《Dungeons, Dungeoning, and Duty (Dropped)》 Prologue: The Birth of a Legendary Failure of a Dungeon Core **Liverpool, England** A man in a black and white tuxedo held the door to the casino open. ¡°Thank you for visiting, please visit again.¡± Hansel grunted and stumbled out the grand entry. He looked at his empty and internally swore at himself. WHY?! JUST WHY CAN¡¯T I STOP THIS DAMN ADDICTION?! He kicked a stray beer can, trying to let his anger out for losing all his work money by gambling with the slot machines. Hansel looked up at the dark and cloudy sky. He felt something cold and wet roll down the side of his cheek. Wiping the side of his face with his hand he thought out loud. ¡°What to do now?¡± He brought his fingers to his lips and gave them a tentative lick expecting a salty taste. His eyes widened as he tasted the thick and slightly metallic substance. Quickly bringing his hand in front of his eyes he squinted at the small red smear on his fingers. BLOOD? He internally screamed. Th-they found me already? They should still be in Argentina! Hansel started to walk briskly down the street, glancing around at the rooftops in hopes of finding the one who shot at him. --- After a frightening walk that seemed to take hours, Hansel finally arrived in front of the Hotel he was staying in. He took one final look around down the street before opening and stepping through the double doors into the hotel. As Hansel walked slowly into the lobby, he looked around. The receptionist¡¯s desk was empty and the rest of the lobby was devoid of sound. ¡°Hello?¡± He tentatively called out, hoping that there was someone else. Then that is when it hit him. He felt a sharp pain on the back of his head as a hard and cold metal surface knocked him unconscious.
**Dungeon God¡¯s residence, Egalia¡¯s domain of Gods** ¡°Hello, Mister Carcerem Deus?¡± A soft and desperate voice said between frantic knocks. ¡°I have urgent news!¡± The one the voice belonged to was a supposedly young maiden, but anyone who knew better would know she as old as some of the middle aged worlds. Her hair could make any man gape as it was a long braid of silver hair that matched the moon. She wears a white and red toga that ever so slightly brushes the floor as she walks. On the toga a little embroidered name of gold rested above her left breast, it read Udel. Udel was starting to wince each time she rasped the door, as her knuckles started to become raw. She heard a wooden chair being pushed along stone ground. After a little pause and another knock Udel heard heavy footsteps drawing closer to the door. The steps ceased and a small wooden window slid open to reveal two golden eyes staring at her. ¡°What is so important that you must stand at the door to my workshop for a full hour?¡± Udel jumped a bit at the gruff demanding voice before quickly composing herself before reaching into her sleeve and pulling out a blue scroll towards the door. ¡°The scrying division has requested your presence for¡­ something¡­ I am sorry. I was not told anything more than to tell you that this scroll has more details.¡± She looked down at her the floor. Udel jumped when she heard the door creak and moan as it slowly opened in its obviously ancient hinges. Udel looked at the one holding the door open, she stared in awe as saw the two golden eyes stared at her expectantly. She could get lost in those pearls, the way seemed to draw her soul in. She saw endless oceans and land masses behind those eyes... ¡°Well, are you coming in or not? I don¡¯t have old day mind you.¡± Carcerem Deus snapped, which brought Udel back to reality. She blushed in embarrassment before stepping through the door while bowing. Udel looked up at the room and seemed to lose herself again in the wonders that fell before her. Rows of bookshelves that contained all sizes and colours of books imaginable. She looked at a few titles as she followed Carcerem Deus down towards a small desk. Dragon Etymology, Mountain Beholder behaviour, Goblin Evolutions. Udel continued to look around not realizing that the one she had been following stopped. She bumped into him which caused Udel to realize where she was. She finally eyed the one she rammed into, a tall red skinned man, he wore a sleeveless shirt and baggy brown pants. He slowly turned around looking down at Udel with annoyance. Her eyes widened as if she just realized the severity of her actions. She began to apologise before he cut her off. ¡°Alright what is it that the useless clumps of dirt want this time? A new scrying pot, maybe a sacrifice?¡± He sat down and took the blue scroll that Udel had not processed was still in her clutch. ¡°Do not touch anything, do not move from the spot you are standing, and most importantly do not say a single god damned thing while I am busy writing back to the buffoons. Udel opened her mouth to reply, but promptly closed it after seeing a grey crystal ball surrounded by piles of notes on the table behind Carcerem Deus. Seeing her eyes dart to his latest project, Carcerem smiled and set down the scroll on the table and decided to enlighten her for a bit.¡±he turned around and pointed at the ball. ¡±My little project intrigue you does it?¡± Udel nodded furiously, which made Carcerem to grin wildly before continuing. ¡°This little sucker here is what the mortals down on Egalia call a dungeon core. Every dungeon on that world has a core, without them the dungeons would just vanish upsetting the balance of the entire world. You see, dungeons are outlets and storage devices designed by yours truly the God of Dungeons to contain and release mana, the essence of all living things in that world.¡± Udel felt a bit of drool forming on the corner of her mouth as she drank all that information up. Carcerem chuckled softly. ¡°This one here is still in the development stage. Before you interrupted me, all I had left to do was add its ability to access the menu a normal dungeon core does. Well enough of that, let''s see what is so important to stop me from completing my work.¡± He finished while sighing. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. While her god was unfurling the scroll, Udel stared at the dungeon core on the table. She wondered when she would be allowed to create her own and release it out onto the world she was going to help keep balance to. Udel fiddled with her toga a bit while remembering her role here. She had to learn how to make a dungeon core, and then return to her world of Ransol. Her companions all had wished her good luck and she had joined countless other up and rising ¡®Gods of Dungeons¡¯ to learn how to create a core. A loud thump brought her out of her thoughts. ¡°THIS IS WONDERFUL NEWS! I MUST PROCEED TO THE SCRYING ROOM AT ONCE! FOLLOW ME YOUNG UDEL, I SHALL SHOW YOU HOW TO CRAFT THE PERFECT DUNGEON CORE!¡± Carcerem stood abruptly and rushed out of the workshop at a breakneck speed. Udel excitedly hurried out of the room following the loud boisterous laughter. As she looked back one more time at the dungeon core before she left the room, she failed to notice that it was rolling slowly towards the edge of the table, where a large black cauldron was waiting. She turned and ran down the hall towards the scrying room, forgetting all about her world and all the problems it had. --- The clear contents of the cauldron bubbled ferociously as the dungeon core slowly rolled to the edge in which the cauldron waited hungrily. The core reached the side and promptly rolled over the side plopping down into the cauldron with a loud splash. Inside the cauldron, the liquid started to simmer down from boiling, allowing any onlooker to witness the process that happened next, the core started to fizzle out of existence with a glimmer and sparkle of grey light. Once the core completely disappeared, the cauldron quieted once more.
