Chapter 7: Paths in the Court
[March 25, 2100 | 04:10 PM | Ethereal Court, Private Chambers]
Sue lingered in the Ethereal Court’s grand hall, the weight of her new reality pressing on her shoulders. Her HUD pulsed softly, highlighting the various locations mapped within the Court. As curiosity gnawed at her, she decided to start with the Private Chambers, the area designated for her personal use.
The pathway to the chambers was quiet, lined with shimmering sconces that bathed the corridor in a warm, ethereal glow. When she reached the intricately carved door marked with her chosen name, “Nelye Ardyn,” it opened soundlessly at her approach. The room inside took her breath away. It was a blend of medieval grandeur and magical refinement. A high, vaulted ceiling loomed above, adorned with softly glowing runes. Plush furniture sat arranged near a crackling fireplace, and a grand desk filled with parchment and crystalline tools dominated one corner.
Her HUD flickered:
[Private Chambers Established. Upgrades Available.]
[System Notification: Private Chambers Overview]
* Security: Your Private Chambers are shielded by the Ethereal Court’s strongest barriers. No one may enter without your explicit permission.
* Customization Options:
* Upgrade furniture and aesthetics to reflect your preferred style.
* Add functional spaces such as a planning room, magical workshop, or summoning circle.
* Install defensive mechanisms to further enhance security.
* Resource Management: A personal vault is available for secure storage of rare items, essences, and artifacts.
* Privacy Settings: Enable or disable monitoring to ensure full confidentiality during strategic planning.
* Rank Synchronization: As your dungeon ranks up, your Private Chambers will automatically upgrade to reflect your increased influence and capabilities. New rooms, enhanced features, and aesthetic changes will unlock as your rank progresses.
Sue’s eyes lingered on the options, the sheer level of control available both daunting and exciting. "No uninvited guests—I can live with that," she murmured. The chambers radiated comfort but also potential, a place to plan and strategize in safety.
Sue smiled faintly as she took in the space. “A sanctuary within the chaos,” she murmured, stepping inside. For now, she chose to leave it untouched and moved on to her next destination: the Council Hall.
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[March 25, 2100 | 04:25 PM | Ethereal Court, Council Hall]
The Council Hall exuded authority even from a distance. As Sue stepped through the towering double doors etched with intricate runes, the atmosphere shifted. The room was vast, its floor marked with concentric circles of glowing symbols. Dozens of thrones, each uniquely designed, lined the outer edges, while a central dais hummed with palpable energy.
Dungeon Masters stood or sat in small groups, their masks concealing their expressions as they whispered among themselves. The tension in the air was almost tangible, as if every conversation carried hidden stakes.
Sue stayed near the edges, observing. A notification blinked on her HUD:
[Council Hall Accessible. Discussions on Alliances, Policies, and Challenges Available.]
[System Notification: Council Hall Overview]
* Purpose: The Council Hall serves as the central forum for Dungeon Masters to discuss alliances, negotiate resource-sharing policies, and address challenges affecting the Ethereal Court.
* Access: Only Dungeon Masters with recognized dungeons may participate in discussions. Observers are permitted but cannot speak unless directly addressed.
* Custom Influence: The Council Hall dynamically shifts based on the collective influence of its occupants, with powerful Dungeon Masters shaping the hall's aesthetics and energy.
* Rank Synchronization: As your dungeon rank increases, your influence in the Council Hall will grow. Higher-ranked Dungeon Masters gain access to exclusive discussions and the ability to propose changes to the Court’s policies.
Sue stayed near the edges, observing the subtle dynamics at play. The level of complexity and power jockeying was unlike anything she had encountered, leaving her both intrigued and cautious. For now, she decided to bide her time and moved on.
One masked figure, cloaked in deep blue, cast her a brief glance before returning to their group. It was clear this was not a place for idle introductions; here, power and influence spoke louder than words. For now, Sue decided to bide her time and moved on.
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[March 25, 2100 | 04:40 PM | Ethereal Court, Arena]
Next was the Arena, visible through the large windows of the Council Hall as she descended the steps outside. The sprawling grounds were alive with energy, Dungeon Masters testing their creatures in fierce battles or honing their own skills in mock duels. The Arena’s towering walls seemed to pulse with the power of the runes inscribed upon them, while the floor—a shimmering mosaic of light and stone—shifted dynamically to create different terrains.
Sue watched as a clash unfolded before her. Two Dungeon Masters directed their creatures with precision, their monstrous forms colliding in a flurry of raw power and strategy. Her HUD blinked again:
[Arena Accessible. Test Your Minions or Engage in Combat to Gain Influence.]
