《Reincarnators: Parasite Dungeon》 Chapter 1: The Final Act The sterile walls of the laboratory, once a haven for Adrian Falkenrath¡¯s genius, now felt suffocating, almost suffocating him in the thick air of failure. The hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as he sat at his desk, eyes fixed on the glowing screen in front of him, though nothing seemed to register. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, but no key was pressed. It was futile now. The message was clear. His work was done. The era of war had ended. The funds were cut. The parasites were to be shelved. He pushed the paper to the side, feeling the weight of his last experiment¡ªan aborted dream. A glimmer of light shone from the glass vial next to him, but it was an illusion. The prototype of his parasite, the one he¡¯d spent countless sleepless nights developing, was meant for testing, not for failure. A weaponized creature capable of attaching itself to its host, manipulating the human body in ways no one had ever dreamed of. It was beautiful in its design, chaotic in its potential. ¡°Dr. Falkenrath, your research grant has been revoked,¡± the email had said. His funding had been cut¡ªjust like that. They¡¯d moved on. The war between Ukraine and Russia had ended, and with it, the need for such weapons was over. The global era of peace had arrived, and Adrian had become obsolete. Obsolete. It was an unfamiliar word, a word that stung with the bitterness of defeat. He hadn¡¯t even been able to save his project. All his years of research, every sleepless night, every drop of sweat, now amounted to nothing. He wasn¡¯t just losing his job; he was losing his very identity. The parasite project was his baby, his legacy, his obsession. The door opened, cutting through his thoughts. His supervisor, a lanky man with thinning hair and a face as dull as the papers he shuffled, stepped inside. ¡°We¡¯re sorry, Adrian,¡± he said, avoiding Adrian¡¯s gaze. ¡°The funding cuts were unexpected. You understand, right?¡± ¡°Understand?¡± Adrian echoed, his voice colder than the lab itself. His hands clenched into fists. ¡°You¡¯re asking me to understand while you destroy everything I¡¯ve worked for? I¡¯ve poured my life into this. Into this.¡± He gestured to the vial on the desk. The supervisor cleared his throat uncomfortably. ¡°You have to accept the reality. The world is changing, and so must we.¡± Adrian stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. His eyes narrowed, and a dark, bitter smile twisted his lips. ¡°The world is changing,¡± he repeated, his voice low. ¡°And I¡¯m the one who¡¯s going to make sure it doesn¡¯t forget me.¡± With that, he grabbed the vial containing the parasite prototype. He was done with this place. Done with the lab. Done with these people who had never understood him, never appreciated the brilliance of his work. He grabbed his bag, slinging it over his shoulder and storming out of the office without another word. Two days later, Adrian Falkenrath had vanished. He withdrew all his funds and disappeared from the radar. No more government checks, no more interference from those who would destroy his life¡¯s work. He found an old, abandoned underground parking garage in the depths of Magdeburg, far from the eyes of the world, far from the wreckage of his former life. It wasn¡¯t much, but he¡¯d turned it into a makeshift lab. In the silence of his underground world, he rebuilt his research from the ground up. Discarded scraps of equipment, broken wires, and rusty tools became the new foundation of his sanctuary. He didn''t care about the cost anymore. The world above had forgotten him, but down here, in the damp concrete, he could create again. He could finish what he had started. His mind never stopped, even when his body was exhausted. The parasite¡ªhis creation¡ªhad become his obsession. Every waking moment was consumed by it. He refined it. Experimented with it. Tweaked its genetic code. The parasite was more than a bioweapon; it was a triumph of nature¡¯s horrors, a triumph of his own dark genius. It could manipulate its host at the cellular level, twisting and warping the human body into something entirely new. It could infect, control, and dominate.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. The news reports on the small radio next to his cluttered workbench seemed to mock him as he carefully adjusted the microscope, studying the latest iteration of his parasite. It was almost perfect¡ªalmost¡ªbut the reports spoke of a different world. The war between Russia and Ukraine had ended, and a peace treaty had been signed. Countries across the globe were sending aid to help rebuild the war-torn nation. Humanity had come together in a way Adrian had never thought possible. The United Nations had shifted into the "Global Cooperation Act," a new body that promised to usher in an era of peace that, in Adrian¡¯s mind, made his work obsolete. It was the beginning of a new age, one where weapons like his were no longer needed. But for Adrian, peace was a bitter pill. The world¡¯s newfound stability had led to a funding freeze in his department. His bioweapons project was no longer a priority. And that realization gnawed at him. Obsolete, the word echoed in his mind. He had spent the last twenty-eight years of his life working for something that was now irrelevant. The parasites¡ªhis parasites¡ªwere a symbol of everything he had sacrificed. The world had moved on, and he was left behind in the rubble of his own creation. With each passing day, his anger grew. He clenched his fists, staring at the vial of prototype parasite. Not ready yet. Still too dangerous to test, he thought bitterly. But who was left to test it? The government? They didn¡¯t care anymore. He had no allies, no one who would understand. He was alone, trapped in a world that no longer needed him. The radio¡¯s static buzzed in the background, filling the silence. He barely registered the voice of the reporter as they discussed the GCA¡¯s expansion and the dawning era of peace. His thoughts raced, spiraling downward into fury. The parasite had been his last hope, his final contribution to science, and now it was meaningless. Peace had won, and Adrian had lost. In a fit of frustration, he slammed his fist on the table, knocking over a beaker of chemicals. The liquid splashed across the papers, a harsh reminder of how much he had invested in his work. He didn¡¯t care. He didn¡¯t care about anything anymore. The world had moved on, and now it was his turn to move, too¡ªthough he didn¡¯t know where he would go.
