weakling now?
I awake, unaware of the duration of my slumber. My feet continue to grow bone and flesh and this agony is responsible for my return to consciousness. I become encased in the appendages anchored to my back, to my spine. They are my feathered wings; knowledge of my new form now fills my mind. I perceive I am no longer made in the image of my creator and tears stream from underneath my eyelids and my screeching turns into a lament of sorrow and loss. This sweet refrain grows into comfortable nourishment for my soul, soothing away the distress and sadness.
My tears run dry, and my body eventually rests in peace. As I contemplate my change a fit of anger grows within me, my blood rising as I am sure he is responsible. I strike out with my fists, my now thinner fingers finishing with wicked narrow claws. I open my fists and strike with my claws, the razor-sharp points ripping into the enclosure imprisoning me. I stretch out my feet, which are no longer feet. Each has five, long, independently moving curved talons. A latent memory from my creator surfaces, illustrating how such appendages were utilised to tear at his flesh to maintain the beast Aetos’ position upon him. I thrust them out, propelled by muscular legs shattering the section of my prison gouged by my claws. Aetos, I remember Zeus’ pledge to him; I am reshaped and reborn from his accursed Avine Essence.
Flickering light dances over the rim of my prison. I raise my head cautiously, my body rising easily due to my core strength, interlaced muscles stretch around to my back to support and control my feathery appendages. The newly grown wings spread easily, and they effortlessly support my controlled rise.
She is there. Her name comes to mind, Jut. She is a delicious sight to behold as my stomach rumbles and my mouth salivates. Loud enough for her to catch, her small body shaking as fear engulfs her and regardless of the need to flee her mind freezes. She is prey, she is my prey to satisfy my needs. My need to feed is paramount, utterly consuming. I snap away more of my prison, to clear the way to freely advance upon my delicacy.
As I step, I recognise his presence within the stone roof of his dungeon. To brush against his construction is to reconnect without choice. I suffer his presence and I fully appreciate I am his to manipulate, although within my cocoon he is a whisper I easily ignore. I have been conceded choice. My prison grants me freedom from him, a chance to think and consider. I instruct my stomach to silence as I reconsider the worth of my first loyal servant. My creator is alone and helpless, and I am his sole agent of release. If I am to succeed, I will need others, their support, their companionship and their loyalty.
Her head lifts, and her eyes home in on mine as she realises, she is no longer prey. She watchfully rises to her feet in a show of bravery and faith in recognition of the change we both unconsciously agreed to. Companion?
“You stayed?” My voice is a whisper still human-like, although not the same as before, her eyes widen at the change. Given my physical changes, her reaction surprises me.
“You are the Great One.”
“You are sure I am still the Great One?”
“Kobolds are born and hatched from eggs, some are male, and some are female, some strong and some weak. None wear golden eyes, only the Great One’s eyes shine golden, you are the Great One.” She bows deeply at her waist when she finishes her explanation, obvious and logical sounding. She cautiously straightens, concerned about her tone of voice. I recognise her dilemma and decide companions don’t judge.
“I need to hunt.” It is a statement not an invitation for further discussion, a sharp reminder from my quiet stomach.
“I know Great One.” Her lips quiver trying to show her teeth. A smile? Jut the female Kobold, brave to grin at death.
I hand her shell from my prison and instruct her to cover the Dungeon’s stone with it.
I step out awkwardly, realising too late I didn’t remove enough shell and need to reach out to Jut to steady myself. I release my weight from her before I crush any bones as I notice her grimace clearly in pain, remaining silent regardless of discomfort at best, life-threatening agony at worst.
Once steady, my wings stretch out for the first time, they are twice my height in width, deep ebony black feathers decorate them. I accept their beauty and instinctively ascertain their purpose. The blood has gone from my stolen ogre armour, consumed in my evolution perhaps. The metal rings cover my breasts, and my wings broke their way through the armour at my back in an uneasy truce. I am relieved I still equip armoured clothing on my naked body. My taloned hands stroke the feathers adorning my head, they flow back and down my shoulders and I crane my head to examine them, a perfect match to my wing feathers, deep ebony black.
“Can I touch them Great One?”
I bow my head slightly, indicating consent.
Jut wraps a wing over her body, and I assist by curling her small body within and then unfurling to release her.
“The edges are as soft as a feather, the closer to the shaft they are like the metal in a sword,” her eyes cast downwards, “I felt safe wrapped within for the first time in my life.”
“I need to hunt. I could carry you with me using my talons if that is your wish?”