[System Notification: Arena Overview]
* Purpose: The Arena is the ultimate testing ground for Dungeon Masters to pit their creatures, strategies, or combat skills against one another. Victory grants influence and rewards while honing your abilities.
* Terrain Dynamics: The Arena floor shifts dynamically to simulate various environments, including forests, lava fields, and icy plains, ensuring varied and challenging battles.
* Custom Influence: Winning battles increases your standing within the Court, granting access to advanced features and matchmaking against higher-ranked Dungeon Masters.
* Rank Synchronization: As your dungeon rank increases, your access to higher-stakes matches and advanced Arena events unlocks. Elite Dungeon Masters can host exhibition matches for additional rewards and prestige.
Sue observed the spectacle with fascination, the sheer intensity of the battles convincing her to save her first challenge for another time. The marketplace would be her final stop.
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[March 25, 2100 | 05:00 PM | Ethereal Court, Marketplace]
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
[Marketplace Accessible.]
[System Notification: Marketplace Overview]
* Purpose: The Marketplace is the central hub for Dungeon Masters to trade resources, purchase upgrades, and acquire creatures or artifacts to enhance their dungeons.
* Trade Dynamics: Items are priced based on rarity and demand, with essence serving as the primary currency. Dungeon Masters may also barter or negotiate for better deals.
* Special Offers: Rare items and unique creatures appear periodically as limited-time offers. These items often provide significant advantages.
* Rank Synchronization: Higher-ranked Dungeon Masters gain access to exclusive stalls and premium goods, including legendary artifacts and advanced dungeon customization options.
The Marketplace was everything she had glimpsed from the castle’s windows and more. Spread across a sprawling courtyard, it was a hive of activity. Stalls overflowed with glowing artifacts, shimmering essences, and strange creatures locked in crystalline cages. The air was thick with the hum of energy and the low murmur of negotiations.
Sue wandered among the stalls, her eyes scanning the wares. Her HUD highlighted items of interest, detailing their potential uses for traps, monsters, or dungeon upgrades. As she paused near a display of exotic essences, a cheerful voice called out to her.
“You must be Nelye Ardyn, right? First day in the Court?”
Startled, Sue turned to see a small, winged creature flying towards her. Standing about three feet tall, it had the body of a monkey, with dexterous limbs and a tufted tail, but the face of a bird, complete with a sharp beak and bright, intelligent eyes. The creature landed gracefully in front of her, folding its wings neatly against its sides. The creature wore a small badge marked "Guide Apprentice" pinned to a sash across its chest, and its voice was brimming with enthusiasm.
“I’m Pip,” he said, extending a hand. “Just got promoted to Dungeon Master Guide, and you’re my very first assignment! I’m here to help you navigate this whole crazy world.”
Sue blinked, taken aback by his energy. “A guide?” she echoed, her tone skeptical. “And your first assignment, no less. What exactly is a Dungeon Master Guide? And how does one even become a Dungeon Master or a Dungeon Master Guide?” Sue added, crossing her arms as she studied him.
Pip fluttered his wings slightly, his bright eyes glinting with enthusiasm. "Dungeon Master Guides are assigned to help new Dungeon Masters navigate the Ethereal Court and all its complexities. We offer advice, highlight resources, and make sure you don’t accidentally offend the wrong person—or creature."
He tilted his head thoughtfully. "As for becoming a Dungeon Master, well, you know how babies are born, right? From their mothers' wombs? You're like a baby Dungeon Master, fresh out of your old dungeon's womb." Pip gestured dramatically, his voice lighthearted yet earnest. "Every Dungeon Master is born when their predecessor falls, whether by defeat or destruction. Their essence shapes the new Master, passing down memories, instincts, and knowledge."
Pip's head tilted further as he studied Sue. "All newborns should know this—your predecessor’s memories are supposed to guide you. How come you don’t know any of this?"
Sue hesitated for a moment, then decided to lie. "I woke up like this," she said, gesturing at herself. "The System has been a little helpful, but I don’t have any memories of whoever or whatever my predecessor was. It’s like starting from scratch."
Pip’s eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That’s... odd. It’s rare, but I suppose it’s not impossible. Well, that just means you’ll need my help even more!" he said with a cheerful grin, his wings fluttering excitedly.