The sound of footsteps above, soft at first, grew louder. Someone was approaching. Adrian¡¯s instincts kicked in. The garage door to his makeshift lab was locked, but his mind was racing. They couldn¡¯t find him. Not now, not after everything he¡¯d done. Not after what he had become. The world had no place for him anymore, and they couldn¡¯t have his work. Adrian grabbed the glass vial containing his prototype¡ªthe very last of his research¡ªand ran to the back of the garage, behind stacks of old crates and metal barrels. He didn¡¯t have time to think. He couldn¡¯t stop now. He would complete his work. Minutes later, the first workers appeared, their voices muffled above the concrete floor. They were just doing their jobs, unaware of the madness unfolding below. At first, they thought it was a drug lab. Too many chemicals. Too many vials. But when they saw the barrels, the strange fluids, they didn¡¯t call it in as a drug operation. They called the police. The police forces, held back by the raging fire that had started from a stray bullet, were still regrouping. Adrian had seen the SWAT teams closing in through the cracks in his lab¡¯s reinforced walls, but now he was alone, with only the echoes of their shouts bouncing through the corridors. The bullet wound in his side was beginning to rob him of the blood he needed to keep going, and the pain only made his frustration grow. It was over. The parasite was incomplete. The newest iteration¡ªthe one he had worked on for so long¡ªhad just emerged from the lab and wasn¡¯t even tested. Not that it mattered now. It was a failure, just like everything else. Adrian¡¯s body trembled as he collapsed at the edge of the freshwater supply. The steel of the tank seemed cold against his back, and his vision blurred as his body weakened. His mind, however, was still sharp. He knew this was the end. Tears, unbidden, rolled down his face. But his expression was not one of sorrow¡ªit was the mask of anger and pain, an angry defiance at the world that had abandoned him. Everything I¡¯ve done for nothing, he thought. But then, as his last breath rattled in his chest, a grim thought took root: If I have to go, I''ll go out on my terms. With what little strength he had left, he reached for the vial containing the parasite solution. He had no idea what would happen after he swallowed it, but that didn¡¯t matter. This was his final act of defiance. The thick, oily solution slid down his throat with the taste of crude oil and cherries, its viscosity nearly choking him as it coated his throat. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, but he kept swallowing. The pain was nothing compared to the gnawing emptiness inside him. His eyes closed, and his body slumped forward, falling into the dark waters of the freshwater storage. As he hit the surface, Adrian had no idea what the parasite would do next. He didn¡¯t know that the moment he drowned, the parasite would release its eggs into the water, beginning a chain reaction that would change the world forever. Chapter 2: The Dark Accord Adrian drifted in an endless blackness, his thoughts echoing through the void. He had no sense of a body, only the haunting awareness of himself. He tried to move, to speak, but there was nothing. The silence was absolute, pressing down on him from all directions. Where am I? The thought echoed, swallowed up by the darkness. The quiet gnawed at him. His last memory was of the lab¡ªthe fire, the shouts, his final act of defiance as he drank the parasite. He should be dead. And yet... here he was. Somewhere between existence and oblivion, lost in a boundless sea of black. A flicker of light appeared, faint and distant. It pulsed like a heartbeat, drawing closer, splitting into three distinct forms. Each one radiated a different energy, and as they approached, he felt a shift¡ªa weight pressing down on him, ancient and overwhelming. The first being materialized as a living flame, a fire that crackled and surged with each pulse, giving off waves of heat and energy. It spoke, its voice deep and resonant, as if filled with the power to raze entire worlds. ¡°Destruction,¡± it announced, as if the name alone could encompass its vast power. Beside it, a second figure emerged¡ªa shadowy warrior, darker than the void itself. He held a massive two-handed sword, its edge gleaming even in the darkness. This one radiated a feeling of wild, unchecked rage, a chaos barely held in check. ¡°Crazed Berserking,¡± the figure murmured, the words rolling out like a warning. And then, a third shape twisted and pulsed into being, a grotesque, organic mass of flesh and tentacles that throbbed with a sickly life. It grew as it spoke, undulating and shifting, tendrils stretching out and retracting. ¡°Wall of Flesh,¡± it said, the voice oozing with a thick, wet sound. Adrian felt a surge of revulsion at the sight. Without thinking, he muttered, ¡°What in the hell... that... that¡¯s the most disgusting thing I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± Wall of Flesh¡¯s grotesque form quivered, and its voice took on an oddly delighted tone. ¡°Why, thank you, mortal. Such a compliment¡ªI''ve rarely received such sweet words from a human.¡± Crazed Berserking let out a low, humorless chuckle. ¡°Sweet-talking the dark gods won¡¯t gain you any favors, mortal.¡± Adrian shot him a confused look, but let the matter drop. This was strange beyond comprehension, and he wasn¡¯t about to challenge whatever these beings were. The gods regarded him, each one with a different form of interest. Finally, Destruction spoke, its voice booming and authoritative. ¡°You impressed us, mortal. Your last act on Earth was... remarkable. Few possess the conviction to bring about such destruction with such ruthlessness. Your parasites decimated the world, consuming billions without a second thought.¡± Wall of Flesh shifted, its mass pulsing as if in excitement. ¡°Yes, yes. And to create such a deadly life form in a lab built from scraps? Your resourcefulness and your vision of biological perfection... I admire it.¡± Crazed Berserking stepped forward, his form rippling with barely restrained energy. ¡°And the infected¡ªrampaging across the planet, disregarding their own pain or death. They destroyed everything in their path, a testament to pure, unbridled rage. You, mortal, brought chaos to order.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Adrian¡¯s mind raced, grappling with their words. Part of him felt a perverse pride at their admiration, even as he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of what he¡¯d done. Finally, he managed to ask, ¡°So... what happened to Earth?¡± The gods exchanged glances, as if deciding who would speak. Destruction finally answered. ¡°Forty-seven years after your death, the last parasite died. By then, 79% of humanity had perished. The incubation period of your parasite allowed it to spread unseen, silently infecting and wiping out entire populations. In the West, nuclear fire was unleashed in a desperate attempt to eradicate the infection, turning much of Europe into a radioactive wasteland. The world lies in ruin, mortal. Only fragments of civilization remain.¡± Adrian felt a cold satisfaction mingled with a strange sadness. Earth was a wasteland now, his final creation having ripped civilization apart. He had wanted them to remember him, and they had, but at a cost that even he hadn¡¯t fully comprehended. After a beat, he looked back at them. ¡°Then... why am I here? Why are you... offering me this second chance?¡± Crazed Berserking grinned, his eyes gleaming like stars in the dark. ¡°Because the dark and light gods have an accord, mortal. There are worlds for each side. Some belong solely to the dark, with little interference from the light. Others, to the light, with minimal influence from us.¡± Wall of Flesh continued, his voice thick and grotesque. ¡°Then there are worlds like Earth¡ªsoul farms, left untouched by both sides. They exist to feed souls into reincarnation, unclaimed by either faction.¡± Destruction took over, his tone solemn. ¡°But then there are contested worlds, where the power of gods¡ªboth light and dark¡ªis limited. These realms are battlegrounds, where souls like yours are sent to corrupt or cleanse, to shape the world¡¯s destiny.¡± Adrian absorbed this, his mind spinning. A cosmic pact between gods, a system that used souls to wage war through influence. ¡°So... you¡¯re sending me to one of these contested worlds?¡± Destruction nodded. ¡°Indeed. And here, you will have power beyond what you once held on Earth. But before we cast you out into this new realm, you must choose a patron among us.¡± Each god straightened, as if readying themselves. Wall of Flesh pulsed and grew, his voice rich and inviting. ¡°Choose me, mortal, and I will grant you power over life itself¡ªa dungeon heart with the ability to create, mutate, and shape life as you wish.¡± Crazed Berserking hefted his sword, his voice a low, eager growl. ¡°Choose me, and you will wield the might of a berserker. Your creations will know no fear, no pain¡ªonly endless rage.¡± Destruction flared brighter, his voice commanding. ¡°Choose me, and you will carry the power to bring ruin. Your enemies will fall before you, reduced to ash in your wake.¡± Adrian considered, feeling the pull of each choice. His mind drifted to his lab, to his obsession with manipulating life, creating something new and powerful. There was only one option. ¡°I choose Wall of Flesh.¡± A ripple of satisfaction ran through the god¡¯s fleshy mass. ¡°Wise choice, mortal. I grant you the dungeon heart, a core of life that will allow you to shape and command creatures. Your new world will serve as your lab, and its inhabitants... as your experiments.¡± The other gods stepped forward, each offering a gift. Crazed Berserking laid a hand on him, his power flooding Adrian with a fierce, unstoppable energy. ¡°Take this, mortal¡ªa fragment of rage for your creatures, that they may know fury beyond reckoning.¡± Destruction touched him last, filling him with a searing, destructive force. ¡°And take my mark, that in moments of desperation, you may bring ruin to your foes.¡± The gifts settled within him, dormant but throbbing with potential. Adrian felt a strange thrill; he was more than human now. He was... something else. Wall of Flesh quivered, his voice softer but full of dark promise. ¡°These gifts will awaken once you arrive in your new world, mortal. Use them wisely. Or unwisely¡ªwe care not. But remember, you are ours now, and we expect greatness.¡± Without warning, the gods receded, the darkness rushing in again, suffocating. Adrian felt himself hurtling forward, the power of the dungeon heart throbbing within him, the gifts of rage and destruction stirring in his core. And then, with a final jolt, he was thrown from the void, plummeting toward a new world. Chapter 3: System Initialization Strange words materialize in Adrian¡¯s mind, as if suspended in a void. They aren¡¯t fully there, yet somehow clear and readable. System initialization in progress. Please wait¡­ A pause, then more text: Initialization 42% complete¡­ 61%¡­ 87%¡­ Adrian feels a spark of confusion. This looks like a computer program¡­ but where is this coming from? He¡¯s silent in the darkness, thoughts racing. Am I losing my mind or something? What is this ¡°system¡±?
