The dungeon spirit wiped an imaginary bead of seat off its imaginary forehead and let out an imaginary sigh. It had taken it the remainder of yesterday’s bright hours, plus all the dark ones, to finally finish polishing the first section of the first level it had built. It was mostly just going back to make the walls of the caves seem natural, as well as adding in some water dropping stalagmites, and tool marks where supposed miners had come to reap the ore in its walls. Though, the dungeon spirit hadn’t added many ore veins to its walls, as that was expensive. And it wouldn’t make much sense for an old mine to have much exposed and easy to excess ore.
Though, it hadn't taken exactly all night, the dungeon spirit did get side tracked for an hour or two watching microbials fight it out in one of the newly made puddles. Hmmm, that actually gives me an idea… I do have both an aquatic spawn and some plants which like being near bodies of water. Maybe some sort of secret passage with a pond at the end? The dungeon spirit marked it down for later, as it was broke as of now. It had quite literally gone to the last hundred DP in yesterday's battle against the dog bear, and while it did recoup a good 1000 from the beast’s death, that was only enough to get through a fifth of the next section. And that was before using a lot that in resurrecting the mupputs that died and upgrading its traps to be able to truly harm a non-pisslevel individual.
And with no invaders or delvers in sight, the dungeon truce still active, its spawn still recovering, and no more building to do, what was a dungeon spirit to do? Eh, they’ve received enough, plus I didn’t manage to check up on Wissen yesterday, nor did I ever get to talk to Rangtwor about her time on the expedition. In reality, there was quite a bit to do.
The dungeon spirit was patient, however, if it had nothing to do or nothing to watch, then it would rather just take a nap then sit in absolute silence. Though, watching the bacteria again could be interesting, a shame they can’t evolve or gain level. What an experiment it would be to raise a new life form from unicellular to an animal.
Well, time to mess with some monkeys. Perhaps something productive will fall onto my head while I'm at it, too.
Oh, Rangtwor~ the dungeon spirit called out, hovering its ‘eye’ through its halls. It could simply be over where Rangtwor is, but it enjoyed the stroll, it was useful for seeing little mistakes it had made when crafting the tunnels. In addition, it also let the dread build up in Rangtwor at dealing with her creator, and like all parents, the dungeon spirit loved to annoy its spawn.
When the dungeon spirit laid eyes on the muppet she was pretending to sleep, it knew she was pretending, as the dungeon spirit could literally look into the denizen’s mind and see the neurons in her brain firing in a way that meant she was awake. Oh, the advantages of being nigh-omniscient. With a giggle, the dungeon spirit transfigured the rock ceiling above Rangtwor into water, splashing her into action. Rangtwor growled, shaking herself off. [what do you want, dungeon?] she asked coldly, letting her emotion stick to her words over their link. It only made the dungeon spirit laugh some more. How cold you are, Rangtwor, I suppose, literally now, but- as your creator, your loving parent, I came to see how you are the dungeon spirit said, gaining no love for its humor. The muppet just stared into the wall of the dungeon, an expression of bloody murder on her face. you’re facing the wrong direction if you want to glare at me the dungeon laughed, though jerked back when the muppet whipped her head around to stare right where the dungeon spirit’s invisible eye was. Curious, she has no skills nor any innate ability to sense magical constructs, must have just guessed where I am… the dungeon spirit thought, breaking into an analytical thought before dusting it away.
so, how are you? the dungeon spirit asked once again, at least sounding sincere this time. [Wet. Cold. Tired. Annoyed.] Rangtwor barked off, contrary to her venom the spawn relaxed, going back to leaning against the wall. Out of all of those things, she was tired the most, too tired to care about being wet, cold, or annoyed. Wet? Fixed, the moisture saturated Rangtwor’s coat disappeared in a burst of fine dust and air, the rest, you can solve easily. Any who, since you got some rest, I came back here to ask about what you saw on the surface, so we can better plan expeditions, the dungeon spirit said, waiting quietly as Rangtwor spun up her memories.
[There was not much, but I did identify mountains which must not be too far in the east. In addition, there is a small river to the north which is not far. And I think the village which that human came from must be to the west, as I was able to find some unnatural looking trails heading that direction.] she explained, sending over a collection of memories as she went which helped the dungeon spirit see what she saw. Hmm, to be expected, I picked most of that up from Primus, though. I was wondering if you were able to detect where some more interesting creatures would be, the dungeon spirit explained, making Rangtwor give a grunt of understanding.