**Liverpool, England** Hansel woke up with a groan and winced as he felt the pain from being hit on the back of his head. He tried to rub the back of his head but quickly noticed that his hands were tied around his back. Hansel looked up from the floor and saw what he feared most. ¡°Hello sly Hansel. Thought you could escape us, right? Well luck has run out for you. This hotel here was actually owned by my company. Imagine my surprise when I heard that a man that was rumored to be in Argentina rented one of my VIP rooms in England.¡± The man in front of Hansel was smiling wildly which showed both his real teeth and his golden teeth. He was wearing a large leather overcoat that just seemed to scream mafia. The man¡¯s sunglasses did not help either, especially how they blocked his eyes from view with those dark tinted lenses. Hansel opened his mouth, but the man cut him off. ¡°Well, do you have anything left to say? This chase had gone on for years now and I was quite frankly getting bored.¡± Hansel grinded his teeth before declaring, ¡°Good for you for catching me, I was starting to get bored as well.¡± Hansel spat, ¡°If I have one last request, it would be to give this life up for a new one. One where I do not have to deal with conspiracies that focus on killing me.¡± At his surprise a blue box appeared before his eyes, ¡°
Do you wish to start a new life in a new world where you can play an important part in sustaining the world? Your life in this world is about to end soon, choose quickly.
Yes? No?
Hansel stared at the screen in front of him trying to understand where it came from, he heard the Mafia Boss¡¯ voice start to quiet down as he focused on the words. He felt a tap on the side of his head as he registered that a gun was now pushed against him. His eyes widened at the realization of the scenario. ¡°YES, I ACCEPT!¡± Hansel yells out. Hansel starts to lose consciousness for the first time as he hears his last words on Earth: ¡°I am glad you accepted your death, now run along to the depths of Hell.¡± A loud resounding bang could be heard all throughout the hotel, but not one person was there to hear the end of Hansel¡¯s life on Earth.
**Scrying Room, Dungeon God¡¯s Residence** Udel watched the hustle and bustle from the safety of the door frame as the mages all ran around trying to get certain jobs done. She watched as Carcerem seemed to be talking to a blue wisp above an altar in the middle of the cramped room. She watched as Carcerem turned and motioned for the wisp to follow him. She kept a straight smiling face as she greeted the wisp, but inside, her mind was doing cartwheels and somersaults. She began to feel flushed as she tried not to stumble over her words. OHMYGOSH, THIS IS A PERFECT DUNGEON CORE? HOW, HOW, HOW DOES IT WORK? She thought to herself. Carcerem walked out of the room and left the mages to do their business. HE paused for a moment before beckoning Udel to follow. OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH, AM I GETTING TO SEE HOW A PERFECT CORE IS GOING TO BE FINALIZED? She started skipping after Carcerem, completely dropping her poker face. --- For the whole walk back to the workshop, Udel had been questioning the wisp about where it came from and what it had done there. She learned all sorts of new things, such as metal containers that could move without magic through the sky and small metal boxes that could fit in your hand that could supply you with all the information in the world. When they reached the workshop Udel had quickly quieted down despite her avalanche of unanswered questions. ¡°Alright Hansel, follow me. I will be preparing and altering your soul in order for you to operate as a functioning dungeon in Egalia.¡± Udel looked quizzically at Carcerem Deus, but remained shut in fear of losing her chance to learn how to polish a core directly from the God of Dungeons himself. Throughout the process, Udel had been taking notes as Carcerem explained the process of altering a soul. By the time he had finished and was preparing to find a cave for the wisp that called itself Hansel to settle in. She blurted out the question that had been bugging her, ¡°Why is Hansel not in a core?¡± Carcerem looked at her in surprise, then loosened up as he laughed and wheezed. ¡°I guess that is a reasonable question, young Udel.¡± Carcerem managed through breathes. ¡°Well you see, a dungeon core is really just a catalyst for growing the dungeon¡¯s soul to maturity. But Hansel here already is a mature soul that only needs a bit of altering to function properly.¡± Udel gaped at the god that was smiling before her. Unable to comprehend what he said, Udel tried to write down the mind-blowing concept down. ¡°Wait, I do not need a core?¡± Hansel asked perplexed. The wisp seemed to shimmer in confusion, and Udel could not help but nod in agreement to the question. ¡°No, you do not Dungeon Hansel. The size of a dungeon does not define its maturity, the size of the core does. However since you are already a mature soul, the whole dungeon will be your core.¡± Carcerem smiled wildly. He turned to Udel, ¡°Aren¡¯t you a lucky lass, young Udel. You learned a secret that only twenty others know about at my residence.¡± Udel nodded vigorously before returning to looking and add to her notes. She heard small chatter between Carcerem and Hansel, but she drowned it out to focus on her notes. A loud clatter and gasp was heard and Udel looked up to see Carcerem frantically moving the papers and tools on his desk around while looking for something. She squinted at the table before realizing what was missing she brought her free hand to her mouth and gave a loud gasp before exclaiming, ¡°The unfinished core is gone!¡± Carcerem whipped around to glare at Udel. He relaxed his face a bit, before a brilliant idea burst into his head. ¡°Young Udel, since you know what the core looks like, I will send you to Egalia and search for it.¡± Udel eyes widened in fright. The mortal realm? How will I be able to do anything with my powers limited? She quickly looked back out the door to see if there was someone able to save her. Once she realized there was no one to save her, she looked back and found Carcerem smiling devilishly at her. ¡°Young Udel, I will be looking for a place for Hansel to settle down as a dungeon. Once I have, I will tell you where to go in order to return to my workshop.¡± His smile faltered for a second before continuing. ¡°Once you have retrieved the core, and brought back here. I will personally train you to be able to create dungeon cores for you dying world of Ransol.¡± Udel perked up a bit and her eyes gleamed of determination and excitement. ¡°Well young Udel, I bid you farewell!¡± Carcerem snapped his fingers and caused Udel¡¯s vision to go dark. Side Story 1: Finding the Perfect Cave for the Perfect Core **Workshop of the God of Dungeons, Dungeon God¡¯s residence** Hansel stared at the limp body of the young goddess named Udel that was lying on the floor of the workshop. I turned as much as my bodiless body would let me. ¡°That does not look healthy, what did you do to her?