"Alright, let’s get you up to speed," Pip said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "First off, the currency here is Essence. It’s what you’ll use to buy, trade, and upgrade everything from dungeon traps to creatures. Only Dungeon Masters use Essence. Everyone else—merchants, Hunters, and civilians—use Gold, Silver, and Copper. Essence can be converted into these currencies, and vice versa, through the System or certain stalls in the Marketplace. No one know the conversion rates for Essence and standard currency except Dungeon Masters."
Sue nodded while thinking. In New York City, the conversion rate for Gold, Silver, and Copper is 1:100:1,000, which was exactly what Pip had just explained. One Gold was equal to 100 Silver, and one Silver was equal to 1,000 Copper. When changing that into US dollars, the conversion rate became 1 Gold = $10,000, 1 Silver = $1,000, and 1 Copper = $100. Experts had said the money found in dungeons was made of real gold, silver, and copper—far purer than anything found on Earth. It made sense why everyone wanted to be a Hunter; they could get rich just by killing monsters and collecting rewards from the dungeons.
He pointed to a nearby stall displaying glowing artifacts. "In the Marketplace, Essence is king. Prices depend on rarity, demand, and your negotiation skills. Some Dungeon Masters are great hagglers; others... well, not so much."
Pip fluttered closer, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Now, the Ethereal Court itself runs on hierarchy. Your dungeon rank determines your influence here. The higher your rank, the more privileges you get—like exclusive access to certain Marketplace stalls, private Council discussions, and premium Arena matches."
He gestured toward the towering Council Hall in the distance. "The Council Hall is where the big decisions are made. Dungeon Masters with enough influence can propose changes to the Court’s rules or form alliances to strengthen their standing. But tread carefully—alliances here can turn sour fast."
"And the Arena?" Sue asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Ah, the Arena," Pip said with a grin. "That’s where you test your minions, strategies, or even yourself against other Dungeon Masters. Winning boosts your reputation and can earn you rare rewards. But beware—losing can cost you precious Essence and influence."
He paused, tilting his head. "One more thing: always keep an eye on your dungeon. Your rank and power here are tied directly to it. If Hunters defeat your dungeon core, you lose everything. So make sure to strengthen it whenever you can."
Sue nodded, absorbing the information. "Got it. Essence, rank, influence, Marketplace, Council, and Arena. But what about Hunters? What are they, exactly?" she asked, curiosity flickering in her voice.
Pip’s wings twitched, and his cheerful expression dimmed slightly. "Hunters? They’re invaders. To them, we’re monsters—something to kill for rewards, fame, or resources. But from our perspective, they’re the real monsters. They come into our world, tear through our dungeons, and destroy us without a second thought."
He hovered closer, his tone sharpening. "To you, as a Dungeon Master, they’re both your greatest threat and your source of power. Every Hunter you repel strengthens your dungeon—and every Hunter that defeats your dungeon core weakens us all."
Sue’s brows furrowed as she absorbed his words. "So, what’s my role in all of this? What am I supposed to do as a Dungeon Master?"
Pip’s voice softened but remained resolute. "Your role is simple: protect and defend. Your dungeon isn’t just your domain—it’s a barrier between the Hunter’s world and ours. If they breach it, they gain access to the monster lands, and that’s something we can’t allow. Every trap, every minion, and every decision you make as a Dungeon Master contributes to that defense."
Sue’s chest tightened as the enormity of her responsibility settled on her. "So, it’s not just about survival. It’s about protecting something bigger than myself."
Pip nodded, his wings fluttering gently. "Exactly. The System gave you this role for a reason. Now it’s up to you to fulfill it."
Pip’s wings twitched, and his cheerful expression dimmed slightly. "Hunters? They’re invaders. To them, we’re monsters—something to kill for rewards, fame, or resources. But from our perspective, they’re the real monsters. They come into our world, tear through our dungeons, and destroy us without a second thought."
He hovered closer, his tone sharpening. "To you, as a Dungeon Master, they’re both your greatest threat and your source of power. Every Hunter you repel strengthens your dungeon—and every Hunter that defeats your dungeon core weakens us all."
Sue’s brows furrowed as she absorbed his words. "So, what’s my role in all of this? What am I supposed to do as a Dungeon Master?"
Pip’s voice softened but remained resolute. "Your role is simple: protect and defend. Your dungeon isn’t just your domain—it’s a barrier between the Hunter’s world and ours. If they breach it, they gain access to the our lands, and that’s something we can’t allow. Every trap, every minion, and every decision you make as a Dungeon Master contributes to that defense."
Sue’s chest tightened as the enormity of her responsibility settled on her. "So, it’s not just about survival. It’s about protecting something bigger than myself."
Pip nodded, his wings fluttering gently. "Exactly."