NSLICE-00P and company continued to hunt dungeons for quite some time, approximately two months worth. At this stage, NSLICE-00P decided to review her progress.
NSLICE-00P'S DUNGEON STATUS:
Overview Name The Hero Dungeon / The Heart of the New World Level 920 XP 37/100 Available Perk Points 529 Mana 1979/1979 (2350/2350) Exterior Human/Automata Hybrid (LOCKED)
Affinities Type Strength Cyborg Primary Holy Medium Fire Medium Water Medium Beast Medium Metal Medium Rodent Minor Earth Medium Arachnid Minimum Slime Minor Light Minor Nature Medium Dark Minor Fish Minimum Insect Minor Avian Minor Lightning Minimum Frost Minor (continued...)
Implants Type Mana Upkeep Description Bionic Prosthetics +3 0 Overwrites STR and SPD, Values: 130 STR, 65 SPD Armor Plating +5 0 Overwrites DEF and RES, Values: 150 DEF, 125 RES Bonded AI 0
Enables direct contact with the System. Overwrites Dexterity stat, Value: 2010 DEX, Upgrades: Processing Speed +9, Expanded Memory +9
Techno-Organic Interface 0 Enables conscious control over organic and emotional functions, resists mind-influencing effects. Advanced Sensors +2 0 Vastly expands scope and effectiveness of senses. Internal Weapon Bays 0 Enables use of dungeon traps as weapons Repulsors +1 0
Enables flight and tactical boosts
Energy Channels +2 0 Enables user to channel internal energy into external attacks Dungeon Field Generator +2 5 Surrounding area counts as dungeon territory. Enables mana absorption within area of effect. Monster Hangar (small) +1 (x2) 1 Provides 10 living spaces for small monsters. Unlocks subordinate summoning. Monster Hangar (medium) 5 Provides 5 living spaces for medium-sized monsters. Unlocks subordinate summoning. Uses two implants slots. Drone Hangar (small) 1 Provides storage space for non-sentient units. Has room for 50 small drones. Item Foundry +1 2 Unlocks Item Creation, Upgrades: Geo-Replicator, Ration Replicator Mana Capacitor +2 (x7) 0 Boosts maximum mana by 30 each.
World Features Name World Mana Upkeep Description Entrances 0 Entrances between dungeons and the New World. Current Entrances include Otter Burrow, Rat Warren, Shining Forest, Frozen Reef, Full Metal Hive, Slimy Spire, (continued…) Cyborg Process Center 100 A facility for upgrading compatible beings with cybernetic components. Beings in question must be Contracted to the dungeon master, and willing to undergo the process with a reasonable understanding of what it entails. Ore Vein (x10) Varies A vein of a chosen mineral that replenishes over time. Mana cost and upkeep will depend on vein size, minerals chosen, and desired speed of replenishment. Fertile Soil (x10) Varies Soil with the nutrients necessary for healthy plant growth. Nutrients may be replenished over time for mana upkeep. Cost and upkeep depends on field size, soil fertility, and desired nutrients. Water Spring (x10) Varies A spring that will continuously create water. Cost and upkeep depends on size and rate of replenishment.
Inventory Total Items: 7/100 Name Description Worn Chest A worn chest containing some looted Imperial gear. Idrint Quantity: 20,000. Basic solidifed mana, now a standard medium of exchange. Sea Dragon-Bone Axe An axe formed from the magic bones of a mana-devouring sea dragon. Absorbs mana, may break magic circles on contact. If touched by anyone but the user, drains their mana and uses it to attack. Mana-Iron Sword A sword forged of mana iron, superior performance to standard swords. Significantly easier to infuse, or enchant. Mana-Iron Ingot Quantity: 1. An ingot of mana-iron, smelted and ready for further processing. Rod of Command A rod used to command golems, this one may control up to ten at once. May take control of unbound golems via physical contact. Also functions as a potent spell focus, particularly for Earth and Metal magic. Symbol of Khalbuldor A pendant used to signify friendship with the Dwarven colony of Khalbuldor.