¡± I ask with curiosity. Whatever it was did not look safe. The God of Dungeons chuckles, ¡°I sent her soul down to Egalia to inhabit a body.¡± Before I could ask another question, he continues as if reading my mind. ¡°If I sent her down there in her celestial body?¡± ¡°...would she die?¡± I reply slowly. He tries to stifle a laugh. ¡°Maybe not?¡± The large man standing in front of me starts shaking his head with a large grin on his face. ¡°Precisely, Young Udel would most likely die, her body is not made of the same substances that the beings in the mortal realm are made from.¡± ¡°Then what about her soul? Shouldn¡¯t it be bound by the same law?¡± I ask. ¡°That would be false Dungeon Hansel, every being has a soul similar to each other. That would be the reason you are allowed to be transported to Egalia.¡± He turns around and walks towards a rather plain door. Before, he can open it, I fire him another question. ¡°Then, what about you? Since you are an overseer of Egalia, are you able to descend?¡± He stops and turns once again this time facing me, he seems to ponder the question before nodding. ¡°Well, it would seem that as gods of Egalia, we are able to descend to the world. But, if my memory serves me right, only through an avatar. We have to choose an avatar from the realm that represents us.¡± He scratches his chin seeming to think harder about an answer. ¡°I believe the God of War chose an avatar that was a successful war general. Another one I think was¡­ a Sea Dragon? But, that was for the Goddess of the Sea.¡± I spiritually nod. ¡°So would you have an avatar of a famous dungeon explorer?¡± The God shakes his head. ¡°No. I would have to go down as a dungeon core. The explorers you talk about are better known as adventurers, they are the bane of my existence. They go down and destroy my creations, and when they do, they slowly collapse the foundation their world is built on.¡± He finishes with a huff. ¡°Oh¡­¡± I start gliding over towards him. ¡°So, this Udel¡­ she was a Goddess of Dungeons, right?¡± ¡°That she was.¡± ¡°So would she have an avatar through a dungeon core?¡± I watch as he takes his hand off the half-open door, and uses it to scratch his head. ¡°Uhm¡­ that is a possibility.¡± After another second of thought he shrugs, ¡°Whatever, I am sure it will be fine¡­ ...maybe.¡± --- **Behind the Door in the Workshop, Dungeon God¡¯s Residence** The room was not as spectacular compared to the workshop we just came from. The walls are made from a warm dark brown wood. The planks of wood lined up neatly around the room giving the room a sense of security. The room was completely empty except for a large globe, that floated in the center. I stared in awe at the 10 foot wide globe that was floating over a small circular pedestal. The globe showed a world of blue and green. Wisps of white I could only guess were clouds floated in large clumps around the world. ¡°So, I am guessing this is Egalia?¡± ¡°Yes, this will be your new home. Now where do you want to settle?¡± He looks at me. ¡°Either I can choose a spot or you can.¡± He says while pointing to the globe. My smile widens, if anyone that knew me were here they would be telling me to stop. ¡°How about a gamble? We randomly pick five spots each. We go and check them out and I will decide from there.¡± He smirks at me. ¡°Sounds good.¡± He snaps his fingers and the globe turns black. After a few seconds small red dots start to appear all over the surface. ¡°Here are all the possible caves that are available. Their danger level size and placement is unknown. They could be inhabited by monsters, maybe it is located underwater.¡± His smile widens. ¡°Well, I will allow you to pick the first one.¡± --- **Cave #1, Somewhere on Egalia** ¡°Sooo¡­. Not this one.¡± ¡°Agreed.¡±
Cave #1
Location Upper Agareen Mountain range
Status Failed
Reason Caved In
--- **Cave #2, Somewhere on Egalia** ¡°This one is not that bad, I mean other than being submerged¡­¡± I look towards the god. ¡°Yeah try telling that to the adventurers who can hold their breath long enough to die from the pressure from the water at this depth.¡± ¡°Ah, I see.¡±
Cave #2
Location Bottom of the Blood Sea
Status Failed
Reason Submerged - Bottom of the Sea
--- **Cave #3, Somewhere on Egalia** ¡°What season is it on Egalia, O¡¯ mighty God of Dungeons?¡± I snarkly ask. He scratches his chin. ¡°Early spring I believe.¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Ah. Let¡¯s go. Next. One.¡± ¡°What is wrong with this cave?¡± He asks sincerely. ¡°That.¡± I try to gesture to the seething mass of scaly bodies. ¡°What, you don¡¯t like snakes? They are an incredible member of the monster choices with incredible possibilities.¡± ¡°I like snakes. But, not at this time of year. I have been scarred enough as it is.¡±
Cave #3
Location Garinth Forest
Status Failed
Reason Giant Snake Mating Season
--- **Cave #4, Somewhere on Egalia** ¡°Hmm, this one is not that bad.¡± The God looks around with admiration. I roll my eyes. ¡°Indubitably. I love walking into a natural blast furnace that houses monsters that want to kill me.¡± ¡°Give it a chance. You would get this whole volcano. Plus, it is well protected with all the lava around.¡± He pleads. ¡°Technically it is called Magma, O¡¯ GOd of dungeons. I will keep this one in mind though.¡± I look at the bubbling magma and shudder. ¡°Onto the next one.¡±
Cave #4
Location Khantavnanda
Status pending...
Reason Large Cave - Really Hot - Full of Magma
--- **Cave #5, Somewhere on Egalia** ¡°...¡± I look at the god. ¡°...¡± He looks at me. ¡°...¡± The group of brown bears looks up at us. It is not everyday you see two glowing balls of magic talking to each other, one blue, the other gold..
Cave #5
Location Lower Agareen Mountain range
Status Failed
Reason Goldilocks¡¯ Friend¡¯s Wild Cousins
--- **Cave #6, Somewhere on Egalia** ¡°This one is not that bad.¡± I state looking around. ¡°Really? There is nothing here except a stream of water.¡± He looks at me quizzically. ¡°I mean, yeah, water is cool.¡± ¡°Yes, I think this may be it. But, let¡¯s go look at the last four.¡±
Cave #6
Location Below the City of Hansden
Status pending...
Reason A nice lil¡¯ cave with a stream in it
--- **Cave #7, Somewhere on Egalia** ¡°...¡± ¡°...¡± ¡°Behold fellow followers of Cratin, our lord has heard our pleas and has sent his underlings to aid us!¡± ¡°...¡± ¡°...¡±
Cave #7
Location Fendrol Marsh Cave
Status Failed
Reason Cratin cult/worshippers
--- **Cave #8, Somewhere on Egalia** ¡°So, another one of these ones, huh?¡± ¡°It seems so. We still have two more caves left for you to choose from.¡± ¡°I am surprised this is only the second caved in one that we chose.¡±
Cave #8
Location Dastgust
Status Failed
Reason Caved In¡­ really, again?
