{Failed to claim this world as territory you need 75% of leaders votes to succeed, you have got 1.3% of votes total}
"Well, this is awkward how did I only get 1.3% these nine standing here hold most of the surrounding land."
"Wait! did you send that message to the 'entire' world not just Veridian and the surrounding islands, you stupid system?"
{You did not specify a certain region to claim.}
"Uh yeah, that's cuz I thought it was obvious. Send it again and this time only to the continent of Veridian and the surrounding Island nations." Looking around at the many faces turning glassy eyed, I saw several brows twitch, but no one said anything.
{Congratulations for claiming Veridian as your territory, you got 87% of votes total.}
"Hey! who didn't vote for me, I swear I can be a fantastic tyrant, just wait." I say, crossing my arms under my breasts. Out of the corner of my eye, I also catch sight of the invading army falling back toward their gateway.
"Nope, sorry little invading King, I want to chat" raising a finger I point in his direction and a translucent barrier springs up around him. "The rest of you can go though," I smile at them all and wave dismissively.
However, most of the cat people lay down on the ground, placing their hands on their heads. "Or not, well, if you plan to stay, talk to my adopted parents. I think they are the highest ranked people around that aren't busy at the moment." Wait no that's not right they just lost a daughter, well technically they lost two. "I changed my mind. Go talk to Marcus he is over there."
Speaking of, "Marcus im sorry, but your son is guilty and I will handle the punishment."
Marcus turned his gaze toward his now one legged son, clenched his fist and nodded, before walking toward the surrendering cats. Melania following closely, although there were a few tears rolling down her cheeks. It would seem news about what happened spread rather quickly.
"Rocky, my dear, could you let me see my core for a second? — Oh, right, Tristen fused your crown to your head." Reaching my hand up, I run my finger along the edge of the crown before lifting it from his head. "Oh my, Rocky, you have gone bald," I say jokingly, to which he rolls his eyes, before conjuring a granite throne and sat down.
Looking at him, I can't help but smile, then conjure a throne of my own. Except mine is white with red veins running throughout. After sitting myself, I turn to my Champions, Kings, Queens, Lords and Ladies. "Well, this is totally awkward, you all look so tiny." Focusing for a second I shrink down along with my throne. Till I look; little different from my childish elven body, I have gotten used too. Except for the black wings and well my black eyes.
Rocky gives a rumbling huff, then shrinks himself down as well.
"Mr. Bark would you be so kind as to make seats for everyone, please." I say turning to the forty-ninth floor boss. He bowed slightly before beginning his job. Turning my gaze to the queen bee, "Queen, we could use some tea, do you mind?"
"No, of course not Master," she buzzed then started preparing tea on a table made by Bark.
"Okay now where was I?" Oh yes my core, turning my attention back to it. I see, since I am now released, the Gem is now clear instead of brown. So it's just a core with no soul. "hmm, Rocky, do you like running and building the dungeon up."
Placing his hand on his chin, Rocky contemplates my question for a long while. When I was about to change to another topic, he spoke up in a gravelly yet cultured voice. "Yes, I believe I do,-- oh, but I don't run it alone all of my floor bosses get to build and run their floors personally."
"Oh, that's a neat idea, so does that mean you are the last boss?"
"Yes, although only Triston and his lovely wife have ever gotten to my chamber." Turning his head, he gave them both a respectful bow.
I also turned to them, "so what do you guys think I have only seen the first forty-nine floors. Well, I can see the layout of the entire dungeon in my mind, but that's not the same thing."
"To be honest lass.. I mean yer ladyship for a dungeon barely eighteen years old it is very well done, however still not a challenge for any of us here." I had to chuckle, when I saw Arlean pinch Tristan's side for calling me lass.
"No, I suppose not, but then again you six will have to leave this continent soon." After watching them for a few moments longer, I add. "Why haven't you guys tried moving on yet, anyway?"
"Where would we go, into the void?" asks Harriet, sounding annoyed.
"No, beyond the storms, this continent is like a nursery, once you're ready, you're supposed to move on into the wider world. The storms are there to keep those too weak to survive in and those too powerful out. Although, if you can build up the technology, the void is also an option." I could see interest in the humans' and dwarves' eyes at that remark.
The Demon Berger spoke up: "What ascension, is it possible to leave the nursery, as you call it?"
"Well, with a prepared team I would say the earliest would be third. But fifth, you will have no problem breaking through alone. At tenth you would have no choice the world would toss you out of the nursery regardless of your intention to stay or go."
"So that's what Mathew meant when he said we should get our affairs in order." Fenis said, looking at his wife. "He knew we could not sit still if we found out."
"Yes, it would seem it is time for an adventure," said Listandra, a look of wanderlust shining in her eyes. "But why didn't Mathew ever tell us?"
The dwarf king laughed, "since when did that old coot ever outright tell anyone anything."
"You know he expects people to think for themselves," added Tethroste.
I glanced around the group sitting before me, and all I saw was excitement at the prospect of exploring something new. Even the taciturn Pope which surprised me. I figured he would prefer to stay and build up his church, with the soon departing Darnath out of the way.
