“You have completed the Random Encounter,” said the dungeon using Nat’s voice.

“As the first party to complete the encounter in the last 229 years, you have been awarded an Epic treasure chest.”

Nanoflux shimmered along Atreo's arms as a notification appeared before his eyes:

Nat is attempting to manifest in the world. Will you accept?

Kore paused in her looting efforts and looked over at Atreo, whose arm was lighting up with a rainbow of colors.

“What’s happening?” she asked, concern on her face.

“Nat’s trying to manifest. Should I let her?”

“Wait... like the dungeon core? Trying to manifest here and now? Why?”

“I dunno, it must be important.”

“I guess. It’s your call; she’s bonded to you.”

Atreo accepted Nat’s request and watched as the Nanoflux flowed from his arm, coalescing into a radiant orb of light. The orb hovered momentarily, then began to take shape, gradually transforming into a small, ethereal figure. Nat, now fully realized, stood before Atreo, her translucent form shimmering with a soft, iridescent glow.

“Thank you for accepting my request, Atreo,” said Nat with a fraction of the power she’d had in their last meeting.

“You could’ve given me a heads-up about the Random Encounter. I didn’t even know those were a thing.”

“As I said previously, it is against the rules for me to aid you in the completion of this dungeon... and look! You didn’t need my assistance anyway.”

Nat turned in a full circle, taking a keen interest in Kore.

“And who might you be?” Nat asked as her figure walked closer, inspecting her new interest.

“I’m Kore. You must be Natalie, right?” asked Kore with a hint of hesitation.

Kore's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and curiosity on her face. "I didn’t think I would ever meet a dungeon core."

Natalie smiled gently, her eyes filled with calm curiosity. "I recognized your Fae blood when you spilled it in my dungeon. It has been a long time since your kind pulled mine into this world. Meeting you is... unexpected, but intriguing."

Atreo stood a little distance away, his expression neutral, though his mind raced. He had suspected Kore might be a Fae but hoped to keep it from Natalie. He knew the history between their kinds was complicated, and he didn't want to risk any conflict.

Kore had been tense but relaxed at her words, her shoulders lowering. "I've heard the stories, and I know there's a lot of history between our kinds. I want to understand more and, if possible, make things right."

Natalie's smile remained soft. "History has left its marks, but it has also given us a chance to learn and grow. Perhaps meeting you is an opportunity for both of our kinds."

Kore's gaze brightened with hope. "I would like that. Working together could be the key to overcoming the challenges we face now."

Natalie nodded thoughtfully. "Agreed. There are greater threats out there, and unity might be our best chance at facing them. Let's see what we can achieve together, Kore. That is, if you manage to survive my dungeon. Rest assured; I'm doing everything I can to kill you both."

Atreo allowed himself a small sigh of relief, glad that the conversation was moving in a positive direction. He remained watchful, ready to step in if needed, but hopeful that this encounter would lead to a stronger alliance.

She turned to face Atreo and began to speak. “The reason I’m here is to offer an explanation of how Treasure chests function inside of dungeons. While this will not aid you in completing the dungeon, it is one of the benefits of our shared bond. Would you like the explanation?”

“Yes, that would be nice. But also, what are the additional benefits?”

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

“Those you will learn in time,” she said as she began her explanation.

Natalie motioned for Kore and Atreo to follow her, leading them deeper into the chamber where the Nanoflux began to drip from her fingers, forming several treasure chests of varying designs and sizes.

"What you have found here," Natalie began, her voice steady and informative, "is a Treasure chest. Treasure chests are significantly more challenging to find than other loot scattered across dungeons. There are several different tiers of treasure chests, each representing a different level of rarity and the potential value of the items within."

She pointed to a simple wooden chest adorned with basic iron fittings. "This is a Common chest. The items inside are typically useful, but nothing extraordinary. Basic potions, low-level weapons, and simple gear can be found here."

Next, she gestured to a sturdier chest, reinforced with iron bands and decorated with simple carvings. "This is an Uncommon chest. It holds slightly better rewards, such as mid-level weapons, enchanted items, and more potent potions."

Moving to a more ornate chest with silver inlays and intricate designs, she continued, "This is a Rare chest. These are much more valuable. You can expect high-level gear, powerful potions, and items with significant enchantments."