--- **Cave #9, Somewhere on Egalia** ¡°...¡± ¡°...¡± The god agreed with me. ¡°Spectacular¡­¡± I was at a loss for words. We were floating in the most beautiful cave I had ever seen. Along almost every surface of the cave there was crystals of all shapes and sizes sprouting out. Some collided with each other, some split off from each other, and most spectacularly there were some that merged together to form spirals of colour. ¡°I did not know a place like this existed.¡± The god floating beside me says. ¡°It would be a shame if this place fell into the wrong hands. I see almost pure Emerald over there, Rainbow Opal spires, and even Alexandrite.¡± He somehow shifts his gaze around to stare at the rest of the cave. ¡°Please claim this cave¡­¡± ¡°It looks very enticing for sure, but, why?¡± I reply not understanding his desperation. I turn around and look at what caught his attention. I see a large colourful pillar, as I look at it I get a sense of it being different, but nothing comes to mind. ¡°What is so special about a spire of Rainbow Opal, I mean there is quite a lot in here.¡± He looks at me stunned. I still have no idea how he can do that as a wisp of magic. ¡°Of course you would not know what this is, it does not exist on your Earth.¡± He turns and shifts a tendril of his orb to act like pointing at something. ¡°That, dear Hansel, is a pillar of crystallized Mithril, The strongest and most magical substance on the planet. It is so hard to come by even for us Gods.¡± ¡°...¡± ¡°... Indeed¡± ¡°I would like to claim this cave.¡±
Would you like to claim the Crystal Cave? Warning: Once you claim this cave you are not going to be able to claim another cave
Yes? No?
¡°Yes, dammit.¡± I smash the ¡®yes¡¯ button with as much thought power as I can.
Cave #9
Location The Valley of Dreams
Status Chosen as Cave of Residence - all previous and remaining caves set to failed.
Reason Too Rare to Pass By - Crystal Mithril - Do I need to keep listing reasons? No? Good.
--- **Cave #10, Somewhere on Egalia** A figure stays still as they sigh. ¡°Oh well, and here I was hoping to have some visitors.¡± The figure remains there, sighing. After a moment the figure moves and a loud rattling of chains can be heard all around the cavern. ¡°I guess I am still chained to the wall. Screw black Mithril chains.¡±
Cave #10
Location Underneath the Dead God¡¯s Shrine
Status Failed
Reason Better Cave Chosen
--- ¡°So quick question before you leave me here. What are these translucent boxes?¡± I have been wondering for a while, but never had time to ask properly. ¡°Ah, yes that is the System, I know not a very creative name. It gets the job done though. I have modified yours to fit your needs as a dungeon. Well then good luck!¡± He disappears with a flash of golden light and small popping sound. ¡°Ah, thanks¡­¡± I say to the open air. ¡°So now what?¡± My consciousness gives out as I see a faint blue screen appear in front of me.
Beginning to stitch soul into the Dungeon, Many parameters are being finalised and decided due to the cave you have decided to reside in. Processing¡­ ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ 90% finish ... ... Discovering Problem ... ... Diagnosis received: One final step left --- Final step: place soul into a sleep until assimilation is complete. Good night Dungeon Core Hansel!
Udels Story: Chapter 1: Choosing a character in the middle of an Info Dump **Greenspace, Systemia Interface** A wave of raw mana poured through the vast seemingly empty expanse of Greenspace. Udel tried opening her eyes, but noticed there was nothing physical there to open. Knowingly Udel attempted to open her ¡®Soul Eyes¡¯. She had encountered this problem before when she was just born as a Goddess in her world. When she was born she was a floating soul cloud without a body to possess. Udel, being just born had to find her way around and eventually discovered her innate ability to create a body for herself. What she had not realized was that this ability was a multiversal racial ability that all Gods and Goddesses had. But that is beside the point, she was stuck here with no way to see her surroundings. ¡°I knew that I should have practiced opening my Soul Eyes.¡± For a while Udel was stuck trying to force her ¡®eyes¡¯ open. After a good long battle that would have tired her body out, she successfully saw. What greeted her was a seemingly endless field of soft grass. The field was lit up by glowing flowers and the occasional insect. It was a peaceful place that could have been called perfection if it were not for the black sky that felt as if it was devouring the landscape. After a little while of exploring Udel noticed a small green lectern sitting out in the middle of a patch of Daisies to her left. She glided over with curiosity. Once she arrived at the lectern, a Systemia box appeared out of thin air asking her a question.
Welcome Goddess of Dungeons in training to the Greenspace. My name is Systemia, I am what helps keep the world of Egalia in harmony. In order to proceed down to Egalia you must obtain a body. As I am sure you know already, you are a just a Soul Cloud because if your current body had been brought down it would have been destroyed. So, my question to you: may I access your deity information in order to help create a suitable body?
Yes? No?
Udel eyed the green box and contemplated her choice. ¡°Sure, but as long as I get to choose my own body in the long run.¡±
Understood. Will now proceed with scanning Please remain still.
Udel¡¯s cloud shuddered as she felt a cold sensation envelop her. She had felt something like this before, but it was when her older brother the God of Death in her world lectured and glared at her. The sensation lifted and with it came another leaf green box.
Scan of subject Udel completed. ¡­ ... The seven most proficient choices have been selected as options. Goddess Udel, please choose from the list below:
Dungeon Core -Endless variations A dungeon core is a living being that controls and manipulates everything within its cave system. Initiation in the God of Dungeons tutelage has given you this choice.
Deity Avatar -5 variations Most Godly beings that venture down to Egalia use a Deity Avatar in order for them to stay on the surface.
Upper Human -3 variations Your body that is used in the heavenly worlds is an almost perfect recreation of Egalia¡¯s Upper Human. Unable to evolve, humanoid races have learned how to use and evolve Jobs.
Dragon -5 variations Dragons represent the epitome of power of monsters. As being the Goddess of Monsters this is an excellent representation of yourself.
Elemental -7 variations available You are a being made from the collection of mana and desire. An elemental is the same but with more restrictions and ability to manipulate one type of mana.
Dragon¡¯s Child -4 variations available A demi-human with the non-human assets being dragon anatomy. Based on your favoured appearance and the epitome of monster strength. How this happened in nature is beyond me.
Dryad -3 variations available Your experimentation with forests and wildlife to turn them into monsters on your own world, has given you the choice of a monster that represents the ferocity of nature.
Extra option added due to Scanned Target¡¯s main purpose.
Random Monster Being Goddess of Monsters, you are able to choose to become a random monster the Systemia generates for you.