Subordinates Name Species Level Mana Upkeep Rattingtale Cyber-Rat 18 1 Check Status Lilussees Cyber-Arachne 76 50 Check Status Ateia Niraemia ??? N/A -- (Status could not be viewed) Taog Sutharlan Human/Wulver 72 -- Check Status 01R Cyber-Rat Machine Crusader 75 25 Check Status 02R Cyber-Rat Anointed Gunner 70 25 Check Status 03R Cyber-Rat Machine Priest 68 25 Check Status 04R Cyber-Rat Mechanized Runner 71 25 Check Status (cyber-rats continued...) 01S Cyber-Spider Sacred Stalker 72 25 Check Status 02S Cyber-Spider Stalker 32 10 Check Status 03S Cyber-Arachne 69 50 Check Status 04S Cyber-Arcane Weaver 71 25 Check Status (cyber-spiders continued...) 00B Superheavy Anointed Armored Fighting Bear 77 100 Check Status Uscfrea Ymmason Dobhar 95 -- Check Status Estrith Edilddaughter Dobhar 85 -- Check Status Aldreda Aetheludaughter Sacred Otterkin 5 -- Check Status 00C Cyber-Dog Armored Command Unit 65 30 Check Status 01C Cyber-Dog Immolator 65 35 Check Status 02C Cyber-Dog Amphibious Assaulter 65 35 Check Status 00F Cyber-Felix Mechanicus Alpha 68 35 Check Status Ceitidh Greumach Wulver 32 -- Check Status Snuan Covenwalker Cyber-Rat Drone Fleet Commander 57 20 Check Status Melion Cyborg Metal Slime 80 45 Check Status 00Sylvan Cyber-Forest Tender 80 35 Check Status 00WS Cyber-Giant Water Slime 62 40 Check Status 00FS Cyber-Giant Fire Slime 61 40 Check Status 00WE Cyber-Giant Water Elemental 62 40 Check Status 00FE Cyber-Giant Fire Elemental 60 40 Check Status 00LA Mechanized Mana Iron Living Armor 63 35 Check Status 00EW Mecha-Adamant Bull Worm 71 75 Check Status 00SO Cyber-Sacred Otterkin Anointed Hunter 71 50 Check Status (other subordinates continued...)
Non-Sentient Units Name Quantity Upkeep Stealth Mini-Drone Golem 25 0.2 each (5 total)
Traps Name Number Active / Deployed Mana Upkeep Description Assault Rifle +3 2/2 2
Rapid-fire projectile weapon with high penetration. Options Available: Armor-Piercing Rounds.
Autopistol 2/2 2
Rapid-fire projectile weapon with medium penetration. Options Available: Armor-Piercing Rounds.
Anti-Armor Missile Launcher +2 2/2 2 Homing explosive designed to penetrate armor. Very high penetration. Anti-Personnel Missile Launcher +2 6/6 6 Homing explosive designed for area damage, medium penetration Stun Ray 1/1 1 Non-lethal electric weapon, can inflict stun and paralysis statuses Wrist Blade +2 2/2 0 Wrist-mounted blades that can be deployed at high-speed Flamethrower 2/2 2 Deals fire damage and applies burn status in a large cone The Equalizer +1 1/1 0 Huh? What the heck is this? Some kind of weird metal that doesn’t even exist here? Um…well…best I can tell it’s some sort of anti-magic field generator? Eh…well it’s yours, not mine, so you don’t need me to tell you right? Like, you already upgraded this thing yourself, so you’re good, right?
Dungeon Skills Name Level Description Analyze N/A Check the status of a target. More detail for targets within the dungeon. Details depends on level difference. Contract N/A Bind a consenting target to the dungeon, per terms agreed upon by both parties Transfer N/A Move yourself, a subordinate, or a consenting target within your dungeon
Dungeon Perks Name Description Human-Dungeon Hybrid Enables Implants Tab, Enables unique dungeon-combat skills. Enables direct manipulation of dungeon mana. Grants +100 HP. Rooms tab locked. Exterior locked. Affinity Sharing Can share Primary and Major affinities between subordinate cores and master core.