System Message: System initialization complete. Adrian tries to hold onto his thoughts as new words appear. The dark gods didn¡¯t say anything about this! Is this¡­ like Dungeons and Dragons or something? As he grapples with this strange situation, another System Message appears, filling his mind with more detail.
Character Overview
He stares at the words, his thoughts a mix of anxiety and curiosity. What is that now? Adrian thinks, forcing himself to focus. He reads the details slowly, line by line. Race: Dungeon Core? If he had a body, he¡¯d feel the shock ripple through it. What does that mean? I¡¯m not a human anymore? What the hell is a dungeon core? Another System Message materializes as if to answer him. Dungeon Core: A dungeon core is the central control unit of a dungeon. A dungeon is a stationary construct of immense power that challenges humans with the promise of power and riches. Adrian¡¯s thoughts are a storm of disbelief. I¡¯m not human? I¡¯m a¡­ construct? He hesitates, then pushes on, studying the other details in the box. His mind gravitates toward each option, one after the other, as curiosity and confusion battle within him.
Dungeon Type catches his attention first. What could this mean for me? What kind of ¡°dungeon¡± am I becoming? The system responds:
Dungeon Type: The structure and style of your dungeon, determining its layout, defenses, and environment. Dungeons challenge intruders by creating unique and hostile terrains. Each type of dungeon has strengths and limitations, guiding your dungeon¡¯s development. Dungeon Cores influence the choice of dungeon type, adapting the environment to their intentions and desired style of control.
He thinks about it carefully, a vague idea forming. I don¡¯t know exactly where I¡¯m going, but I have¡­ a plan of sorts. He shifts his attention to Class.
Class: A Class gives direction and specialization to the individual. Different classes have access to different skills, spells, and passive skills, which align with the dungeon¡¯s intended style of control. Classes enhance abilities, helping guide a dungeon core¡¯s evolution and capabilities. Class evolution is available only to beings recognized by the system as universally sentient.
So, it¡¯s like a specialization, he thinks, his mind lingering on his knowledge of biology and his old experiments. I wonder if there¡¯s something that fits¡­ my line of work. Next is Terrain, and the concept immediately draws him in.
Terrain: The initial terrain of the dungeon, determining temperature, ground types, and ecosystem. Animals and plants will adjust to this terrain. In later level-ups, additional terrain options will be available to diversify the dungeon.
So, I can start with a base and build out from there, he muses. That might be useful, if I¡¯m going to control what lives here. The next point, Theme, pulls his focus.
Theme: Sets the primary atmosphere and influence of the dungeon, directing the types of creatures, plants, and overall environment. Themes align with the core¡¯s intentions, guiding the nature of its flora, fauna, and additional effects. This choice will influence later decisions on flora and fauna, helping to shape the dungeon¡¯s unique style.
He considers this, his mind sparking with the possibilities. I could use this to create the ideal conditions for¡­ certain creatures. Then Flora.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
Flora: Determines the initial plant-based entities within the dungeon, shaping the ecosystem¡¯s foundation. Flora options are influenced by prior choices, ensuring plants align with the chosen terrain, theme, and other attributes. These initial plants may serve as both defense and resource.
Plant-based organisms? Adrian¡¯s scientific mind races. There could be potential here, with the right selection. Finally, Fauna appears.
Fauna: Sets the primary animal-based creatures within the dungeon, defining its defensive and offensive forces. Fauna choices are influenced by preceding selections to ensure harmony within the ecosystem. The chosen fauna will align with the dungeon¡¯s environment and theme, strengthening its unique identity.
This is it, he realizes, understanding the weight of each choice before him. Every part of this will define what I become. He steels himself, prepared to take his first step as a dungeon core. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s think this through,¡± Adrian mused, piecing together the fragments of his new reality. ¡°I¡¯m not human anymore. I¡¯m¡­ a stationary construct. Immobile, rooted.¡± He paused, a bittersweet fondness surfacing as he thought, Goodbye, legs. It was nice having you guys. He gave himself a mental moment of silence in honor of his appendages. He shook off the thought and took stock of his situation. ¡°Alright, so I¡¯m fixed in one place. And I¡¯ve got a series of choices to make, all shaping what I am.¡± A spark ignited in his mind, a glimmer of inspiration. ¡°And what am I?¡± he murmured, feeling a grim satisfaction. ¡°I made a parasite¡­ a beautiful little weapon. I didn¡¯t get to enjoy my victory back on Earth, but this time, with adventurers crawling through here, I could create something even better¡­ test my creations in real time.¡± Adrian¡¯s mind raced with the possibilities, and a dark smile would have crossed his face¡ªif he still had one. ¡°Yes, I have an idea. A good one.¡± He focused again on the system, a surprising sense of anticipation filling him. ¡°Here¡¯s hoping this system is as helpful in the future as it¡¯s been so far.¡± Time to make some Choises!
Adrian''s thoughts linger on Dungeon Type, curious about its implications. As he focuses, the System responds in its cold, neutral tone.