¡°Body Creation¡­ based on my own characteristics... Goddess of Monsters¡­¡± Udel looked at the list of options available, before shaking her head while pointing at a few. ¡°Dungeon Core is a no go, How am I supposed to travel and look for what I would become?¡± The Dungeon Core option slowly disappears from the screen before her. ¡°Get rid of Random Monster, Elemental, and I would think you would know from your scan that my Deity Avatar is more destructive than some of the upper demons. So, toss that as well.¡± Udel looks back at the choices before her. ¡°Please show me the variations if you¡­¡± The box flashes and now has almost quadrupled in size. ¡°Ah, in separate boxes retaining to their original option, if you don¡¯t mind.¡± The box fizzles for a moment before arranging itself into four different dark green boxes. ¡°Let¡¯s take a look at¡­ Upper Human, I guess.¡±
Upper Human Options at Level 1:
Upper Human Base: The Upper Human race is a race that is far more powerful and superior to any other Human in Egalia in every way. -Physical capabilities increased compared to Human -Mental capabilities increased compared to Human -Increased proficiency with all base elements of magic -CAn use the Job Systemia branch
Light Touched Upper Human: The Upper Humans who have been graced by a divine being, typically a God. -Being a Goddess grants you this choice -Same as Upper Human Base -Mental capabilities increased again -Light, Water, and Earth magic proficiency increased
Dark Touched Upper Human: The Upper Humans who have been cursed by a demonic being, typically a Demon. -Being the Goddess of Monsters grants you this choice -Same as Upper Human BaseLove this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. -Physical capabilities increased again -Dark, Fire, and Air magic proficiency increased
¡°Eh? Why is it always due to me being Goddess of Monsters? Why not because of my status as Goddess of disasters?¡± Udel stares accusingly at the screen. The word Monsters quickly change to Disasters, which in turn receives an approving sense from Udel. ¡°Just take Dark touched Upper Human as a possibility. It is the same and more than the base one. The light touched option also does not appeal to me at all.¡± Udel watches excitedly as the two options disappear. The third option travels in its box off to the side. ¡°So? What¡¯s next?¡± Two dark green box slide over in front of Udel asking a question each.
Would you like me to take out all remaining options that are linked to you being just a Goddess?
Yes? No?
Would you like me to take out all remaining base Variations of each option?
Yes? No?
¡°Yes to the second one, Systemia.¡± The box disappeared which left room for the second box to enlarge itself, begging for Udel to answer. ¡°Does being just a Goddess mean my options from my titles as Goddess of Monsters and Disasters vanish as well?¡±
No, it just signifies that you are a Goddess. What you are Goddess of is a different option.
¡°Then yes please as well.¡± Both boxes pop out of existence and another larger box fills Udel¡¯s field of view.
Dragon Options at Level 1: 5 options ---> 3 options
Calamity Dragon: Considered a beast so massive and dangerous, that it has been marked down as a myth in Egalia. -Being Goddess of Monsters and Disasters grants you this option -Natural Disasters follow in its wake -Increased destructive power of all magic -Size of two mountains
Monster Overlord: A legendary dragon capable of controlling and ordering other monsters from all monster races that are capable of intelligence. -Your capability in controlling Monsters grants you this option -Undisputable rule over all monster races with intelligence -Incredible mental processing power -Increased proficiency with all magic attributes
Soul Dragon: A mortal being so powerful it is worshipped like a God. Soul Dragons appear frequently enough to prove that it does exist, yet not frequent enough for many generations to know of its power. -Since a God is nothing more than an omnipotent soul, this option is very fitting -Complete control over all types of magic -Omnipotent -Size of a small mountain
¡°... Well omnipotence sounds good to have and so does complete destructive power, I will have to say no. How am I supposed to explore dungeons discreetly while being a walking flying disaster? Remove first and third option please and place the Monster Overlord option with the Upper Human option.¡± The Dragon options fade from view. Udel catches a glimpse of the Monster Overlord option appearing below the option she had considered before. There was only a moment before the third option box showed up, obscuring her view of anything else.
Dragon¡¯s Child Options at Level 1: 4 options ---> 2
Half-Dragon: Humanoids that can both evolve and use the Job Systemia Branch, however both are quite limited. A Half Dragon is the child of a Dragon and a humanoid. Typically covered head to toe in scales, they can have wings, tails and horns but are most well known for their Dragon Breath. -An option that came along with Dragon -Reduced access to Job Systemia Branch -Reduced access to Evolve Systemia Branch -Titanic strength -Increased physical capabilities -Incredible magic prowess -Scaled body increases natural defense -Dragon breath based on Dragon blood -Wings can grant flight
Quarter-Dragon: Have the same abilities as the Half-Dragons, but the limit on the Job Systemia Branch has been lifted. The Dragon blood in them has increased magic potential. Quarter-Dragons are most well known for their tails and some parts of their body covered in scales. Variations with wings and horns are rare. -An option that came along with Dragon -Full access to Job Systemia Branch -Reduced access to Evolve Systemia Branch -Increased physical strength -Increased physical capabilities -Semi-scaled body increases natural defense in those areas -Reduced Dragon breath based on Dragon blood -Wings can grant flight
Udel consumes all the information before her for a while, unmoving. ¡°...well that is a lot to take in. Knock Half-Dragon off the list will you? Don¡¯t want to go around being mistook as a monster during my mission.¡± The box in front of Udel fades from view once again, revealing the endless landscape around her. ¡°I think I may be changing my residence back home after I am done with this world. The green plains are beautiful.¡± Another green box appears signalling that Udel still had more options left.
I am happy that you will take inspiration from my Greenspace. Right now though, we have come to your last options, Dryads. --- Dryad Options at Level 1: 3 options ---> 2
Dryads are humanoids or monsters based on opinion that resemble female elves if they were to be made of plants. Dryads are very magical and are protective of their forest, weary and disrespectful adventurers are often caught in their traps. Dryads are masters of the forest and deceit, stopping at nothing to save their forest.
Dryad Warrior: Dryad Warriors are being that use nature and magic to fight. They have lived countless years to master the arts of Dryad combat; but it will only last so long. Once they believe they are ready, they head out of the safety of their forest seeking adventure and glory. -This option came with the base Dryad option -Mastered the ability to wield a melee weapon and cast magic at the same time -Access to the Job Systemia Branch -Reduced access to the Evolve Systemia Branch -Incredible magic prowess with Water, Earth and Air attributes -Terribly weak to fire -Can commune with animals and plants alike -Predetermined Job
Darkwood Dryad: A dryad that is born from corruption and the world¡¯s need to protect its forests from greedy invaders. These dryad are more dangerous than typical dryads due to their increased abilities of stealth, raw power, and magic prowess. Where Dryads are more green coloured, Darkwood Dryads are covered in browns and reds. -Your status as Goddess of Monsters and trainee Goddess of Dungeons has granted you this option -Increased deceit abilities -Incredible fighting potential -Access to Job Systemia Branch -Slight reduction to access of the Evolve Systemia Branch -Incredible magic prowess with Water, Earth, Air, Fire and Dark attributes -Natural armor is resistant to fire, eliminating the fire weakness as long as it is worn -Can commune with monsters, animals and plants alike -Predetermined Job
¡°There is even more information to take in here.¡± Udel starts humming while pondering swallowing the information. ¡°I guess I will have to get rid of The Dryad Warrior option, I have always enjoyed talking with some of my more intelligent monsters. Without that it would be weird.¡± As the dryad warrior option fades from view, Udel continues, ¡°Just bring back the options that I put on hold only if I can talk with monsters.¡± The box expands to reveal the three options.