Dungeon Feats Name Description Effect Dungeon Victor To the victor go the spoils. Unlocked by destroying or subordinating another dungeon. Unlocks Dungeon Warfare category perks, +1 perk point Dungeon Overlord A master of masters. Unlocked by subordinating another dungeon master. Unlocks Subordinate Core category perks, +2 perk points Raid Boss Fine, I’ll do it myself. Unlocked by destroying or subordinating another dungeon with no assistance. Unlocks Raid Boss category perks, grants +50 HP, grants +1 level in HP Regen skill, grants +1 level in MP Regen skill, +2 perk points System Upgrade Unlocked by manually performing a system upgrade. Which is not supposed to be possible. Ugh, this is going to get complicated, isn’t it? Um, I don’t know, just have +20 dungeon perk points or something? Whatever, you’re figuring this out yourself anyways so close enough. Purifier Dungeon Dungeons are supposed to protect the world, you took that duty more literally. Unlocked by destroying a corrupted dungeon core. Unlocks Purifier category perks, +20 perk points. Elite Subjugator Now you are the master. Unlocked by subordinating a target at a significantly higher level than your dungeon. Grants +5 perk points. Monster Creator Granted to a dungeon master that has created a new, never before seen monster species. Grants access to Monster Customization. Grants 20 perk points. Matron of the Sacred Otterkin Thanks to your efforts, a new intelligent species has been born. Grants 40 perk points. Additional perk points may be granted based on the development and contributions of your client species.
NSLICE-00P'S PERSONAL STATUS:
Personal Status General Information Physical Attributes Name NSLICE-00P STR 130* (Overwritten) Species Human/Dungeon Core/Automata Hybrid DEX 2010* (Overwritten) Level 165 SPD 80* (Overwritten) XP 24/100 DEF 150* (Overwritten) Perk Points 947 RES 125* (Overwritten) HP 260/260 Magical Attributes MP 1992/1992 Mana Density 723 Mana Control 445
Active Skills Name Level Description Infused Mana Beam 15 Focus mana into a channeled energy attack. Infused: May infuse Mana Beam with attributed mana. Sneak 1 Move quietly to avoid notice, makes it harder for others to notice the user. Effectiveness highly dependent on environment. Multicasting 12 Can cast several spells at once. Number of simultaneous spells increases with level. Anti-Mana Channeling 6 My best guess is that this projects a kind of inverse-mana that reacts destructively with normal mana, including HP. While it can fully deplete HP, it does not harm matter itself. Has since developed the ability to channel it through appropriate physical structures, though the inverse-mana still cannot be manipulated directly. Requires The Equalizer. Claw Strike 1 Infuse mana into a claw strike. Power and range increase with level. Farcasting 10 Allows the user to manipulate mana and create magic circles at far distances. Strategic Magic 6 Governs the use of Strategic Magic spells Supercharge 14 Fill a spell with additional mana to boost its effects. May cause the spell to misfire. Effect boost depends on the amount and density of mana added. Misfire chance depends on mana control and amount of mana added. Continuous Casting 3 May use additional mana to retain a spell form, allowing the spell to be instantly recast. Spell Fusion 13 Allows the user to combine compatible spells Ritual Casting 1 Allows the user to combine spells with other users for expanded effect. Purifier Flame 10 Imbue a weapon or flame-attribute attack with purifiying Holy-attribute fire, dealing extra damage to corruption, monsters, dungeons, and beings from the Realms of Mana. Blessed Growth 1 Imbue a plant or area with Holy-Nature mana, repairing damage, restoring health, and promoting healthy growth. Consistent use may cause organisms affected to change. Holy Claw Strike 1 Infuse Holy mana into a claw strike. Power and range increase with level. Heroic Power 3 To handle great responsibility, a hero needs great power. Doubles mana density for a short time. May damage the user if reused too quickly due to strain from excess mana. Spell Shaping 20 Enables user to understand and modify the portion of spell circles related to shapes. User may utilize known spell shapes with any available and compatible school of magic. Spell Modification 7 Enables user to understand and modify the portion of spell circles related to spell modifiers. User may utilize known spell modifiers with any available and compatible spell.