[Yes, I did find some areas of interest, though I didn’t go too in depth with my searches as you said you were looking for smaller creatures. But, I did memorize the location of some borrows which could be of interest, spotted a pretty out area with the corpse of a mountain lion which I believe I could still track from, I noted some spots at the river where I could fish, and… that’s about it] Rangtwor supplied, impressing the dungeon spirit with her thorough information. Though, she did spend a whole day away, so it is too crazy.
That is all quite good information, though do you remember where you got the corpse spider solider at, and more specifically where the nest is? Some of the other types could be useful, especially the queen, The dungeon spirit asked. [yes, I could go back and get some for you if need be] Rangtwor confirmed.
Alight then, when you next go out I’d like you to focus on those areas. And, if you take the Ranayana with you, let them get some exp as well, so they can start leveling up. Though, only the weaker and lower level targets, you should try and capture the higher level ones, the dungeon spirit said. Though, it gave Rangtwor a question, [wait, do we get the exp for capturing the creatures and then killing them?]. Yeah, but only if the one who fought the creature, if say you were to fight a higher level creature and have one of the Ranayana kill them, you’d probably get 99% of the exp still. It doesn’t matter if there is a gap unless the creature has the time to recuperate, then the system will consider the bindings, the bags you use, and the execution to be unworthy of much, if any, exp.
[hmmm, I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll probably leave later today to go hunt for EXP, and I suppose to collect samples for you] Rangtwor said. That’s fine, though, make sure to stay close to the dungeon. For some reason, I have an inkling that you ranged quite far before.With the dungeon so weak, you are the best defense I have, the dungeon spirit let Rangtwor know. The mupput just sent over a mental eye roll, which the dungeon spirit took as a reluctance agreement.
Though, it would be more efficient if you were to go out with the Ranayana. While they are still level one, they could still aid you in fighting, carry specimen, and helping set out traps, the dungeon spirit said. Rangtwor groaned, rubbing the sides of her head. What, is there some sort of problem with you and the Ranayana? the dungeon asked. [I enjoy my peace. They do not. Would I truly have to bring them along?Could they not hunt on their own?] Rangtwor huffed, her eyes narrowed in irritation. That is possible, however they are weak. Prone to getting killed on their own. And right now, each life is important to the success of the dungeon. So it would be best for them to set off with you. Besides, perhaps you could teach them a thing or two, or reign them in, the dungeon suggested. It was somewhat understandable that Rangtwor would rather not be accompanied by the carnal monkeys, but it was not the time to be worried about delicate sensibilities considering the dungeon spirit’s life was on the line every day an invader could simply walk in and kill it.
[I guess they could come… though what it another group came with me instead] Rangtwor asked, hopeful for a positive answer. Mmm, they are the closest of any denizen to level up, and they have the best experience. The only fight the other muppets have been against the dog-bear, which they died in, the dungeon explained. It didn’t even bother to mention Wissen, who tolled away trying to learn Nedean, or Eros and Amos, who would never consider leaving the dungeon, and even if they did, they’d probably be horrible at hunting with their disposition. [Fine. I’ll round up the Ranayana when I leave].
That’s good. It is good that you are going out today, as well, considering I need you to evolve and get your class as soon as possible. If we have much more contract with high level threats, it may be necessary to force level you by fighting the other denizens, which something neither of us want to do.Though, I might spawn some dog bears to hunt the forest and gain levels, so you can then fight them, anyway, the dungeon spirit said. While it was probably more efficient to have the dog bears for lower level enemies, contrasting powering Rangtwor was the dungeon’s best bet versus higher level creatures.
[hmmm, you are right that I’d rather not kill the other denizens, though I would not mind fighting one of the dog bears on more equal footing. How many more levels do you think I need for my evolution, or to finally get my class] Rangtwor asked. As far as your evolution, I imagine you could reach it anywhere before, or at, level ten. But I imagine that your next level will prompt it. As far as your class, that is more up in the air. It is odd for a creature to be at level five and lack a class, but you got most of that from simply fighting the worm, and even your fight against the dog bear, like you said, was not very fair. My best advice is to start thinking about how you fight more, how you want to fight, and to train. You’ve taken to the spear, so practicing techniques with that and using them in combat is your best chance at gaining a class. As a matter of the fact, here, the dungeon spirit said before using Create Object to summon forth a couple of clean and bronze capped scrolls containing spearmenship techniques.