Dungeon Type Options: Adrian considers each option, a faint sense of purpose forming. Reverse Tower aligns with his vision, but he keeps his intentions to himself, leaving only a vague thought: I have an idea.
System Message: Dungeon Type selected: Reverse Tower.
With his first choice set, Class becomes the focus.
Class Options: A faint satisfaction stirs in Adrian. Bio-Mancer calls to him, matching both his expertise and his ambition.
System Message: Class selected: Bio-Mancer. Adrian¡¯s mind focused on the word Terrain, and once again, the system responded, its message crisp and neutral.
Terrain: The initial terrain of the dungeon, determining temperature, ground types, and ecosystem. Animals and plants will adjust to this terrain. In later level-ups, additional terrain options will be available to diversify the dungeon.
Adrian mulled it over, considering what the choice really meant. So, the starting environment¡­ He thought of each option, how it might impact his creatures, his traps, his overall plan. The system presented him with a range of landscapes, but one in particular caught his attention. ¡°Swamp,¡± he murmured with something like admiration. A damp, dark place filled with hidden dangers. Swamps breed decay, disease, and things most people avoid. Perfect conditions for something parasitic to thrive. The idea appealed to him more and more, like the fitting backdrop for his research and legacy. He chuckled darkly, noting the irony. ¡°So I¡¯ve gone from pristine labs to¡­ a swamp. Seems about right.¡± A grim satisfaction settled in as he locked in his choice.
System Message: Terrain selected: Swamp.
Adrian could feel it¡ªa new piece of his identity slotting into place. It¡¯s not exactly a lab, he mused, but it¡¯ll do.
The System prompts him toward his next choice, Theme.
Theme Options: Parasite Lair, he decides without hesitation, thinking of his legacy and the parasites that defined his life¡¯s work. He feels a twisted sense of pride¡ªif he is to be reborn, then so, too, will they.
System Message: Theme selected: Parasite Lair.
As Flora surfaces, his thoughts narrow to two concepts: resilience and utility.
Flora Options: The idea of Bloodroot Trees resonates with him, envisioning how they could store resources and support his creatures¡ªa silent, symbiotic source of strength.
System Message: Flora selected: Bloodroot Trees.
Finally, Fauna. Creatures to embody the grotesque and serve his vision.
Fauna Options: Flesh Crawlers, he selects, the image of those creatures aligning with his newfound connection to the dark god, Wall of Flesh.
System Message: Fauna selected: Flesh Crawlers.
Each choice solidified, the system begins its finalization. Adrian feels a strange warmth radiating through his consciousness, an unsettling reminder of the alien body he has become. The cold System voice returns, indifferent to his thoughts.
Choices recorded. Integration complete. Dungeon Core designation: Adrian Falkenrath.
He waits, anticipating a change in himself, a ripple of transformation he can¡¯t yet describe. For now, he is still. Yet with each choice, each piece of his new reality, he senses a power growing, waiting to be unleashed. Chapter 4: The Fireball Adrian drifted, suspended in an endless sea of nothingness. He thought he¡¯d see stars, galaxies even, but there was only darkness. Slowly, realization dawned on him: I¡¯m blind. The thought should have bothered him more, but instead, he found himself oddly accepting. Alright, so I¡¯m blind. I¡¯ll roll with it. Everything will work out, right? A spark of excitement lit up his mind. The dark gods had given him a second chance, a whole new world to shape. He couldn¡¯t wait to dive into his powers, to craft his new legacy. But... Two months later¡­ Boredom clawed at him. Is this my new existence? Drifting in eternal nothingness? He occupied himself with idle thoughts, conjuring theories about the world awaiting him. Maybe it¡¯s a wild, untamed land full of primal magic, he mused, or perhaps it¡¯s a kingdom crawling with knights and sorcerers, ripe for conquest. Yet, no matter how he theorized, time crept on. If only I could sleep, he thought, just until something actually happens... Suddenly, he felt a warmth around him, creeping into his awareness. The temperature rose, startling him from his haze. ¡°Man, it¡¯s getting hot here! Wait¡­ why is it getting hotter?¡±... Lukas: Lukas stepped out from the forest shadows, his boots crunching on the trail that wound back to Mar, his village nestled in the valley below. Over his shoulder, a sturdy sling held four rabbits he¡¯d snared that day, their fur soft against his back. A satisfied smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Four rabbits would fetch a good price with the innkeeper, and if he was careful with his spending, he might even put away a few extra coins. One step closer to that new bow, he thought, picturing the polished wood and the promise of stronger pulls. The one he had served him well enough, but something sturdier, crafted from the mountain¡¯s hardwood, would make all the difference. The right tools make the hunter, he remembered his old mentor saying. Lukas moved at a steady pace, no need to rush. The sun hung lazily in the sky, its warm light spilling through the trees. He figured he¡¯d have a few more hours of daylight to spare. And with a little luck, he might find Karry working the counter later. She always managed to get him to stay for one or two beers too many, but he didn¡¯t mind. There was something about her laugh, her quick smiles, the way she teased him that made him think¡­ well, maybe she already knew what was in his heart. He tried not to get his hopes up too much, but he couldn¡¯t help feeling a spark of excitement each time he neared the village, wondering if tonight might be one of those evenings when they¡¯d talk until the inn grew quiet, and he¡¯d walk back through the dark with the memory of her voice lingering in his mind. Lukas squinted up at the sky, where a streak of fire cut through the afternoon light, its fiery tail blazing as it arced toward the mountains. He blinked, wondering if he¡¯d stumbled upon some mage¡¯s duel in the distance or perhaps an unusual weather phenomenon. But the fireball moved too fast, and in an instant, it slammed into the peak of the tallest mountain. The upper third of the mountain exploded, rocks and debris scattering in every direction. Lukas froze, his heart pounding as he whispered, ¡°That¡¯s¡­ no stray fireball.¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. As he stared, a cloud rose, billowing high and thick into the sky¡ªlike a mushroom growing rapidly, its edges tinted with the reddish-orange glow of the setting sun. But before he could fully process the sight, something invisible rushed toward him, snapping branches, bending tree trunks, and tearing leaves from their branches as it barreled forward. ¡°Wha¡ª¡± was all he managed before the force reached him, ripping him from his feet. He flew backward, landing roughly four meters away, his body slamming hard against the ground. Pain shot through his arms and legs, and he gritted his teeth, grimacing as he felt scrapes and bruises where he¡¯d hit the rocks. He slowly pulled himself up, feeling the sting of his injuries, though he knew the force had lost most of its power before reaching him. As he regained his balance, he looked back at the mountain and felt his blood run cold. The mushroom cloud was changing, pulling together in a dark mass above the mountain. It grew denser, darker, churning with energy, and inside, he could see faint flashes of lightning, illuminating the cloud from within. There was something ominous about it, something unnatural that made his skin crawl. Lukas turned, his heart racing, and started sprinting back toward Mar. Whatever had happened, the village must have felt it too. They needed to know. Lukas¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as he crested the last hill, his legs aching after nearly an hour of running. Beyond the ridge lay Mar, his small village of fewer than a hundred homes scattered between fields and forest. His heart skipped a beat as he spotted smoke lingering over one of the rooftops, but relief washed over him as he saw villagers bustling around, clearly unharmed. The fire, it seemed, had been brought under control before it could spread. He forced himself to slow his pace, giving his tired legs a chance to rest as he entered the village. He made his way to the damaged house, noting that only the roof and a few rooms inside had suffered from the flames. ¡°Not too bad,¡± he murmured, running a hand along the scorched wood. ¡°A few days¡¯ work, and it¡¯ll be like new.