Passive Skills General Name Level Description Dungeon Combat 1 Dungeon traps and skills count as personal weapons and skills HP Regen 7 Automatically recover HP pool, increased regeneration speed for damaged body parts MP Regen 8 Automatically recover MP pool Presence Detection 5 Detect living entities around the user. Range and scope of detection increases with level. Trap Detection 5 Detect traps. Range and scope of detection increases with level. Challenger -- Damage dealt x1.5 against targets of higher level. Damage received x0.75 against attacks from targets of higher level. Hero Dungeon -- Unique Hero Skill for NSLICE-00P. PLEASE don't do anything bad with this! Removes Dungeon vulnerability to Holy attribute. Grants Dungeon Affinity: Holy (Minor). Heroic Heroic Challenger 3 A hero never gives up, no matter the odds. Attacks ignore a small percent of target DEF/RES/immunities and always deal a minimum amount of damage. Gives a small chance to survive a fatal hit with 1 HP. Magic Name Level Description Spell Penetration 8 Enable spells to bypass a portion of RES. May spend more mana to boost the effect. Geomancy 7 Elemental spells reduce the target's resistance to that particular element. May spend more mana to boost the effect. Mana Shield 1 When active, may convert HP damage received into Mana damage. Mana density will be used instead of DEF/RES in that case. HP damage will resume if Mana is fully drained. Utility Name Level Description Enchanting 24 The art of infusing objects and beings with mana. Mana Crafting 3 Crafting items through mana rather than physical processes. Resistances Name Level Description Poison Resistance 2 Resist and recovery from poison status, resist poison-attributed damage Schools of Magic Name Level Description Arcane Magic 14 The school of magic governing the manipulation of unattributed mana. A solid foundation for students of the mystic arts, though somewhat less mana-efficient than the more specialized schools. Earth Magic 12 The school of magic governing the manipulation of Earth-attribute mana. One of the basic elemental magics, strong at defensive spells and spells that deal physical damage Fire Magic 14 The school of magic governing the manipulation of Fire-attribute mana. One of the basic elemental magics, strong at offensive spells and spells that inflict the burn status Water Magic 11 The school of magic governing the manipulation of Water-Attribute mana. One of the basic elemental magics, fluid and flexible with many applications. Air Magic 10 The school of magic governing the manipulation of Air-attribute mana. One of the basic elemental magics, fast and wide-reaching. Light Magic 18 The school of magic governing the manipulation of Light-attribute mana. One of the basic elemental magics, quick and precise spells that are excellent against dark-aligned foes. Dark Magic 11 The school of magic governing the manipulation of Dark-attribute mana. One of the basic elemental magics, powerful and obscure though dangerous if not treated with appropriate caution. Nature Magic 12 The school of magic governing Nature-attribute magic. Focuses on growth and living things. Poison Magic 12 The school of magic governing magical poisons. Excels at spreading poison status and dealing damage over time. Metal Magic 15 The school of magic governing the manipulation of metal. Generally focuses on manipulating existing metal, though may create metal directly at great cost. Lightning Magic 10 The school of magic governing the manipulation of lightning. Extremely fast and powerful, though somewhat expensive to cast. Frost Magic 9 The school of magic governing cold and ice. Excellent at controlling and slowing. Recovery Magic 10 The school of magic governing healing through magic Holy Magic 18 The school of magic governing Holy mana, the attribute of the Aesdes that protect the world. Illusion Magic 10 The school of magic governing manipulation of senses and emotions. Gravity Magic 15 The school of magic governing the force of gravity. Complex but powerful. Spatial Magic 15 The school of magic governing manipulation of space. Extremely potent, complex, and dangerous, which is all reflected by the high mana cost.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Spells Spell Shapes
Name Level Description Armor 7 Coat a target in mana, generally for defensive purposes. Bomb 8 Pack mana into a dense package that explodes. Barrier 18 Form mana in a defensive surface or wall. Beam 20 Concentrate mana into a precise, fast moving beam. Blade 8 Form mana in a sharp sword that may be held. Blast 14 Condense down mana, and then release it in an explosive blast. Bolt 20 Form mana into a package that can be launched. Burst 4 Send out a blast of mana in all directions around the user. Chain 15 Form mana into a binding that wraps around a target. Clone 14 Form mana into a shape similar to the user that will execute simple orders. Increased skill will increase the power and substance of the clones and the complexity of orders they may accept. Cloud 8 Condense mana into a gaseous form that lingers in an