Please choose from the three options below:
Monster Overlord: A legendary dragon capable of controlling and ordering other monsters from all monster races that are capable of intelligence. -Your capability in controlling Monsters grants you this option -Undisputable rule over all monster races with intelligence -Incredible mental processing power -Increased proficiency with all magic attributes
Quarter-Dragon: Have the same abilities as the Half-Dragons, but the limit on the Job Systemia Branch has been lifted. The Dragon blood in them has increased magic potential. Quarter-Dragons are most well known for their tails and some parts of their body covered in scales. Variations with wings and horns are rare. -An option that came along with Dragon -Full access to Job Systemia Branch -Reduced access to Evolve Systemia Branch -Increased physical strength -Increased physical capabilities -Semi-scaled body increases natural defense in those areas -Reduced Dragon breath based on Dragon blood -Wings can grant flight
Darkwood Dryad: A dryad that is born from corruption and the world¡¯s need to protect its forests from greedy invaders. These dryad are more dangerous than typical dryads due to their increased abilities of stealth, raw power, and magic prowess. Where Dryads are more green coloured, Darkwood Dryads are covered in browns and reds. -Your status as Goddess of Monsters and trainee Goddess of Dungeons has granted you this option -Increased deceit abilities -Incredible fighting potential -Access to Job Systemia Branch -Slight reduction to access of the Evolve Systemia Branch -Incredible magic prowess with Water, Earth, Air, Fire and Dark attributes -Natural armor is resistant to fire, eliminating the fire weakness as long as it is worn -Can commune with monsters, animals and plants alike -Predetermined Job
¡°And now there were three¡­¡± The time in Greenspace seemed to slow down as Udel considered her final options. After a few minutes pass, a light seems to illuminate above Udel. ¡°Remove Monster Overlord will you? I have decided I want to travel Egalia instead of having minions do the work for me.¡± Udel internally smiles as the Monster Overlord option fades from view. ¡°Let¡¯s make this a game of chance, let Fate decide. A Darkwood Dryad or a Female Quarter-Dragon? What shall it be?¡± Udel watches as a coin appears in front of her. She watches as the coin is flung into the air. ¡°Heads is Darkwood Dryad, Tails is Quarter-Dragon.¡± Udel鈥檚 Story: Chapter 2: A Life Without Meaning Desires Death **Ruby Forest, Continent of Karv, Egalia** The Ruby Forest is a wonder of the natural world, all organisms in the forest are more intelligent than average. This, in turn, causes many dangerous monsters and beasts to thrive due to their cunning nature. Where the sounds of roaring beasts, singing birds and the flutter of leaves being pushed around by the wind have been completely overwhelmed. The sounds of wood axes chopping trees down were echoing throughout the outer forest. The people that were causing the disturbance were the Red Wood Trading Company; they had been cutting down trees for years. The trees with their rich mahogany bark and ruby red leaves are a material sought out for by the humanoid races of Karv for their strong and flexible components. The trading company had exploited this gold mine and is only increasing the logging rate. Now, the company is approaching the deep woods where the largest trees have lived for centuries. Over their life, the Ruby Spruce, which comprised most of the forest had developed a community, or well as much as trees could. All of them could talk with one another and can communicate with the more intelligent beasts residing on the ground and their branches. The trees being unable to move had asked the other residents of the forest to venture out and get rid of the trespassers who were killing their younger brothers and sisters. They had agreed to the trees¡¯ request and had gone to do just that. None of the strongest creatures returned, but of the small rodents that scampered away, a few did return only to report the horrible news. Everything that went near the Red Wood Trading Company was cut down on sight. Udel was listening to the story the trees were telling her. They had asked her to aid them in their survival. She agreed reluctantly and ventured out towards the camp where the humans were residing. Udel lifted her arm in front of her, she studied it still trying to comprehend the full situation. She remembered the coin being flipped and it landing on heads. It felt as if she had real skin, but it was completely different. Her skin was coloured just like the bark of the trees, deep mahogany. On top of the interesting shade of colour, Udel could feel more than the cool night air, she felt everything around her, the brambles, the insects and even the occasional monster that was hiding in dark areas Udel was unable to see. On her forearms were a pair of bracers that had been formed to fit her perfectly, they restricted no movement, and the same could be said for the rest of her outfit. The armour that had been made from a durable brown bark had been crafted by Systemia. The natural armour, as named by Systemia, felt as if it was an extension of her organic body. After looking at herself, and questioning frightened animals, Udel had a pretty good picture of what she looked like. She was around the same height as her Goddess body, but leaner. Her skin was mahogany that seemed to allow her to blend in with her surroundings. Her hair was a dazzling ruby red similar to the trees that flowed elegantly down to the small of her back. I am starting to notice a pattern¡­¡± Udel stated to no one in particular. Continuing, her armour was snug and what seemed to be a modified jumpsuit that allowed for more breathing room, or in Udel¡¯s case, more eating room being organic and all. The aspect she found most intriguing were her eyes, instead of a white sclera like all mammals have, hers are black that only are accented further by the golden iris in each one. After a decently sized jog, Udel finally started to crested a hill, the trees Udel noticed were smaller. The occasional stump could be found revealing the royal red wood that the humans were seeking. Each time she approached a stump she could hear crying, every time she heard the crying she looked around for the source for a second before realizing the trees themselves were mourning for their dead companion. Once Udel reached the top of the hill she looked down at the mass of tents and lights that rested at the bottom. Collecting herself, Udel sits down and starts to plan her attack. ¡°So, this must be the pests that the forest wants to be destroyed. I can feel it, the natural mana is too abstract¡­ hm? Since when have I been able to feel natural mana flow?¡± Udel tilts her head slightly pondering and finally accepting the difference between her new self and her old body. ¡°Since this is my body, for now, I have to just accept it. As long as I do not get too attached it should be fine¡­¡± Udel coughed and stood up. ¡°Well, now it is time to begin. If only they had chosen another forest, maybe I would have been more lenient. Problem is, this one is sentient.¡± As Udel starts walking down the hill, she hears a young man¡¯s voice filled with disgust and hatred coming from her right. ¡°I cannot allow you to do that demon!¡± Before Udel gets to look over at the owner of the voice, Udel for the first time in that world feels pain, she gasps and falls to her knees, protruding from her chest at an unusual angle was a spear point covered in red organic matter and a piece of her armour. ¡°Heh, that is what you get for coming living in this godforsaken forest.