¡± As he surveyed the damage, the village elder, Twain, approached him. The old man¡¯s face was etched with worry, his gaze flickering between the house and the ominous cloud hanging over the distant mountain. ¡°Lukas,¡± Twain greeted him, his voice carrying a weight of concern, ¡°you saw it too, didn¡¯t you? The fireball¡­ and the shockwave?¡± Lukas nodded, glancing back toward the mountain. ¡°I saw it, Elder. I was out hunting when it happened. It¡­ well, it nearly threw me off my feet.¡± The two stood in uneasy silence, watching the dark cloud that had formed above the mountain, swirling with an unnatural intensity. Lightning flashed within the cloud, illuminating its depths with brief, eerie pulses. Twain¡¯s voice trembled slightly as he spoke, ¡°I don¡¯t like the look of that. It feels¡­ wrong.¡± Lukas swallowed, his instincts telling him the same. He had lived his whole life here, and never had he seen something so unnatural. Twain turned, placing a firm hand on Lukas¡¯s shoulder, his gaze steady despite the fear in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re the only one here with enough experience in the wilds. I need you to go see what¡¯s happening on that mountain. You know these woods better than anyone.¡± He paused, glancing again at the darkened sky. ¡°I¡¯ll send someone on horseback to Terana to fetch adventurers. But it would help to know what they¡¯ll need to be ready for. I trust your judgment, Lukas.¡± Ulrick: Two days after the fireball... A heavy hand landed on Ulrick¡¯s shoulder just as he raised his mug of cheap ale to his lips. The evening was winding down, and the drink was about to taste even sweeter now that he was off-duty. Irritated, he turned, his words already spilling out. ¡°Listen, punk, I¡ª¡± He stopped mid-sentence as his eyes met the guildmaster¡¯s, and instantly he relaxed, though a hint of wariness crept into his gaze. No one in Terana crossed the guildmaster without consequence. The guildmaster, a tall, weathered man with a look that could silence a brawl, ignored Ulrick¡¯s irritation, his tone direct and unbothered. ¡°Ulrick. Just got word from the elder of Mar¡ªsmall village near the mountain. They¡¯re talking about an explosion or something unusual up there. Rider¡¯s horse was spent by the time it arrived, so it sounds urgent. I want you and your team to head out and investigate.¡± Ulrick blinked, feeling the weight of the request settle. ¡°Understood. We¡¯ll move out at first light,¡± he said automatically. He wasn¡¯t about to say no, not to this mountain of a man who¡¯d beaten sense into him more than once. The guildmaster nodded with a grunt of approval and turned to leave, but Ulrick cast a glance at the four figures slumped over at his table, their snores loud enough to rival a tavern brawl. He sighed, resigning himself to the challenge. ¡°It¡¯ll be a damn miracle if I can get this lot up in time¡­¡± he muttered, bracing himself for the headache tomorrow was sure to bring. Chapter 5: Below the cloud Adrian¡¯s mind swirled in disorientation. He could still feel the shock of impact, the burst of energy resonating through him. The sensation was exhilarating yet unsettling. Whatever had just happened, it was¡­ powerful. And yet, without vision, he couldn¡¯t see what kind of mark he¡¯d left on this world. The emptiness frustrated him. A new System Message materialized in his mind: Suitable location for dungeon installation detected. Initializing dungeon installation. Claiming dungeon territory. He felt a strange pull, and suddenly, his crystal seemed to lift into the air. He had no choice but to let it happen; there was nothing he could do to stop the transformation unfolding within him. Fine strands emerged from the base of his crystal, stretching downward and outward, threading their way into the ground below him. It was as if his very essence was branching out, seeking to root itself into this place. The feeling was alien¡ªa pulling, stretching sensation, yet strangely painless. The tendrils split, multiplying and expanding, forging an intricate web of connections across the ground. Time lost its meaning as they spread further and further; it might have been hours, or only minutes, but finally, the strange pulling sensation ceased. Adrian found himself oddly relieved, as if he¡¯d just endured a bizarre, visceral process¡ªlike someone pulling veins from his body without any physical pain. Suddenly, an electric jolt shot through his crystal, igniting the strands that now sprawled beneath him. His senses flared to life in response. He could feel it all: the weight of the earth pressing from above, the residual heat in the ground after his landing, the tiny disturbances around him. He felt¡­ connected. Another System Message interrupted his amazement: Dungeon territory claimed as per Reverse Tower specifications. Initializing terrain seeding. As the message faded, a fresh wave of sensation began to course through his new ¡°nerves.¡± The ground around him cooled rapidly, the heat draining away as if soaked up by an unseen force. Adrian noted how the earth itself seemed to dry, transforming beneath him as new impressions started flowing through his awareness. Taps¡ªgentle, countless taps from every direction. It was like soft pattering, and it resonated everywhere across the territory he now sensed. ¡°Rain¡­ that has to be rain,¡± he thought, his consciousness stretching out in wonder as he felt it falling all around him. It was a sensation he could hardly fathom, and it made him acutely aware of the sheer size of his dungeon. A perfect circle, almost twenty square kilometers of space. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ bigger than I thought,¡± he mused. ¡°And if this repeats downward with each floor¡­¡± A thrill ran through him. ¡°I¡¯ve got serious space to work with here.¡± The terrain shifted further as some of his tendrils extended upward, feeling their way into new shapes. The texture of wood¡ªa distinct sensation he recognized almost immediately. Trees. These must be trees, rising up and covering the landscape, their roots mingling with his network of nerves, grounding him in an unfamiliar yet invigorating way. The ground softened as more rain fell, transforming the landscape into wet, muddy earth. Small pools formed, with hills becoming islands amid shallow, murky water. The sensations were exhilarating, filling him with a mix of excitement and longing. He couldn¡¯t see it, but he could feel it: a vast swamp emerging around him, teeming with the unpredictable energy of life. ¡°I wish I could see what¡¯s happening¡­¡± he murmured. Another System Message appeared: Begin animal seeding. All around, he sensed taps, skips, and the faint scurry of movement. Tiny vibrations echoed across his territory, like a thousand steps, big and small. ¡°Are those animals?