area. Curse 5 Infuse a target with hostile mana. Exact effects depend on the attribute used. Use of alchemic ingredients or conduits related to the target may increase duration, effects, and potency. Dash 9 Coats user in mana and propels them forward. Behavior may change based on attribute applied. For example, Earth attribute will cause the user to travel underground and then burst out at the target location. Eruption 4 A blast of mana bursts out of the target surface. Fist 3 Concentrates mana on the user’s fist. Generally produces powerful, if short-ranged attacks. Floor 8 Fills the ground with mana. Exact effects will depend on the attribute chosen. May be spread out in a wide area, or concentrated on a single point. Flow 5 Form mana into a moving stream rather than a static shape. Infusion 12 Fill a target with mana. Miniatures 3 Splits mana into numerous small amounts. Prison 9 Entrap a target in mana that will attempt to prevent movement or action. May also interfere with outside attacks on the target depending on attribute used. Rain 9 Create a mass of mana in the air that will bombard an area over time. Sensing 12 Replicate or extend senses via mana. Exact sense and method depends on attribute used. Siphon 7 Establish a connection between the user and target’s mana. Generally used to forcibly transfer mana, but exact effect may vary with attribute. Can be resisted depending on target’s mana control. Spike 7 Shape mana into a thin point meant for piercing. Twister 7 Rapidly spin and cycle mana. Wave 3 Form mana into a wide surface that moves in the specified direction. Spell Modifiers
Name Level Description Delayed - Contact 3 Spell circle is not triggered on completion, but triggers automatically when contacted by a target. Spell does not require any additional mana to maintain, but will eventually fade if not triggered. Higher levels allow user to specify target characteristics. Delayed - Trigger 3 Spell circle is not triggered on completion, but on further command by the user. Spell does not require any additional mana to maintain, but will eventually fade if not triggered. User must be in range to trigger the spell. Dense 10 Condense mana even further, increasing the mana density and effect of the spell. Fusion 15 Spell can combine with itself or other compatible spells. Hardened 3 Improves spell defense against piercing/disruption effects. Wide 7 Increases spell’s area of effect. Piercing 5 Increases spell penetration against RES and magic barriers. Lasting 5 Reduces speed at which mana disperses, increasing spell duration. Repeating 3 Spell receives more mana than usual, and uses additional mana to recast itself upon completion. May recast more than once if mana is available. Requires the Supercharge skill. Unique Holy Spells
Name Level Description Holy Ward 5 Protect an area with Holy mana, warding off monsters and evil. Also boosts HP and Mana recovery. Does not protect from attacks. Banishment 1 Attempts to return a target creature to its origin realm. No effect on inhabitants of the world. Divination 5 Attempt to read the state of the world. May reveal things that were, things that are, or things that yet may be. What, exactly, none can predict, only that what is revealed should not be dismissed. Illusion Aspects Name Level Description Calm 7 Dampen target's emotions, calming them down. Higher levels may dampen specific emotions. Fear 5 Fill the target with fear. Higher levels may specify object of target’s fear. Hunger 3 Simulate a biological need for food. Higher levels may target other biological or even psychological needs. Unique Spatial Spells Spatial Angling 12 A basic distortion of space. The fundamental technique for all Spatial Magic. Stretched Steps 5 By folding space along a specified path, the user can either increase or decrease the speed of movement. Spatial Folding 6 A distortion of space severe enough to reconnect at a different point. The basic technique that enables more complex applications. Blink 3 A full distortion of space allows the user to instantly move from one point to another.
Strategic Spells School Name Level Description Various Prismatic Bombardment 15 Continuously rains Beam spells on the target area. User may designate element for each individual circle If Fusion modifier is available, beams may be combined at will. Various Prismatic Rain 5 Bombards an area with large Bomb spells. User may designate element for each individual circle. Various Prismatic Dome 7 Form a massive shield over the target area. User may designate element of individual sections, or combine elements for the shield as a whole (resistance to given element will depend on the ratio of magic circles used for that element. Various Prismatic Plane 3 Coats a large surface in Floor and Eruption spells. User may designate element for each individual circle.
Bound Artifacts Name Description Sea Dragon-bone Axe An axe formed from the magic bones of a mana-consuming sea dragon. Absorbs mana, may break magic circles on contact. If touched by anyone but the user, drains their mana and uses it to attack.