¡± Looking down at the spear, Udel starts to feel faint. After a couple of big breathes and a few despairing thoughts, she turns her head and opens her mouth, only to find a foot being forcefully kicked into her mouth instead. She stares at the leg in front of her eyes roll back in her head and falls limply to the ground. --- Ven was dragging the body of the demon he found that was secretly planning to murder them all down the hill towards the camp. He was smiling to himself, he had incapacitated her by tying hands and legs together, not to mention gagging her as well. As he approached the closest tent he raised his hand and yelled. ¡°I CAUGHT ONE OF THE DEMONS THAT WAS TRYING TO HALT THE PROGRESS!¡± Not too long after he yelled, a couple of armoured warriors seemed to sprint out of the tent at an alarming rate. When they finally got close enough to Ven, they looked at the captive and started showering him with praises. ¡°Thank you guys very much, it was a hard-fought battle, I luckily escaped with minimal injuries as you can see.¡± Ven boasted showing off his spotless armour and his spear that had been stabbed through the demon¡¯s body. ¡°I need to go report to Captain Farlence.¡± As he walked off he, the other men patted his back and waved him off. Not too long after he noticed a pair of girls he knew all to well walk up to him. June and Katania, both were incredible in their own right, but Katania had captured his heart a few years ago. Katania had saved him from a horde of orcs, she had run in and decapitated every one within a few seconds just as they were about o kill him. Since then he has been following her around saying he owes her his life. June, on the other hand, met Katania before Ven had. They met during a cyclops raid in the lower Agareen Mountain range. June was a skilled archer that infused wind magic into her arrows. If Ven had not fallen for Katania, he most would have fallen for June since she was a half-elf and had gained the traits of both humans and elves alike. When he noticed that they were together his face fell, he knew that June was aiming for Katania as well. They were a party of three, but it felt like it was just the two of them. He was always left out of important conversations and decisions. He did not mind though, as long as he was with Katania he was happy.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Oh, look what Ven has brought back Kat.¡± June pointed directly at the demon, obviously trying to disrupt my chance at talking to her beloved. ¡°It seems he has brought back a demon with him this time.¡± ¡°Quite the interesting catch I must say.¡± I stared at Katania as she brushed her straight black hair out of her eyes with her hand. She leaned in closely and whispered. ¡°Ven, you go rest up, June and I will take it from here. I will make sure you are properly compensated.¡± Ven froze up despite his body heating up and his face flushing red. He hesitantly handed the rope he was using to drag the demon over to Katania. She took the rope quickly and then started to walk off. June stuck her tongue out at Ven, she turned and bounded after their black-haired companion. Finding his voice once they the corner Ven answered, ¡°Alright then, please do so.¡± Ven realizing that he just answered a question that was asked a minute ago quickly shut his mouth and weaved his way around the tents towards his own. Once he arrived he stepped inside his one-man tent and promptly flopped down on the makeshift bed he was using. He took off his armour to get comfortable before proceeding with picking up his adventuring bag. He reached in and pulled out a pair of wooden bracers he had looted from the demon. Flipping the bracers over to examine them. Ven slowly slid one of them on to test to see if they would fit. He gasped a little as the bracer magically shifted to fit his arm perfectly. ¡°{Appraise}¡± He eagerly said.
Darkwood Dryad Bracers (Legendary)
Description Crafted to perfection for the use of a Darkwood Dryad. It houses some of the magical properties of the Darkwood Dryad it belongs too.
Stat Bonuses - Strength +8 - Intellect +13 - Durability +25 - Health +30 - Mana +30 - Casting Time -7%
Traits - Wooden Consumption: By feeding the bracers wood, they will get stronger. - Binding: Binds to the wearer to not restrict movements. - Curse of Owner: If the wearer is not a Darkwood Dryad, then Item is unable to be taken off except by a Darkwood Dryad. - Darkwood Dryad Armour Set: If all of the set is present on the wearer, every stat is increased by 100%.
Ven¡¯s eyes widened he immediately noticed the legendary rarity level. He started to salivate as he imagined the number of gold pieces he could sell it for. He snapped back to the box after the Curse of Owner trait processed properly. He started to panic and attempted to remove the bracers on his arm. After a good couple of minutes of Ven struggling to take them off, he lies down on his bed and groans. ¡°Ugh, I should have appraised it these Darkwood Dryad Bracers before¡­¡± Ven¡¯s mind came to a grinding halt as his mind tried to process what he said. ¡°Hold on, what is a Dryad, nonetheless a Darkwood one?¡± Realizing his mistake Ven jumps up off his bed full of energy and races out of his tent. ¡°I need to tell them, I need to tell them. I have no idea what a Dryad is, but it does not sound good.¡± **Captain Farlence¡¯s Tent, Remains of the Outer Ruby Forest** Katania was sitting on Captain Farlence¡¯s lap giving him a passionate kiss when they heard June and Ven having a heated discussion outside the tent. The moment ruined, Katania slides off the Captain¡¯s lap and walks slowly saunters over to the entry flap. ¡°Get back here Kat, we haven¡¯t finished,¡± Farlence says in a forceful tone causing Katania to wince. ¡°They can wait until morning when we are done.¡± ¡°If only, these two have ruined the mood and I should send them back,¡± Katania replies in an annoyed tone. As she exits the tent she sees June trying to pull a pair of wooden bracers off of Ven¡¯s arms. ¡°What are you two doing?¡± Katania¡¯s tone was cold. Both of them quickly closed their mouth before separating and hanging their heads low. Katania continues to glare at them, suddenly Ven raises his head, ¡°Katania, what I captured was not a demon, it was a dryad of some sorts. I do not know what that is, but I need its help with taking these things off.¡± He lifts his arms showing off the bracers he was wearing. Katania rolls her eyes and motions for the two to follow her inside the tent. ¡°Don¡¯t say anything Ven. You may ruin everything if you do.¡± Ven quickly nods which receives a smirk from June. Once they were inside Ven gasps, he had never been inside the Captain¡¯s tent. Animal furs coated the floor, monster skulls hung from the top of the tent. It was incredible and in the middle of the tent sat Captain Farlence. He sat upon a golden throne that was intricately designed to boast his successes throughout his life. The man himself was intimidating he wore no shirt, which allowed for his extremely well-toned body to be on display. He shut his mouth once he noticed he was gawking at the luxury. ¡°Captain Farlence Sir, it has come to my attention that the demon in question is a Darkwood Dryad. I feel we must take full responsibility for this mistake.¡± Katania made a small bow with her head. ¡°I am sorry for not noticing that I had captured a resident of the forest.