¡± He marveled at the sensory input. ¡°This dungeon initiation system has serious power¡­ It really does feel like a rainy swamp here.¡± A sense of satisfaction settled over him, deep and resonant. His new domain was taking form, and it felt thrillingly real. System Message: Warning! Sentient mind detected! Dungeons automatic systems are unable to function with sentient mind! Initiating deletion of sentient mind... Adrian¡¯s mind froze in terror, the meaning of the message sinking in like a weight dragging him into a dark abyss. ¡°No! No! This can¡¯t be happening! That¡¯s not what the dark gods promised me!¡± he shouted, though there was no one to hear. Suddenly, a heavy, suffocating pressure filled his mind, pushing against him like he was being squeezed out of his own existence. It felt like an unbearable force trying to eject him from his crystal core, an invisible hand prying him away from his very being. He fought back with every ounce of will he could muster, but it was like trying to swim against a tidal wave.Stolen story; please report. But then, just as quickly as it began, the pressure vanished. System Message: Error! Deletion of sentient mind failed. Divine intervention detected! Adrian¡¯s mind raced, heart pounding¡ªor at least, what felt like a heartbeat pulsing through his crystal core. Divine intervention? The words echoed in his mind as the system seemed to glitch, fragments of code and broken symbols flashing erratically. Out of the chaos, an eerie message appeared, breaking through the scramble of symbols: %2A9GIFTED#¡êARE*4&gP6YOU@£¤q^W8!cN1$ADRIAN3(0Fz7R) Then, the characters faded, the code returning to its usual clean, neutral format, as if whatever had just happened was erased from the system¡¯s memory. If Adrian had lungs, he would have gasped in relief, ¡°Oh shit! That was close! You could have warned me about that, gods!¡± He had a feeling they might hear his thoughts, but no answer came. Instead, a new System Message blinked into his awareness: New Action Initiated through Divine Intervention. Applying Divine Gifts! New Skill Gained: Berserker Rage New Gene Strain Acquired: Explosive Gas Sacks Adrian couldn¡¯t hold back his elation. ¡°Uhhh. Free skills! Thanks, gods!¡± A new message followed, cold and unfeeling, yet monumental: Divine Race Change. Dungeon Core Race Evolves to ¡°Dungeon Heart.¡± Level is retained. Then came the pain. It was a wrenching, tearing agony that he could not escape. Every strand, every molecule seemed to blaze with a scorching fire, and in his mind¡¯s eye, he felt as if he were disintegrating, only to be reshaped again and again. His atoms pulled apart, rearranging, reshaping in ways he couldn¡¯t fathom, over and over¡ªrelentless and unyielding. The pain refused to end, stretching into an eternity of blinding agony. Lukas: As Lukas climbs the steep path, he moves carefully along the narrow animal trails that wind up the mountain. Every step forward feels like venturing deeper into an unknown world. The mountain air is crisp and cold, each gust of wind pressing against him as he ascends. From time to time, the distant sound of thunder rumbles above him, the lightning splitting the sky above the dark storm cloud blanketing the mountain¡¯s peak. It looms ominously, an unnatural darkness stark against the cloudless, blue sky. He glances up, feeling a slight chill that has nothing to do with the temperature. Whatever¡¯s happening up there¡­ it must be huge. A memory floats into his mind, and he smiles despite himself. He thinks back to the inn, to the warmth and light of that evening with Karry. Her worry had been etched in her face as he told her about his mission from Twain. She¡¯d given him a free beer, but it was more than that. When he¡¯d reached for the handle of the mug, her hand had touched his, soft and warm. She¡¯d looked at him, eyes deep and serious, and whispered, ¡°Be careful up there... Promise me you¡¯ll come back.¡± And he had promised. There was no way he¡¯d break that promise. But then, just as quickly, she¡¯d pulled her hand away and hurried into the back room, leaving him momentarily baffled. She¡¯d come back with her arms full¡ªbandages, healing herbs, dried food, even extra water. He couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her determination, at the little things she¡¯d insisted he bring ¡°just in case.¡± His backpack was heavier than he¡¯d like, but there was no way he could refuse her. He could never refuse Karry¡¯s care. A sharp crack of thunder jolts him back to the present, and he tightens his grip on his bow. The closer he gets, the heavier the air seems, thick with an energy that prickles against his skin. Whatever awaits him up there, he knows he can¡¯t afford to let his guard down. Lukas continued his climb up the rugged mountain path, the trail winding and steep, yet familiar. He moved with caution, eyes scanning for any signs of movement. Every now and then, he glanced up toward the storm cloud that loomed higher above, its inky mass stark against the otherwise clear blue sky. Lightning flickered within it, and the distant roll of thunder broke the quiet serenity of the mountain air. The further he climbed, the colder the wind grew, biting through his cloak, but something else caught his attention¡ªa strange, earthy scent riding on the breeze. Wet¡­ and warm? Lukas frowned, puzzled by the contradiction. As he climbed higher, he noticed the rocks growing damp beneath his boots, slippery and slick, even though he¡¯d left the lower trails far behind. He was nearing the cloud''s underside now, the rain beginning to fall in thick, slow droplets that paid no mind to the gusts of wind sweeping around the mountainside. Then, finally, Lukas reached the top. He took in the view, eyes widening in disbelief. Where the mountain peak once stood, there was now a vast, perfectly circular crater¡ªits shape too flawless to be natural. It reminded him of tales he¡¯d heard from adventurers who had traveled south, speaking of massive volcanic craters, yet¡­ this was different. There was no lava, no smoke rising from charred earth, no heat. Just wet, clinging warmth, and a swamp, stretched out below him in a sprawling, eerie expanse. The crater was filled with waterlogged land, mud and reeds twisting through pools of stagnant water, scattered islands peeking above the swamp¡¯s murky surface. It was midday, yet the raincloud overhead cast everything in a shadowed, gloomy haze. It was as if dusk had settled within the crater, leaving only muted light to filter through. Lukas listened, hearing the rain blend with sounds he hadn¡¯t expected: the croaks of frogs, the constant buzz of insects, and distant, more unsettling noises echoing through the swamp. He stood on the rim, staring down at the swamp below, his heart torn. A part of him wanted to descend into the strange landscape, to see what lay hidden in those waters and among the reeds. But the other part, the wiser part, warned him to stay back. There was something wrong here, something deeply unnatural. He hesitated, fingers tightening on his bow as he wrestled with the choice. Lukas took a deep breath, steadying himself as he whispered, ¡°Alright¡­ what now?¡± Chapter 6: The Heart Beats! Lukas trudged deeper into the swamp, each step pulling at his boots as mud clung to them in thick layers. The air hung heavy, damp with a faint charge that prickled his skin, like the distant rumble of thunder before a storm¡ªbut this charge felt different. Whatever this energy was, it seemed to seep from the land itself, as though the very ground were alive with some strange, pulsing power. Every now and then, the storm above cracked open with lightning, throwing pale flashes across his path. Though the clouded sky kept the light dim and gloomy, it was enough to see. For now. He pressed forward, his focus set on avoiding the treacherous pools of water that dotted the swamp like traps. He stepped cautiously, but even then, his foot sank into a deceptively shallow pool. Instantly, he felt a dozen tiny, squirming grips latch onto his leg. ¡°Leeches,¡± he muttered, his skinning knife flashing as he scraped them off, grimacing as they peeled away. ¡°Better avoid that water.