Feats Name Description Effect Against the Odds Do not ask how many there are, but where they are. Unlocked by winning a fight when outnumbered by equal or higher leveled opponents. +1 perk point Solo Conquest I am the dungeon master now. Unlocked by conquering a dungeon alone. +1 level in HP Regen Skill, +1 level in MP Regen Skill, +1 level in Presence Detection skill, +1 level in Trap Detection skill Arcane Prodigy The career of a supreme sorceror does not start on the beaten path. Unlocked by learning a high-tier magic skill under level 20 without spending perk points. Unlocks more advanced magic perks. Grants +3 perk points. Enchanter The first step on the path of the magic craftsman. Unlocked by manually accomplishing a mana infusion. Grants +1 level in the Enchanting Skill. Skill Creator You don't master the system. You define it. Unlocked by creating a brand new skill. To be honest, this normally happens when you're a MUCH higher level so I’m a bit worried about passing you this much this early, but, um, ok, +20 personal perk points. Healer Anyone can deal in death. It takes an expert to deal in life. Unlocked by using mana to heal a wound. Grants grants +1 level in skill Recovery Magic. Challenger Levels and odds are just numbers. Unlocked by defeating an opponent over twice your level alone. Grants +3 perk points, grants the skill Challenger. Strategic Mage A strategic mage is king of the battlefield. Unlocked by affecting a hundred or more equal sized opponents (or equivalent mass of other sized opponents) at the same time with magic. Grants +1 level in the Strategic Magic skill. Unlocks Strategic Spells. World Defender You have protected the world itself, at great risk to yourself. Grants +20 perk points, grants +1 Level in Holy Magic skill. Hero You faced terrible odds for the sake of the world, and proved victorious. You are truly a champion of the world. Please, please, please keep it that way! Grants +20 perk points, grants Unique Hero Skill: The Hero Dungeon. Most Worthy Whosoever wields this skill, who is clearly worthy, shall possess the power of their opponent's weapon. Unlocked by taking control of an artifact bound to someone else. Grants +10 levels in the Enchanting skill. Hero of the Sacred Otterkin …so…we normally give this…when someone has done something that protected the existence of an entire species…and like…you just created a new species so…I guess that means you are, in fact, responsible for their continued existence…you know what? Whatever. Grants Holy Water Ball spell, grants Holy Claw Strike skill. Grants 20 perk points. Spell Shaper Mana may take many forms, but the true mage knows that the mana remains the same. Unlocked by manually adjusting a magic circle into a new spell. Grants +1 level in the Spell Shaping skill. Spell Adjuster Magic is the art of changing reality. So why would a spell be locked and unchangeable? Unlocked by manually applying a spell modifier to a magic circle. Grants +1 level in the Spell Modification skill. Magic Crafter Both crafters and mages reshape reality to fit their needs. One just does it faster. Unlocked by crafting an item purely through mana (excepting default spell shapes such as Blade). Grants +1 level in the Mana Crafting skill. Mana Maestro The flows of mana are not easily understood, but you can guide them at will. Unlocked by an impressive feat of mana manipulation, in this case manually canceling a Supercharged strategic spell. Grants +5 Personal perk points, +30 to Mana Control Spell Constructor Magic pushes the boundaries of possibility. And you have pushed the boundary of magic. Unlocked by manual construction of a sufficiently complex magic circle and manual learning of one of the most complicated schools of magic. Grants additional knowledge of the spell circle language. Grants 10 personal perk points. Dungeon Conqueror Feats Name Description Effect Dungeon Conqueror (Rat Cave) Unlocked by conquering the Rat Cave Dungeon. +1 perk point, +1 level in Sneak skill Dungeon Conqueror (Earth Tunnels) Unlocked by conquering the Earth Tunnels Dungeon. +1 perk point, +1 level in Earth Magic skill Dungeon Conqueror (Spider Tree) Unlocked by conquering the Spider Tree Dungeon. +1 perk point, +1 level in Poison Resistance skill Dungeon Conqueror (Slimy Pit) Unlocked by conquering the Slimy Pit Dungeon. +1 perk point, +1 level in Poison Magic skill Dungeon Conqueror (Glimmering Grove) Unlocked by conquering the Glimmering Grove Dungeon. +1 perk point, +1 level in Light Magic skill