“I beg a different favour.” She straightens her body rising to her maximum height, her eyes needing to scan up to meet mine regardless.
“For my first loyal servant, if I can, I will grant you any boon.”
“I wish to consume your shell.” She falters as my brows knit in confusion, then determinedly continues. “As the shell, which hatched the strongest Kobolds was said to strengthen those who ate it. The shell of the strongest often added to a shared stew or tea.”
“My shell is Dungeon spawned from my evolution.” First sighs. “Although I have no use for it and gift it to you.”
She rushes forward embracing me around my buttocks while her head lays upon my belly. I stroke her leathery head which rubs and nestles against me.
Without notice, our embrace is abandoned, and she scurries off leaving me bewildered. She returns carrying my bow and quiver and dragging my sword, scabbard and spear.
I strap my quiver to my sword belt; the sword scabbard is on my left hip and the quiver is on my right. I test both, easily drawing an arrow and nocking the feathered end to the bowstring and smoothly drawing my sword with my right hand. The spear I carry in my left hand, although when I can, I will try to carry several by placing them in a quiver type holder between my shoulder blades and therefore between my wings. The knowledge of how is already within me.
I beam a white tooth smile at my first and leap from the edge of the Dungeon Room roof. I push down forcefully with my wings gaining lift. I cannot pause in my effort as my body is a loadstone, my basalt origin weighing me down. No carefree gliding for me, I need to expend energy and work my wings to maintain any altitude, although for now, I need to concentrate to weave between the stalagmites and stalactites trying to prevent my escape.
--- Azizos POV
{Respawn Contracted Named Intruders at 65% Dungeon Dominate.
Enhance Contracted Named Intruders Characteristics at 70% Dungeon Dominate.
Respawn Contracted Intruders at 70% Dungeon Dominate.
Evolve Contracted Intruders at 75% Dungeon Dominate.
Higher Dungeon Core Features Hidden.}
First, I must offer a contract to the Orcs, they are in position behind the Ogres and can ambush them if required. If I offer a contract to the Ogres first, who then stop attacking the door to consider it, the Orcs may question why. The chances of the dim-witted Ogre Lord convincing the Orcs of the opportunity and preventing needless bloodshed I judge slim at best.
{Quest Dungeon Azizos offers Gorick Orc Captain a Denizen Contract. You will not lack sustenance and over time you will respawn if slain and possibly evolve into a greater being. Yes/No?}
I needed to embellish to make the contract attractive. I am confident I will deliver on these promises as my Living Construct will continue to evolve and I will continue my domination.
{Gorick Orc Captain accepts Denizen Contract. 50 mana deducted.}
The offer is sent to his followers with one declining. He is slain quietly by my now loyal minions. From his death, I reap mana, which nicely balances the cost of recruiting his former companions.
“Do you wish the Ogres destroyed Master?” My Orc Captain asks. I sense him keen for bloodshed and eager to slay the Ogre Lord who he considers nothing but muscle without brains. He compares the Ogre Lord to a previous Captain of the Orcs, who led them to ignominious defeat at the hands of the cunning Kobolds.
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“He was the ruler of the Caverns was he not?” I ask.
“Yes, Master.”
I will test a theory. I am Master of my Dungeon and therefore I own every creature within my zones of control. What happens when I own, or shall I say, contract the Lord of another domain? If it works, my Dungeon expands easily, if it doesn’t, I will send my Ogre denizens to reclaim it, either way, is a win, one easier than the other.
{Quest Dungeon Azizos offers Kug Ogre Lord a Denizen Contract. You will not lack sustenance and over time you will respawn if slain and possibly evolve into a greater being. Yes/No?}
“Ha! Dungeon scared of Kug! He offers deal!” he hollers.
Kug still hasn’t dismissed the offer, therefore I wait with hope. At least the attack on the door stops while he tries to engage his brain, enlisting his Bodyguard and others trying to decide. A heated debate eventuates with several punches thrown.
“Where is Chef, easy for him to know the answer!” he finally bellows, frustrated. In response, the shouting and brawling immediately cease.
“Chef say yes, Lord Kug,” offers Orc Captain Gorick over the newly established silence.
Lord Kug swivels around to stare my Orc Captain in the eye. His bulbous face scrunches into several poses, perhaps his feeble mind fails him. The delay to respond lengthens, his forehead wrinkles. Suspicion, it seems his barbaric instinct, for he lacks smarts has detected the change in my Orc Captain and yet unable to comprehend.
“You loyal to Lord Kug?”
“I and my Orcs followed you this far, joining in the great hunt,” he answers immediately.