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"Alright Im sure you lot have important matters to attend to and I don't want to play politics. I have already locked all the gateways the invaders are using except the one inside that academy. Before you go, let me say this: I am not my Dad I will not build a barricade for this world to hide under. That only keeps us weak. Besides, that only stops invaders from using magical means. Some will arrive through other means, and we need to be strong enough to defend ourselves." I say while pointing to the sky. I learned a valuable lesson when I met Mom through that nifty device Michail has.
While I absentmindedly watched the leaders of this continent discuss their plans, there was an almost annoyed grunt from Rocky. Sitting up straighter I turn to him "Oops sorry I got distracted. Anyway, how would you like to be the real master of the dungeon?"
"I do not want to be trapped inside a gem for eternity... Master." Rocky crossed his arms and stared me in the eye until I blinked and looked away.
"Alright, I can understand that, I have no intention of going back inside either." Scanning the other ninety-nine floor bosses, none met my eye. Finally, I look down at a one legged captain laying at my feet, and a bright smile comes to my lips.
"Okay then, how about teaching a new dungeon all your tricks?"
Rocky follows my gaze then says, "no! I will not follow this thing's orders."
"What if this despicable piece of rat poop has no memories? A clean slate, I know it isn't punishing him really since he won't know it's a punishment. However, we certainly don't want to stick anyone we like inside that cage."
Tapping his thigh for a full five minutes Rocky finally replies, "No blocked memories, they must be erased permanently."
"Deal," reaching down to the unconscious Frederick, I grab him by his throat and shake him awake. "Punishment time," I say when his eyes flutter open. "You don't really deserve this but Im erasing your memories and placing you inside a dungeon core. I mean the erasing memories thing. I think you should suffer for eternity, knowing how badly you messed up."
Fredric started to say something, but with a shove he seemed to fall through a puddle in the air. Then the Gem turned a nice red color with veins of black running throughout. "Ooh pretty, I wonder what elements he will start with." Then I began carving wards into the gem, making it so he can never learn the knowledge required to make an avatar. Even if the way was right in his face, he could never hold it in his mind long enough to learn it.
I was about to reattach the core to Rocky's crown, but he grabbed it from me, placing it back on his head. "Okay then," extending my hand out. I dropped the core into his palm and watched as he stuffed it roughly into a pocket, that appeared on his pants. I didn't even notice till now.
Holding out a stone hand Rocky says. "Good luck, Lady Nalle, and try not to shatter the universe when you start your war."
Taking the proffered hand with narrowed eyes. "How did you know what I had planned?"
Shrugging his massive shoulders, "It's what I would do, If I were you."
"Wait, how much about me, do you know?"
"Enough, did I never tell you? My dad, was your dad's main dungeon boss."
Turning to look at Thorgan in the distance, I could see him with chin in hand contemplating a giant boulder. Looking back to Rocky with raised brow, "are you sure?"
With a twitch of his own brow, "well, I think he might be going senile." With that he turned, waved at his retinue and walked back through his gateway. All ninety nine turned to me, bowed, waved or nodded at me before walking through their own.
Rocky sat down on his obsidian throne, pulled the gem from his pockets and threw it behind himself before giving me a last nod. I watched his arch sink into the ground, feeling slightly sad, I knew I probably won't see him again. Since I could feel the world trying to push me away from this little continent already.
"Let's see what's next" spinning on the spot, I spot Uncle Marcus and a cat person standing a short distance away waiting for me to notice them, I guess. Flapping my wings, I jump. Landing in front of them: "Is there something I can help with Uncle Marcus?"
"You still think of me as your uncle, even after what Fredrick did and getting memories or something. King Fenis was rather vague on the details before running off somewhere."
"Why wouldn't you be I don't blame you or auntie for what he did? Some people are just crazy it has nothing to do with his parents. Remember, I grew up in the same house he did? Now look at me."
"Hmm."
I could tell he was eyeing my black wings and eyes. "Hey what's that Hmm supposed to mean? I may have gained a few memories. But not nearly as many as you might think. A lot of them were Amy's. so I got a double dose of this life."
Nodding "alright when we're finished here, you should talk to your parents. Anyway, we have a problem we don't speak their language."
"Oh, that's bad," looking down at the nervous cat "hello" I say smiling.
Unfortunately, all I got was incomprehensible chattering from my friend. "Well, huh lets go sit down I may know who I can talk to to take care of this. Also have someone bring that king guy over too." I lead the way to my throne and the rest of the seats, pointing at one to the cat.
Closing my eyes I concentrate then open them to see my brother still chained holding the device in his hand watching a little cat person fighting a boar. Walking over, I remove the seal on his mouth, "what's this?"
"Not sure, Fate seems to be wrapping his greedy mitts around the little guy," he said, interest on his face.
"Well, is it something that will keep you entertained for a while? I need to barrow your fancy gizmo to talk to Mom."
"Sure, the kid is tenacious, ill give him that, but seriously, he has had some rough luck."
"Cool" I say absentmindedly grabbing the device and leaving my little prison I made. I know I should still be mad at him, but he did what he could for us all. I mostly want to keep him here because the archangels have a habit of digging through memories of others, if they get a suspicious. I don't think Michail could keep his act up much longer with what I plan.