Dungeon Conqueror (Nature's Wrath) Unlocked by conquering the Nature’s Wrath Dungeon. Grants +1 perk point, grants +1 level in the Nature Magic skill Dungeon Conqueror (Beast Lair) Unlocked by conquering the Beast Lair Dungeon. Grants +1 perk point, grants +1 level in the Claw Strike skill Dungeon Conqueror (Darkest Dungeon) Unlocked by conquering the Darkest Dungeon. Grants +1 perk point, grants +1 level in the Dark Magic skill Dungeon Conqueror (Metal Armory) Unlocked by conquering the Metal Armory Dungeon. Grants +1 perk point, grants +1 level in the Metal Magic skill (Dungeon Conqueror feats continued...) Dungeon Purifier Feats Dungeon Purifier (Inferno) A dungeon is dangerous to everyone in the world. A corrupted dungeon is dangerous to the world itself. And you conquered it all the same. Unlocked by purifiying the Corrupted Dungeon (Inferno Realm). Grants +5 perk points, grants +1 level in the Purifier Flame skill. Dungeon Purifier (Overgrowth) A dungeon is dangerous to everyone in the world. A corrupted dungeon is dangerous to the world itself. And you conquered it all the same. Unlocked by purifiying the Corrupted Dungeon (Overgrowth Realm). Grants +5 perk points, grants +1 level in the Blessed Growth skill.
NSLICE-00P’s subordinates had grown dramatically. All of them now exceeded the average Legion soldier that NSLICE-00P had observed, while the front runners were approaching Uscfrea and Agedia in levels. While the two veteran warriors still had numerous advantages over her quickly leveled subordinates, they would still prove highly effective. NSLICE-00P now calculated that Ateia, Taog, 01R, and 00B could win fights against Consul Noxisius’s knights, with the others not far behind.
Not only that, but Melion had produced a full arsenal of drones and golems. Flying drones of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the tiny quad-copters to military-grade large drones the size of planes. And Melion had not limited themselves to the drones of Earth. Melion had combined traditional golems with the NSLICE-A autonomous warbots to create a potent ground force, now armed with a combination of Earth’s modern weaponry and Aelea’s enchanted artifacts. Melion had noted that the powerful ranged attacks of firearms helped alleviate a golem’s lack of mobility, while magical enchanting allowed for capabilities that weren’t possible for Earth’s robotics.
And she had expanded the Primary Home Base with full production lines for each of the variants in question in bulk.
Snuan now led a full contingent of cyber-rat drone-golem pilots. Melion had adapted the Legion’s mana-based communication artifacts to expand the NSLICE network’s range, creating C3I drones that could communicate across a wide area. NSLICE-00P had added a new Monster Hangar to act as a command center, from which Snuan now directed the fleet. The NSLICE network could now conduct warfare at the operational level, and Melion was working on boosting their range to strategic levels.
NSLICE-00P’s growing capabilities in Spatial magic would assist with that.
Finally, NSLICE-00P’s own capabilities had grown by several orders of magnitude. The improvements to both her mana and her AI already represented a quantum leap in her firepower. And after she earned the Spell Constructor feat, the Aesdes had transferred to her some basic knowledge regarding magic. It appeared that magic circles were, in fact, a type of language. She had already begun to decipher this language when the Aesdes gave her something like a basic alphabet.
Of course, going from an alphabet to a full language was not an easy task. But it was a possible one, especially with the examples she already had. She could already put together some basic elemental attack circles without any further assistance from the Aesdes’ system.
And of course, NSLICE-00P had begun to explore Spatial Magic, now that she had unlocked the skill. Spatial Magic represented its own category, given its massive complexity. Even a master of other schools of magic would have a long and difficult time even training the skill. But with her massive mana pool and upgraded processing capabilities, NSLICE-00P was making steady progress. She now had several spells with tactically-relevant functions, though given their complexity and mana-cost she understood the argument that simpler schools were more resource and time efficient. Still, it provided her another set of capabilities that the majority of individuals in this universe did not seem capable of matching.