Rangtwor opened the scrolls, giving the pictures and diagrams within a look over. Suitable?, the dungeon spirit asked. [yes, they will aid me. Though, I see most of what is here is for fighting humans, not beasts. If I need to use technique to gain a class, will these help?] Rangtwor asked. The dungeon popped its imaginary lips while if thought, yes, if you apply the more general information there, it should do you fine. I suppose for beasts, thinking more about how you attack them is more important than the specific technique that is used. Say, do you want your style to be slow and precise, leaving no room for the enemy to counter-attack, or to open up the fight, make it so complex that your superior reactions and battle prowess win.
[I see…] Rangtwor hummed. In her thoughts she saw how she fought the dog-bear and the worm. She would not say she was impressed, but nor was she particularly insightful in what she should have done.
Accounting for Rangtowr’s tendency to pause and think, the dungeon spirit left a few minutes for her to mull over what it had said before continuing on. The last thing I wanted to touch upon was your place in the dungeon. With these previous two invaders, I’ve had to throw everything at them to win. But in the future, hopefully I will be able to take a more passive route, to allow the invaders and delvers to make it as far as they deserve. So, for you, my plan is to make you a boss. For now, the first level will be your protectorate, but as I expand, and you grow stronger, I hope to move you down, all the while staying in the end of whatever level you are on, protecting my core room.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
[That is… agreeable. Though, I’ll still be able to leave, yes?] Rangtwoar asked. Yes, yes, for the most part, you will not be constricted to a small area, that is unless there is a creature in the dungeon capable of fighting to the core room. Then, you’ll have to sit and wait. And for the immediate future, roaming outside to gain level is very important, so worry not, the dungeon spirit answered. It was obvious Rangtwor was intrigued with the outside world, so the dungeon spirit did not want to make her distressed and resentful by containing her. Though, perhaps it is the current nature of the dungeon that drives her to the outside. Once I can create a truly expansive level, perhaps she will be more open to full time occupation of her level.
[If that is all, I’ll get some rest before getting the Hanayana and leaving.] Rangtwor declared before sprawling out on her soft mossy bedding. Well, then. I hope to see good results, the dungeon spirit said before going off to find something else to do. Mostly, that just means checking up on Wissen.
Once, or if, Wissen picked up old Nedean, she’d be the first spawn capable of language. Or spoken language, more like. At the moment, Rangtwor far exceeded Wissen when it came to expressing themselves, with Rangtwor using the language of thoughts. But, that was only useful if the person you wished to communicate with was capable of forming a psychic connection which to speak across, otherwise Rangtwor was stuck with charades and screams. Also, writing a book in the language of thoughts was much more difficult than old Nedean, no matter how asinine the language is.
I’d rip my hair out if I had to learn that accused language, I only gave it to Wissen because it was the most commonly understood language on the continent. With the hellish grammar and logosyllabic characters all wrapped together by the elemental grouping of characters and words, simply said, it was a nightmare to learn. It was only a small positive that due to the many rules of the language, most people just ignored them; only monks, authors, and nobles gave a damn if you use the character ‘golden cloud’ with the value of life with the death aligned ‘bone of phalange’ in a sentence without balancing them out.
Though, it did make the most stunning of literature when strung together by a master; the rules of the language forces you to be quite creative.
Oh, Wissen~ the dungeon cooed, floating over to the muppet in question. She was laid on a bed of leaves and twigs, with a book held open above her head, lit up by the fruitful Lambent Jelly King she relaxed under. Wissen flinched at the unexpected voice in her head, momentarily losing control over her body, causing the book she was holding to fall, spin and flutter midair, before thumping spine first onto her nose. She scrambled to collect herself before staring off into a random direction with focus. Huh, guess they all do that, I suppose they have to look somewhere… for Wissen’s sake, the dungeon repositioned itself to be where she was facing.
I’ve come to tally your successes! I imagine you’ve made great leaps in your research, the dungeon said, not in the least expecting that to be the case. The dungeon simply enjoyed fucking with its creations, it’s its nature, most likely from its dubious attention during its connection to Primus. [ well…] the muppet dragged on, her lack of Nedean over the connection spelling out a lack of progress. Not like you can expect much over one day, but I’d rather her learn that lesson.
[No. it has been very hard]. Not the full package the dungeon was looking for, time to point her in the right direction.
