I came back to myself with a start, I wasn't sure what to call the time I lost to gathering mana and trying to push deeper into the ground, but not sleep. The books were big about taking your time and getting plenty of rest in, before, and during dungeon runs. Though it seemed like it was a time you weren't aware, considering the numerous warnings and suggestions given on how to protect yourself. While I wasn't fully aware of my domain while I pulled from the mana of the earth, and tried to stretch through the barrier preventing me from reaching deeper. I wasn't helpless and could definitely know when something changed that I would find interesting. Like the reason I snapped out this time, there was a change up above.

I had been trying to avoid looking up there too much, because it made me frustrated and sad to think that it was just like a window. So much to see and look at, but far from my mana tendrils. Yet, there was something fairly big moving around up there, and unlike my bees, snakes, and ants. This clearly was suited for fighting people, with it's large frame, thick fur, and strong skeleton.

'I think one of the books had something about these creatures,' and it took only a moment for the memory to pop back in, 'Right, they are called boars, and it's probably here because of the mana, or that weird fungi that is around the pit leading down here.' The fungus in question was black in color, and mostly round, but they had small patterns on their skin. The boar in question was snuffling the little things with gusto, and trying to eat those it could safely reach from the hole. Then it clicked in my head, why was there a huge hole in my cavern? I completely ignored it when rebuilding after my rampage, and felt dumb to have left a way straight down to my core. While I liked the sunlight, I understood it to be foolish to my safety to not close it up. With a heavy core I summoned a dense rock from below me, and made enough to close the hole, and coat the ceilings of my cavern. In response I got a mad squealing sound from the boar, which I realized I had closed off access to the fungus.

That got me to thinking that I still needed a way to let things out and bring things back in. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to get a living creature I could send out into the world, and it would be a nice help if one happened to stumble in here. Then, I could observe it until it died, and my instincts told me that a sentient creature was the only thing that would be able to work for what I wanted. Also, my instincts whispered, I would speed up the pace I was growing so I could do it sooner. The question was about how I should make an entrance to my domain then. I didn't want it to be too obvious or it would be a draw for people, and too many of those and I could be at risk, even if my instincts yelled to make it flashy. I also didn't want it to seem suspicious and attract attention that way either. In the end I relied on the books once again, especially the one called, 'Cults: An Adventure's Guide'. While I didn't understand the words, the pictures made it seem like you wanted to avoid them, and so I shaped the land above into a complex set of stone circles resting in the grass. Then I created some old looking, short pillars and put wiggles on them. Then, on the opposite end of my area above ground I made a nice small cave that let in plenty of light, and had a crack in the back wall. Just a few feet wide and looking as natural as I could make it. Then, I connected that to the start of the maze, and hoped that the cult-y stuff I made would distract enough.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

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The sound of tools plying their trades ringing in the air, brought a deep sigh of contentment from Lord Reginald. Almost as much as the sight of the Beastkin servants bringing him today's selection of snacks before the noon lunch. The world was right when all things fell into their place, and the wheel of progress turned smoothly. The trip to Balmur was without issue, even if it took nearly 3 weeks by fast carriage, and they had to move slower due to the materials they brought with. Then, a slight hiccup when the mages said the signal they had been tracking had become far more faint, and caution was needed when moving further south. Yet, they still made good time, and now the Holding was nearing its completion. The Beastkin villages had been taken in hand, and turned to the work of it's construction and were now housed in the lower quarter. The mages were worried about how they couldn't find the exact point of the Well anymore, but a through search of the forest should net a gain there as well. All was right with the world for him.

"My Lord," A voice called to him from behind, "We have been scouting the area where the original signal seems to have come from, but we are still unable to find the center. Should we begin the excavations in likely areas?" The words sounded more annoyed and short than deferential, and Reginald gave thought to some discipline. However, the issue was more pressing since trouble finding a Mana Well could only be caused by a few things. Including the capture by another party like the rebels, and they would surely love to get their hands on it, even if it wouldn't do them much good. Just keeping it out of the Kingdom would grant them political leverage.

"Yes, and keep guards out for any ambushes. I find it hard to imagine that the rebels haven't found their way here. A Mana Well is far too noticeable by all, even if they couldn't use it like we can." He said to the man, not turning around to even give a glance. He was the ruler here after all, and a ruler was expected to be above such petty things as eye contact.

"Yes, in fact make sure to use the Beastkin where and when possible. Give them double rations and water during the excavations though. We need them focused for this, and..." He paused thinking about the many ways things could go wrong with limited communication in the field, "Be sure to give the guards a means of notifying the Holding should something happen. At least a warning and location, even if only that and no words. We need to be on guard considering the stakes." Then he waved his hand, putting the matter out of mind as he continued to watch the ant-like figures moving around below. So he didn't see the mage's expression or the mana flare as he spun away. Nobles didn't pay attention half the time to servants, so Lord Reginald didn't realize the mage was a Beastkin themselves.