Natalie then pointed to a chest that seemed to emanate a faint glow, its surface covered in detailed gold filigree and studded with precious gems. "This is an Epic chest, like the one you found. Epic chests contain some of the best items the dungeon has to offer. Legendary weapons, rare artifacts, and highly potent magical items are often hidden within these."

She paused, allowing the significance of their find to sink in. "Finding an Epic chest is no small feat. The rewards inside can greatly enhance your abilities and chances of survival."

Finally, she pointed to two grander chests, the first of which seemed to pulse with an inner light, its surface covered in mystical runes and precious metals. "This is an Ancient chest. These are extremely rare and hold legendary treasures, often items of immense power, unique artifacts, and relics that can turn the tide of any battle."

Then, she pointed to the grandest of all, a chest that shimmered with an almost ethereal glow, its surface adorned with intricate patterns of platinum and jewels.

"This is a Mythic chest. It is the rarest and most powerful type of chest in existence. Only two Mythic level chests have been looted in the past 2000 years. The treasures inside are beyond legendary, often containing items of unparalleled power and unimaginable worth."

Natalie turned to face Kore and Atreo, her expression serious. "Treasure chests like yours may contain loot from any range. The unique quality of treasure chests is that the longer they go unclaimed, the higher their value increases. Dungeons take special care to hide these chests in locations where they are likely never to be found."

She paused and added, "Be warned, however, of parasitic creatures known as mimics. They consume treasure chests and take their place, absorbing dungeon energy and gaining more power. While an uncommon mimic might not be much to deal with, a Mythic level mimic could be a true force of destruction."

Atreo, his curiosity piqued, asked, "Why do dungeons make chests in the first place?"

Natalie’s expression turned thoughtful. "When chests are created, they are placed on ley lines and act like a tap for energy. The better the chest, the more energy the dungeon receives. It's a symbiotic relationship. The chests draw in and concentrate energy from the ley lines, which helps sustain and empower the dungeon."

She continued, "However, the dungeons themselves don't determine what items are in the chests, only the quality of the chest. The contents are influenced by the dungeon's environment, the challenges faced, and sometimes, the luck of the adventurers who find them. So while a high-quality chest like an Epic or Ancient chest will likely contain powerful items, the exact nature of those items is not controlled by the dungeon."

Kore, intrigued, asked, "And what about the mimics you mentioned? How do they fit into all this?"

Natalie’s eyes darkened slightly. "Mimics are parasitic creatures that consume treasure chests and take their place, absorbing dungeon energy and gaining more power. They are a danger to both adventurers and the dungeon itself. They grow stronger by feeding on the dungeon's energy and the treasures within the chests."

Natalie's smile returned, though her eyes held a hint of challenge. "Now, let's see if you can make the most of what you've found. Your journey through my dungeon is far from over, and the real tests are yet to come. That is, if you manage to survive my dungeon."

“Thank you,” said Atreo. “For the explanation... not for trying to kill us.”

“That is only because you are in my dungeon. If you ever make it into another

dungeon, you will be glad to have me at your side, and with that, I shall take my leave.”

Nat walked to Atreo, the treasure chests melding back into her body, and placed her hand on Atreo’s arm. In the blink of an eye, she was no longer there, reabsorbed into the Nanoflux.

“Well... that went better than I thought it would,” said Atreo. “I thought for sure she’d collapse the whole dungeon when she found out you were a Fae!” he laughed.\

“So you did know?” Kore asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and pain. “I’m only half, from my mother's side, but it has always been enough for my family to be persecuted. Even if the dungeon cores were dragged here 2000 years ago."

Atreo looked at her, his eyes reflecting understanding. “I suspected, but I didn’t want to bring it up unless you were ready to talk about it. I didn’t realize it had caused so much pain for you and your family.”

Kore sighed, the weight of her past evident in her eyes. “It’s been a long road. Being half-Fae has always marked me as different, and not in a good way. Now let’s open this chest and get killed by a mimic.”

Atreo blanched. “You really think this one is a mimic? Nat would’ve told us, right?”

They looked at each other doubtfully and spoke at the same time.

“Probably not,” they echoed together and laughed.