Aye, then what are you to change that would make progress on the task at hand? The dungeon asked. The muppet lapsed into thought at the question, though not in any way she could answer the dungeon. It was just impossible, it was like hitting her head with a frying pan, even the pictures in the books were not helpful as while dungeon spawn were born with a plethora of information in their heads, it was nowhere near enough to help break down the children’s books given to her. Stumped, the muppet sat there, doing her best to look like she was deep in thought while thinking of what to say. Really, she just wanted to admit defeat, perhaps this was just a lesson of humility from the dungeon, to make her learn that she simply was not capable. Not capable of even doing her job. Before the dungeon asked her to think, she was simply going to ask for help. But now, she’d only feel a fool to say something like that. Her, taking up the dungeon’s precious time because she couldn’t learn to read?
Defeated and dreading the words she planned to say, the muppet explained herself, [I don’t think I can do this. No matter how I try and look at it, no matter how I compare words and memorize the words, they just don’t stick… I guess I’m just not cut out for reading or magic]. Ha, I’d reckon it is hard, the dungeon laughed, but have you truly tried every avenue that there is? Frustrated, the muppet sighed, flopping back down to her bedding. Considering how devoid her mind was of learning, yes, she did think she burned every option. Exhausted and wanting to finish this terrible conversation, the muppet decided to say the only thing bouncing in her head, so she could truly say she did everything, no matter how fruitless she thought them to be.
When the dungeon explained how it could not help her and had better things to do, the muppet could use that as an example of how she said and tried everything she had, and could, think of.
[The only thing I can think of, and I already know it’s dumb, is to ask you to help] the muppet sighed, despondently staring into the dim ceiling of the tunnel, waiting for the dungeon to agree and let the muppet wallow in peace. You know… the dungeon paused, letting the tension reach its maximum before continuing like some game show host, that’s a great idea!. Wissen could only let out a confused [huh] before the dungeon continued in great mirth, how else would you learn? I’d only left you before to let you try and learn yourself. Sure, it’s not like you’d be able to, but trying to understand something before having someone teach it to you is a great tool for learning. While true, concerning educational methods, the dungeon had no such plan in mind when it left the spawn with a tower of books over her head.
Sometimes, the power of bullshit is the greatest and most effective.
Confused, the muppet could only protest the idea she shot down before. [But your time is much too important, dungeon. I can’t even start to imagine what it takes to rule such a large area] she contested, making the dungeon smile. Well, considering I’ve been pestering you to spawn for the last… moderately long span of time, I’d say spare time is not a contested commodity now or for some time.
[I didn’t want to bother you while you were working, though], the muppet said as her last resort, but the dungeon swept it away easily; if you think I can manage the whole dungeon and be incapable of responding to your call, you’d be wrong, if I’m busy I’d just tell you. No harm in asking. The muppet protested some more, but it was too weak to resist and succumbed to a long session on the intricacies of the Nedean language. The dungeon could only slurp up her ever greater confusion at the language with joy.
All in a day’s work, really. Creating a squad of mages is not as easy as poofing them into existence.
----------------------
When Swelyn walked into her war tent, the four mercenaries sat uncaring and uncouth. A man, one which she vaguely remembered as Byrne due to his attendance in her dealings with the mountain tribe, and a young man from a foreign land dived a cushioned bench, where junior officers would normally sit, between each other; with the one she knew not the name of lounging daintily on his side with his head propped up on his arm, while Byrne sat and fiddled with a lacquered and gold capped pointer. Ovi, who she fully remembered from when she had to fill in the higher ups of the Mythsln band in what they were being paid for, had her feet kicked up on the expansive wooden table that sat in the center of the tent, where an ensemble of their surrendered weapons rested. Cantor was standing in await for Swelyn with his arms crossed and face mildly annoyed.
Swelyn knew she was right in giving herself a few minutes before coming to talk with them. They might have been savage, in more than just demeanor, but they were allies. Powerful ones. Swelyn couldn’t help how the mercenaries acted, however, she allowed herself a unpleased glance at the pair of her classed she had left in the tent. I did give orders not to antagonize them… but it is not as though our relations would be soured if a few low level classed had told them off. They need not be that careful, it is not if they are that powerful... The soldier’s did not quiver, and to an outsider’s view it would look like nothing happened, but Swelyn could see how they diverted their eyes abruptly. Swelyn controlled herself and cut out the small sigh she wanted to express. Perhaps in more personal company she would have let it out, knowing her guests would not be pulling from their stats, but it was quite likely the mercenaries would keep some up while in camp. She smoothed the turbulent waves of her emotions as Cantor pushed off the pillar he had been leaning against; gesturing for his fellows to follow suit, which they begrudgingly did.