¡± Ven¡¯s eyes widened and he looked at stared at his love. He could not believe what he just heard. Had Katania taken the glory in his capture? ¡°Very well, the thing is behind the tent outside with the other demons.¡± Farlence narrowed his eyes at Katania but said nothing. ¡°June could you go around and grab it? I have business still to discuss with the captain here.¡± Katania cocked her head towards June and Ven. ¡°Oh, and just take it back to Ven¡¯s tent right away, we must not be disturbed.¡± The two of them left the tent. Katania making sure they were gone slowly sauntered towards the captain. She made it to three feet away before he raised his hand. ¡°Tell me, Katania Sako, why was Ven looking at you like he had been betrayed? Answer quickly.¡± ¡°I, uh, he¡­¡± Farlence started to growl and his eyes were shooting daggers now. ¡°You did not lie to me, did you? You know I hate liars.¡± He stood up and was leaning over Katania. He then stopped and turned his head towards the back of his tent. Katania completely confused pricked her ears. There were barely tangible words being spoken between loud sobs. ¡°I... sob ...Am so sorry for¡­ sob ...capturing you!!¡± The last two words were just barely understood before Ven could be heard breaking down into tears. A full minute went past and Farlence had returned his glare at Katania. Ven continued completely unaware of what was happening in the tent. ¡°I did not know that was happening.¡± Ven¡¯s voice faded away until it was quiet in the tent. ¡°He was not supposed to say anything.¡± Katania seethed under her breath thinking that the giant of a man standing before her did not hear her. But he had heard, he crossed his arms and sat back down on his throne. ¡°Katania, you and your party are hereby expelled from this adventuring expedition. You have lied to me, and I have no idea how many times. That boy captured a dryad, not you.¡± He was practically yelling at this point. ¡°Captain please reconsider, I can make up for it...¡± She slowly started to take off her clothes, obviously trying to entice the man in front of her. ¡°NO, GET OUT OF MY TENT! I WILL NOT HEAR ANY MORE LIES FROM YOU!!¡± He took a deep breath before continuing. ¡°You have one hour until you must be gone. If you are still here, I will cut you down myself.¡± Katania, eyes widened sprinted out of the tent, cursing that she will make Ven pay for his crimes against her. At the same moment, three separate thoughts were made, all of them with the same idea: What do I have to live for now? The Core鈥檚 Story: Chapter 1: Explosion! **A Random Small Lake, Continent of Fherlin, Egalia** The animals at the lake are as dead as an animated skeleton without orders. It was alive, but nothing was happening. A constant ripple was travelling across the surface of the lake, a low humming sound could barely be heard. The wind died down and the insects stopped buzzing. A cloud passed over the moon obstructing any light from reaching the ground, however, a faint light was seemingly produced by the water itself. The light was becoming fainter and with each passing moment, the whole area returned to the buzzing and splashing ecosystem it was. The whole area seems livelier than it was. --- Morning arrived at the lake and with it, around a dozen fishermen with their rods and buckets of supplies. They sat down and prepared for a long day of fishing. This was a large number of fishermen, however, they all had excitedly talked to each other on the way from the local town. They had sensed something had changed and had decided to test their luck once again at fishing. Once they all were done setting up, the lake became absent of words, every last one of them is focused on the task at hand. A green crab is snapping its claws at a fish four times its size, the crabs are not normally aggressive, although, this one found a reason to protect itself. It was perching atop a round grey crystalline rock. The fish tries thrashing out at the crab with little success, the small crevice in which this battle takes place can fit barely two fish in it, nonetheless a full-on battle. The stalemate continues for quite a while with neither side giving ground. The reason both sides were being so aggressive was because of the crystal, to them, it was feeding them life force, they feel stronger when near it. Through the battle, a low humming sound had started up again. The two creatures unaware continued to snap and bite. The humming increased and a small glow started to pour out of the crystal.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The two creatures stop their standoff and look towards the crystal, they feel an ominous aura start to pour out of it. The crystal begins to hum more violently and the light flashes more brilliantly. The rock in the crevice begins to crumble, letting loose stones to fall down the sides. If there was someone there to watch the events that happened next, they would undoubtedly be blind, and perhaps even dead. Fortunately, none witnessed the explosion. The crystal sent out a pulse of mana that pushed the rock in the crevice up and away. The rock sprayed in every direction underwater. The nearby aquatic creatures got impaled by rocketing stones, which sprayed gore out into the water. A strong current was also produced, small waves were sent out across the surface churning the mud at the bottom of the shallow parts of the lake. Water sprayed up into the air, pulling along bits of animals and stones. --- The fishermen sat there stunned, they had communed together to eat lunch and boast their catches of the day. The eruption easily reached the height of ten men standing on top of each other. Fish bits flew everywhere, rocks travelled and reached the edges of the shore, and water rained down on them drenching their clothes. They remained there, speechless and staring at the event that had just unfolded in the middle of the lake. Dead creatures started to float up to the surface of the water almost completely enveloping the surface in bodies. ¡°Ahem, we might as well clean up this mess. There is a whole lot of free produce just floating there.¡± One of the fishermen interrupts the silence pointing out towards the wet graveyard. His voice stirring the others allows for conversation to start up again. ¡°Yeah, soun¡¯ goo¡¯, Iya say we divvy i¡¯ up evenly.¡± Gaining nods from the group, the fishermen get to work gathering everything. Small talk ensued which brought up many questions similar to what was that eruption? However, none of them could guess what was the cause. --- A large silver-coated fish swam around the collapsed rubble, it scrounged around for bits of crustaceans that were trapped. It senses something below the rubble turning its body, it swims towards the sensation. The fish pushes piles upon piles of dirt and rocks with its nose, trying to get to the treasure below. Finally upheaving a large boulder, the fish stares at the crystal lying before it, entranced by the faint blue light being emitted. It swims closer to it opening its mouth impossibly wide attempting to swallow the crystal whole. This fish was a hoarder, it swallows anything shiny or interesting that finds itself at the bottom of the lake. The hoarder latches on to the crystal and attempts to swallow the treasure. The fish continues sucking the crystal in, but finds it is too large for its mouth. Determined, it continues to swallow, the crystal now inside its mouth starts to expand the throat of the fish. The gills start to rip apart, releasing blood into the already muddy water. It begins to thrash around trying to dislodge the object fearing for its life. With its gills and throat torn apart from its greed, the fish starts to slowly float up to the surface.