“You accept offer?”
“Tell me about the offer in case I overheard incorrectly.” I appreciate the game my Orc Captain is playing, he needs to maintain a certain ignorance of the offer, otherwise, how would he know the details unless invited first.
“We respawn when dead, grow strong, no need foods.” Spitting the words out with finality, unintentionally rallying the other Ogres and they stare at their Lord expectantly.
Lord Kug shrugs.
{Kug Ogre Lord accepts Denizen Contract. 875 mana deducted.}
I gulp at the cost, well I would, if physically able.
{Dungeon expands to include Zones known as Front Cavern and Ogre Cavern. Those minions loyal to Ogre Lord Kug join as Dungeon Denizens. Orc Captain Gorick and his minions were excluded due to a separate contract. Kobold Shaman Raxe and her minions were excluded due to expulsion from the domain of Ogre Lord Kug. New Zone established Kobold Cavern.}
Well, if I can believe the bitch, I will need to offer a contract to the Kobolds as they grow the food and I refuse to waste mana on beings, not of my creation! While the blue screen says my Dungeon includes two new zones, my awareness still needs to spread across them and as it marches, fanning out, I receive a catalogue of flora, fauna, monsters and features. I absorb dead Ogres and Orcs in the Ogre Cavern, although their mana is largely faded. Their contribution helps to offset the cost, which pleases me.
While I wait for my awareness to claim the new Zones, I order the Ogres and the Orcs to descend. My servant Nehal will leave my side to meet them. He will spar with them to improve their weapon skills and hopefully not destroy any although the Ogre Lord may accidentally suffer a fatal injury.
--- Jut POV
I munch and crunch the eggshell of the Great One. As I crunch more shell it gets easier by a little bit, my jaw strong and teeth sharp I no worry. The more I chomp, the more I want. My belly grows big, and I catch myself before nearly falling. Once done with bits outside I stagger into the eggshell and lean against it and slide down on my bottom. Easy to reach and snap off more pieces of shell.
Darkness surrounds me when I wake. I didn’t realise I fell asleep!
{Evolved into Harpy Sub Species – Karpy is a cross between Kobold and Harpy, a result of devouring Living Construct evolution cocoon. Increased statistics and ability to evolve further. You are the First of your kind.}
I blink at the message and rejoice as my leathery wings wrap around me and I embrace their protection. With feathered wings, the Great One’s magnificence and right to rule are proclaimed for all to attest and I am proud to serve. The shell surrounding me is thin, I remember my birth as a hatchling and my panic fades as my fists and taloned feet burst free. Once I escape, the shell collapses quickly to dust.
Eyes wide, staring at me, two female Kobolds cling to buckets placed protectively upon their chests as if the simple wooden constructs can save them if they need saving or can explain what they now witness.
“I am First. I am loyal to the Great One!” I finish the words by flourishing my wings, opening them to their fullest extent. Savouring every moment as they cower before me, their buckets slip limply from their respective grasps.
They blink and then rush forward. Not what I expected.
“We wish to serve the Great One! We accompanied her in the cavern and will serve faithfully and loyally until our deaths.”
“Eat!” I point to the remainder of the cocoon shell, which within evolved the Great One.
They rush to feast, and I squat to observe. I behold their bellies extending and still, they are ravenous, their need familiar to me. They slide down using the inner surface of the shell instead of falling over, their eyes fixed on the next piece. The softer shell allows rapid consummation. They both shutter their eyes and lay prone beside each other and the powdered shell of the Great One falls freely to enclose them forming one shell housing both.
“What are you? What have you done to them!” The harsh guttural tone disturbs my observations and I eye the source.
Two younger Kobold males are led by another more mature Kobold male. The three brandishing spears and dressed in leather armour, small shields on their backs the edges cresting over their shoulders. I should panic and yet I don’t, stalwart and calm I reach for the power present within me.
They halt their advance as my song entrances them. The two younger Kobolds fall easily, staring off into bliss, their eyes resting toward the back of their heads. The older male struggles, stepping slowly towards me brandishing his spear. First of the Great One and confident in my faith I place my trust in my song. His spear is a hand width away from my stubby nose when his eyes glaze over.
I reach forward and kiss him.
“Yes, Mistress?”
“Devour the eggshell until you can no longer do so.”
“Your will is my will.” He drops his spear and seats himself inside the Great One’s shell and commences feasting ravenously.
I approach the two younger Kobolds, kissing them both and ordering them to feast on the Great One’s shell.