His steps were measured and completely even, his demeanor unbothered but respectful. A true Stoic. “ Aretnaeonroe.” the mercenary addressed Swelyn, giving his best attempt at the tight syllables of her name, as he gave a small bow of his head. At least I can deal with one of the civilized ones. Swelyn would have to spend a long time recovering her mood if she had to deal with any other Mythsln commander. She’d been quite surprised to met Cantor based on what she heard from down the canary’s line. Though, considering most of that is from the empire, corruption of the accountancy is to be suspected.
“Segrave.” Cantor addressed Swelyn’s second in command, who was robotic in both his respectful bow.
“Cantor.” Swelyn said, dipping her head as well. “ Come, sit. I don’t like to presume, but the mountain trek is certainly hard. So I have brought wine, if you will have it.” Swelyn offered in Nedean, a common language between them, as she guided Cantor to find a seat around the grand table which dominated the tent; she did her best to sound proper while not adding so much theatrics which would bother and annoy the more… straight forward culture he came from. Cantor allowed himself to be seated, lowing himself down without a peep coming from him or the chair. “It was nothing. Though... if it’s Arkas wine, then I’ll have a serve.” Cantor said as Swelyn walked over to her wooden throne with Segraves in tail. “It is. From the heartland, my homeland, Estria.” Swelyn said as she made way to her throne.
“Mm, I fought there. Much after your family was gone. It is a plentiful land.” Cantor commented as a servant poured him the wine into a goblet. Swelyn gave him a practiced smile as she seated herself,“ I imagine it is.” Besides her, Segraves chuckled lightly at her forced reaction. Swelyn ignored him.
Cantor gave his warriors a small glance, letting them know to sit down. The youngest, the foreigner, huffed as he sat down, looking ready to say something, but another, more poignant, look from Cantor silenced them. Though, in silence, they stuck their tongue out at Cantor. The interaction made Swelyn narrow her eyes; it looked like something that had been repeated a dozen times before, a rote social interaction. Compared to the others… it seems they are closer. Interesting.
Maybe it was a small detail, but Swelyn was taught to catch those. Every small clue could help add up to a useful fact. Especially given the certain… persuasions the mountain people hold…
“There was a disturbance.” Cantor started, “after we subjugated the village and it’s lord, the following morning, this morning, a beast’s call could be heard. Only a powerful monster could make a noise like that, so we searched, but were unable to find it. There will have to be a delay in marching your army.”
Swelyn has expected such a thing but had hoped for better. In her caution, she had halted the march of her soldier’s because of the noise. She agreed with Cantor’s dissertation, the noise must have been created by a powerful monster. Or human… but that would make much less sense. Someone that strong could not walk an inch without the kingdom’s taking note. Though, on the other hand, Swelyn had done her best to be thorough in her thinking as she delayed the march. Papa always said not to accept the most obvious conclusion. But beyond a monster, the only other way o make such a noise is for people to do so. And then the question was why and how. Though more important is the why. The how could simply be beyond my knowledge; why on the other hand is much easier to theorize. It would be to keep her army waiting. But then either Weara found out about the invasion, or the Mythsln, or perhaps the whole kaibek, betrayed us. Which is to my knowledge unlikely. The Weara can not match us in wealth, and betraying us would brutalize their reputation, cutting off the mercenary income their people depend on.
So, ultimately, it was a monster. But Swelyn still stayed cautious.
“ I agree. But we don’t have the luxury to wait. Every moment we waste gold is being melted and warriors wasted at Cliffhold. Three days. If we can’t find any monster in three days, we’ll have to march. I’ll send some people to help you look in the meantime.” Swelyn said. We planned to march today because most of the reinforcements from the north should have made their way to Cliffhold. But that also means the fighting will be coming ferocious now… we’re supposed to be in Rycardin within the week.
“ That makes sense. It’s most likely the monster is a wandering type, and they found a foe within the forests here and fought them. Three days should confirm it. Though- I would not send yours into that forest. If they do find the monster, they’ll just end up dead. And more than that, it could enrage the monster, complicating things.” Cantor explained. Swelyn pursed her lips. While they could fight up at Cliffhold for weeks more, the expense would be enormous. At that point, holding the conquered lands would be nigh-impossible. On the other hand… if we find some calamity in the forest, my regiment won’t stand a chance.
Swelyn tsked, “Then I’ll leave it to you.” I guess I should get my money’s worth out of them.
“ A wise decision.” Cantor declared.