¡± Just ahead, a snake draped itself over a tree branch, its body hanging like a rope. Lukas froze, his eyes fixed on it, watching the slow rise and fall of its sides. It seemed asleep, but he took no chances, moving carefully around it. Each step brought him further into the heart of the swamp, and with each step, the strange energy in the air grew thicker, more intense. He noticed the plants and trees shifting in unfamiliar ways. Some of the mushrooms looked poisonous, their caps slick and oily, oozing a strange dark residue. And the trees¡ªthese weren¡¯t trees he recognized, their bark twisted and dark, almost skeletal. Even the animals looked different, like distant relatives of creatures he knew, warped and altered. A soft web brushed against his face, and he recoiled, heart pounding as he swept a hand over his cheek. A tiny spider darted away, scurrying into the cover of a nearby plant. ¡°Just a web,¡± he muttered, exhaling. But everything here felt wrong. The deeper he ventured, the more he felt like an intruder in some dark, breathing world. Every crackle of thunder, every flicker of light felt like a warning. And yet he kept moving forward, the pulse of energy drawing him closer, its pull almost irresistible. As Lukas pressed on, he noticed that the swamp was changing. The animals, once abundant in the shadows, seemed to vanish, leaving only eerie silence in their place. The plants, thick and tangled before, grew sparse, the twisted trees thinning out as he moved further. He remembered the view from the caldera¡¯s edge¡ªthe sprawling swamp spreading out below¡ªand realized he must be near the middle by now. Hours had passed, though he couldn¡¯t tell for sure; the ever-present clouds overhead swallowed any hint of the sun, casting everything in a timeless, murky gloom. Then he saw it¡ªsomething that made him stop in his tracks. In a clearing, surrounded by bare, pulsing earth, stood a massive, strange thing. A heart¡ªgiant, grotesque¡ªloomed before him, its surface slick and dark, each vein thick and pulsing as if it were alive. Its base plunged into the ground, where dark tendrils¡ªveins, almost¡ªspread from it like roots, sinking into the earth. This¡­ this didn¡¯t belong here. Lukas felt a wave of awe wash over him, his mind grappling with the sight of something so alien. The heart, silent and still, seemed to breathe power, as if waiting. Compelled, he took a slow step forward. But then, just as his foot reaches the ground, the swamp falls deathly still, and a slow, rhythmic thump pulses through the ground. The heartbeat grows louder, each beat radiating through the soil beneath his feet, building like a crescendo. And then, with a deafening crack, the ground around the heart splits, dirt and roots tearing apart. From within the earth, a hollow, dead-looking tree erupts, surrounding the heart in a twisted, protective shroud. The noise, the sudden eruption, the way the ground seems to heave under the force¡ªit¡¯s all too much. Lukas stumbles back, terror seizing him. He turns and bolts, crashing through the swamp, desperate to escape whatever unnatural thing he¡¯s just witnessed. He¡¯s seen enough¡ªmore than enough¡ªand nothing could make him go back. Adrian: Adrian floated in a haze of agony, unable to escape the constant, searing pain that wrapped around him like a vice. His mind drifted, lost in the relentless torrent of sensation. Seconds, minutes, hours¡­ time had lost all meaning, stretching into a torment he could neither end nor ignore. Finally, mercifully, the pain began to ebb. Relief washed over him in waves, and he could almost feel himself breathe, as if he¡¯d surfaced from a deep, dark pool. Slowly, his awareness sharpened, memories of the agony lingering like shadows at the edge of his mind. Bit by bit, he focused, testing his senses. First, he felt the swamp¡ªa damp, endless mass stretching around him, teeming with sluggish life. He could sense the animals, the wetness of the soil, and the faint vibrations of the creatures that moved through his domain. But something else caught his attention. Not far from him, he felt a steady, heavy thumping, moving quickly away from his heart. It was too large, too deliberate, to be one of the animals. And the other creatures¡­ they were avoiding his location, steering clear with an instinctive dread. What is that? he wondered, wishing he could see, straining for any way to make sense of this intruder. Just then, words appeared in his mind with a clarity that cut through his thoughts: "Transformation Completed. Dungeon online. Monster Spawning enabled." The system message was a jolt of clarity, a reminder of his purpose here. The fleeing steps he¡¯d sensed¡ªwhatever, or whoever, it was¡ªfaded from his focus. Now, he could finally begin. Adrian focused, feeling a strange urge to call upon¡­ something. His thoughts coalesced around a single word: Status. In response, a structured display appeared in his mind, crisp and exact, like reading a data sheet: Character Overview: A new line caught his eye: The value was small but essential, a resource he sensed would fuel whatever lay ahead. Beneath the Character Overview, a new section appeared: Skills: Each skill seemed to pulse with promise, offering ways to shape, defend, and, if needed, unleash extraordinary power. Adrian felt a thrill of excitement¡ªthe possibilities were broadening, and with this foundation, he could start to explore what it truly meant to be a dungeon Hearth. Adrian¡¯s gaze settled on Race: Dungeon Heart, Level 1. Curiosity flared, and he focused on the term, willing the system to reveal more. A faint pulse of energy responded, followed by a cold, mechanical voice in his mind: "Dungeon Heart: A1#B3^&C8%@!Z2$X9^P7?K0&L4!M5@J8%R6#T1Q " But instead of an explanation, the system flickered, and a cascade of jumbled symbols¡ªglitchy, unintelligible¡ªfilled his mind, twisting and shifting before fading away in a garbled mess. Adrian frowned. So even the system doesn¡¯t know what I am? Or maybe¡­ it¡¯s something it isn¡¯t meant to explain. The lack of clarity only deepened the strangeness of his new existence. Whatever he had become, the system itself seemed unable¡ªor unwilling¡ªto define it. Adrian¡¯s gaze moved over the new skills section, each entry offering a small description, inviting him to consider the possibilities. Skills: Spawnable Monsters: Curious, Adrian focused on each entry, and a brief description filled his mind. Adrian felt a surge of excitement at the thought. A sensory organ! Finally, he¡¯d be able to see something, anything. Without hesitation, he chose to spawn an Oculnid, eagerly watching as Bio-Matter drained from his reserves. The creature formed, skittering across the damp ground before he directed it to climb the inside of the dead tree surrounding him. He felt, tense with anticipation, as it scaled the inner trunk, finally biting into the bark and settling into place. In a sudden, dizzying rush, Adrian saw for the first time. Through the Oculnid¡¯s wide, unblinking eye, he gazed down at himself¡ªhis Dungeon Heart¡ªa massive, throbbing organ suspended in the hollow of the tree. Red veins pulsed through its surface, each beat sending waves of Bio-Matter surging through the tendrils below, and a faint, eerie glow emanated