An oppressive wave of possession surrounds me, it exited the Dungeon door below me and like a ripple, in water, it races across the Front Cavern, the floor, the walls and the ceiling and when it leaves my inner sight, I know it searches, reaching eagerly toward the Ogre Cavern.
Kobolds scramble and flow towards me in a wave, deliberately avoiding the Front Cavern. They realise what I also comprehend, it is under another’s control.
“What are you?” Rasps an aged voice.
“First. Faithfull follower of the Great One.” I don’t unfold my wings; I wish to prevent a stampede given the number of Kobolds now paying attention.
“I am Shaman Raxe, unfortunately, my tribe appointed me leader and I cannot permit you to abduct members of my tribe.”
“What if my advice will save the many, for the sacrifice of the few?”
“Speak, I will listen, they aren’t going anywhere and what has begun probably can’t be stopped.”
“You must lead bravely. The Great One suggests you enter the Front Cavern with the Kobold Tribe. The Dungeon should then offer you a contract and since you are no longer under the rule of the Ogre Lord, it should ensure your independence.”
“How does your Great One know this?”
I witness her face twist in doubt. “You must believe in faith. You grasp as do I the Front Cavern ‘belongs’ to another, so your tribe is surrounded and possibly doomed.”
“What if we slay you before we surrender ourselves to ensure you suffer if we suffer?”
“The Great One will avenge me and her faithful, without mercy.”
As Shaman Raxe considers my threat, Bucket One and Bucket Two emerge, unfurling their wings to celebrate their freedom. Their entrance surprises the audience, and the audience surprises them! They glance at me and observe my unreserved confidence as I join them in flourishing my wings. Mine are darker and larger with more prominent claws at each skeletal section border. The Shaman raises her arms to direct and wave to her flock, catching the few now fearful with a brave look.
A tremor invades the Shaman’s voice. “We will march to our fate and leave you to yours.” She then ushers her Kobold tribe down the tumbled rock face skirting the edge of the Dungeon room avoiding the remnants of the Great One’s egg and the three formed shells.
Shortly ownership, including the Kobold Cavern, will pass to the one.
“Did I accomplish your will Great One?”
“Yes Jut, or do you prefer the name First?”
“If you permit Great One?” I ask with reverence. I crook my head; I need to ask another question. “What magic allows us to chat Great One?”
“You consumed my shell, which evolved me and still retained some power. Enough to connect us.”
“I am glad Great One.”
“Bucket One is glad also.”
“Bucket Two is glad also.”
I admire Bucket One and Bucket Two and welcome them with open arms. We embrace as the Kobold tribe continues to march past us and into the Front Cavern, uncertainty plain on their faces, curiosity causing them to sneak peeks at three new creatures retaining a semblance of their former Kobold selves.
We ignore them as the sound of a cracking shell alerts us to three new imminent arrivals, about to join our species.
--- Azizos POV
My sense of Dungeon expands, and I am near-comatose while receiving the new zone information as countless blue screens flash past, I automatically respond yes when asked. I then pause.
{Accepted. Creation of new Sub Species Karpy successful.
Award +3% Dungeon Dominate for Species creation within Dungeon.
Award +1% Monster Dominate as a source of Unexpected Species creation.}
{Dungeon Dominate Living Construct threshold 65% met, Dungeon Core Feature unlocked: Respawn Named Intruders.}
I laugh, this is an internalised knee-slapping, belly variety howling. My sentience conveying my mirth to my Dungeon denizens. I order Nehal to test the Ogre Lord and the Orc Captain to their limits as they are now immune from death if slain within my domain. SHE continues to surprise me, in this instance to my benefit.
Character Sheet: Aphrodite
Name: Aphrodite Culture: Greek Mythos Race: Harpy Superior Spirit: Human Body: Living Basalt Soul: Dungeon Dominate Sentient Dominate: 17% Monster Dominate: 27% Dungeon Dominate: 65% Hominine Essence: Level 10 Avine Essence: Level 10 Dragon Essence: Level 0 Strength: 65 Grasp: 75 Toughness: 65 Constitution: 65 Vigour: 65 Endurance: 65 Dexterity: 85 Agility: 75 Quickness: 75 Wisdom: 75 Perception: 55 Mettle: 55 Intelligence: 50 Willpower: 75 Power: 75 Charisma: 50 Glamour: 50 Beauty: 100 Languages: Greek Kobold Orc Ogre Gifts: Regeneration Prolific Fertility Shadow Hide Silent Step Spear: Level 3 Halberd: Level 1 Bow: Level 3 Sword: Level 15