So…NSLICE-00P ran simulations of the NSLICE network against various foes. She tested them against the Heralds of the New Dawn, against the Legion, against the Wulver and the Dobhar incursions, and against corrupted dungeons. She even tested them against foes from her previous universe. The Atomic Cult’s horde of mutants, the Scourge of India’s subcontinent spanning devastation, the Resistance and their combination of superpowers and undead hordes. The Atomic Herald, the Herald of Ashes, the Herald of Toxins…
...NSLICE-00P now logged that the designation ‘Herald’ was heavily correlated with hostile non-standards in both universes. She created a protocol to investigate any additional individuals with that designation with the assumption of potential hostility, if any more were encountered.
And, of course, Dr. Ottosen’s original NSLICE network, even including a non-magical version of herself to ensure she was simulating the opponent's full capabilities.
And the results…proved very promising.
Her current forces could match up against almost any opponent without disadvantage, so long as she personally terminated the most powerful individuals. The only two scenarios that did not produce favorable results were her last Commander and Colleöne. And in those cases, she lacked data on how those individuals would fight, and so couldn’t complete the simulation.
But one could not be prepared for everything, and NSLICE-00P’s forces appeared ready for all the displayed capabilities of the Heralds of the New Dawn, with significant leeway. They could even fight against the Legion, should they need to.
By all accounts…she was ready.
She decided to conduct one final dungeon integration or termination mission. To utilize all her capabilities and those of her subordinates to the fullest, and measure their limit when acting together and without restraint.
She sent a message to the network.
“Command: All units, prepare to deploy on a dungeon integration or termination mission. Completion of this mission will signal the conclusion of the upgrade routines, after which the NSLICE network will initiate search and destroy protocols for the hostiles designated ‘Heralds of the New Dawn.’ ”
All of her subordinates ceased their current activities and fell silent upon receiving her command. Ateia then furrowed her brow, and clenched her fist.
“Let’s terminate those jerks.”
Dark mana wrapped around Taog.
“I’m not letting them hurt any of us again.”
01R bowed his head.
“By your will, Wise-Mighty-Gracious Boss-Queen, we will slay-terminate all who oppose you, yes yes!”
00B roared his agreement. With that, all of NSLICE-00P’s monsters joined in with cheers and roars.
And with that, the NSLICE network set out for the last dungeon of this upgrade cycle…
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The dungeon termination mission proceeded as planned…until the final floors. At this stage, NSLICE-00P noted a distinct lack of opposition, with no monsters appearing and no traps triggering.
She was deeply suspicious and activated all sensors to the maximum, but she detected no anomalies, nor the lack of sensor readings that would indicate some form of jamming, so she proceeded with caution. Eventually, she and her subordinates reached the end of the dungeon, where she detected a single life form. After confirming the others were ready, NSLICE-00P stepped into the core room.
“Warning Query: Would the hostile dungeon master like to surrender? This unit will allow the dungeon master to retain ownership of their dungeon as a subordinate core if so. Otherwise, this unit will engage termination protocols.”
A well-dressed human male stood in the room. He turned to face her. A humanoid bear lay on the ground before him before fading into mana.
“Actually, you’ll find that I have already taken care of the dungeon master. They did not consent to my presence here.”
Agedia narrowed her eyes as NSLICE-00P’s subordinates spread out into a combat formation.
“And who are you?”
The man smirked, and gave an Imperial salute.
“You would know me best by my title. I am the Herald of the New Dawn, founder of the group by the same name.”
NSLICE-00P’s robotic eye immediately began glowing red as the room lit up with Prismatic Bombardment circles.
“Priority target located. Engaging termination…”
But the Herald of the New Dawn raised his hands.
“Before you terminate me, NSLICE-00P, I would like to a chance to negotiate. And I think you’ll find it in your best interest to hear me out first.”
NSLICE-00P paused.
This scenario…was unexpected. After all the hostility that had been displayed, she had not expected an attempt at negotiation of all things.
But, ultimately, that didn’t matter.
“Negative Response: The Heralds of the New Dawn have displayed unprovoked hostile intent as well as potentially threatening capabilities. Negotiation is predicted as insufficient to remove the threat, termination is now required.”
The Herald of the New Dawn smirked.
“Even if I could help you fulfill your primary directive? If I was the only one who could?”
NSLICE-00P’s processors froze at that statement.