from within. The sight was strange, powerful, and chillingly alien. A thrill shot through him. This was his form now¡ªa heart, an existence that pulsed with life and power. The dungeon was alive, and it was his. Overwhelmed by the sudden flood of vision, Adrian took a moment to savor it. Through the Oculnid¡¯s eye, he marveled at the murky swamp around him, the twisted shapes of trees, and the shifting mist that clung to the ground like a veil. It was strange, unsettling even, but it was his, every dark inch of it. For several minutes, he simply enjoyed the moment, absorbing his new reality. But soon, his sense of purpose returned. It was time to put his resources to work. Adrian focused on Monster Spawning once more, directing his attention to the empty stretches of his swamp. With deliberate intent, he placed two Bloodroot Trees and two Flesh Crawler Queens about 100 meters away from his heart. As he summoned them, he observed each monster¡¯s disturbing form. The Bloodroot Trees looked like grotesque imitations of natural trees, each one composed of multiple thin, trunk-like structures twisting around each other. They pulsed with a muscle-like movement, giving the appearance of something both plant and flesh. At the core of each tree, he noted a small sphere nestled among the trunks¡ªa hollow space just large enough to house a Flesh Crawler Queen. The Queens themselves were revolting to behold: they resembled four-legged spiders made of raw, skinless flesh, with exposed muscle and tendons twitching as they moved. Each queen was about 30 centimeters high, with a thick ovipositor at the rear that marked it as the egg-laying core of its brood. The smaller Flesh Crawlers, which he could spawn from the queens, shared this appearance but lacked the ovipositor. They had pincers, bony plates for armor, and what looked like poison glands, giving them a dangerous, insectoid presence. Then he placed one Bloodroot Tree with a queen in the direction where he¡¯d sensed those hurried footsteps earlier. A small thrill surged within him at the thought. Better save than sorry! To complete his new forces, Adrian summoned five Collectors. They looked like oversized mosquitoes, each around 20 centimeters long, with a thin, flexible proboscis and two stomachs¡ªone for feeding and one for transporting Bio-Matter back to the dungeon heart. He watched as they hovered, ready for orders, and sent them out with a single-minded purpose: find him Bio-Matter. Satisfied, he noted his remaining Bio-Matter¡ª7/1000¡ªand felt a dark sense of satisfaction. Let¡¯s get this ball rolling, he thought, relishing the mad scientist energy coursing through him. If he had a mouth, he would be grinning. Chapter 7: Pain and Sorrow Lukas bolted, heart hammering as he raced through the swamp. He barely noticed the clawing mud pulling at his boots or the tangled branches snagging his clothes. His mind reeled with the memory of that thing¡ªthe giant, pulsing heart surrounded by roots, looming like some terrible omen. He had to get away. Away from the swamp, away from whatever had conjured that monstrosity. He could still hear the rhythmic, thunderous beats behind him, fading with every frantic step. His focus wavered, just for a moment, and pain shot up his leg as something sharp latched onto his ankle. He stumbled, slipping on the mud, his hand instinctively reaching for the ground. Before he could process the fall, he was up again, fueled by sheer fear, ignoring the throbbing pain. The swamp blurred around him in a dizzying mess of twisted trees and dark water until, finally, he broke through to the swamp¡¯s edge. His legs buckled, and he leaned back against the cold, wet stone of the caldera wall, breathing in gasps. Rain poured down, soaking him through, but he welcomed it, letting it cool his overheated body as he scanned the swamp, looking for any sign of pursuit. For several tense minutes, he sat there, the only sounds his labored breaths and the rain pattering around him. Gradually, his pulse slowed, the panic ebbing as he realized that nothing had followed him out. Lukas fumbled for his pack, his hands shaking as he rummaged for food and water to steady his nerves. But as he pulled his pack open, he felt a sinking dread¡ªhis legs were covered in mud, but he could see leeches clinging stubbornly to his calves. He groaned, grabbing his skinning knife and scraping them off, one by one, their wriggling bodies splattering on the wet stone. Then he noticed it: two red, swollen dots just above his ankle, the unmistakable mark of a bite. He hadn¡¯t even registered the pain until he saw it, but now a sharp, pulsing ache began to throb in his leg. Gritting his teeth, he chewed a few of the herbs he¡¯d brought from Karry¡¯s stock, praying something in the mix would fight off the poison. As he rested, Lukas let his mind wander over what he¡¯d seen. The swamp had seemed surreal and twisted from the start, but whatever that heart had done¡­ he shuddered, unwilling to think too deeply on it. In retrospect, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit embarrassed. He¡¯d come out here alone, confident in his skills, only to be reduced to a terrified wreck, slipping in the mud and scrambling to escape. But he knew, deep down, that his fear had been justified. Whatever that heart had done, it had been enough to drive even him to flee without a second thought. Much Later that day: Lukas staggered onto the dirt road between the fields, every step a struggle to keep himself upright. His body felt like it was made of lead, each movement sending sharp jolts of pain from his injured leg. The village of Mar was just ahead, but the distance seemed to stretch endlessly. As he limped forward, a familiar figure appeared in the distance, a small girl walking with a cane. It was Lucy. She noticed him immediately, her face lighting up with a smile as she began hobbling over, happy to see him return. But her expression changed as she got closer, her bright eyes darkening with concern as she took in his haggard appearance. His clothes were caked in mud, and his skin was pale, his leg swollen and barely holding his weight. Lukas barely registered her approach, his mind focused solely on staying conscious. The world around him seemed to blur, sounds fading in and out, but he could feel her presence beside him, steady and patient. He tried to keep going, each step dragging as he fought against the darkness creeping into his vision. Somewhere nearby, he heard her scream, the sound piercing through the haze, but he couldn¡¯t make out the words. His focus slipped, and his head swam as new figures appeared, running toward him. I¡¯m safe¡­ I¡¯m back¡­ finally¡­ With those thoughts, his last reserves of strength gave out, and everything went black. The villagers reached him in a panic, murmuring in alarm as they gathered around his unconscious form. They lifted him carefully, carrying him toward the small herbalist¡¯s hut on the edge of Mar. The village couldn¡¯t afford a healer, but their herbalist, with her knowledge of plants and remedies, was as close as they had to a healer. She had treated everything from cuts to fevers, and they hoped she¡¯d know how to help him now. Lucy: Lucy watched as the villagers hurried down the dirt path, Lukas¡¯s unconscious form cradled in their arms. She wanted to follow, to be there when he woke up, but her leg made it impossible to keep up with their urgent pace. She lingered on the path, leaning on her cane, watching as the group disappeared from view. A pang of frustration welled up in her chest, but she quickly pushed it aside. There were other ways she could help. Her thoughts drifted back to Lukas¡¯s injuries¡ªthe paleness of his face, the swollen leg, and the tired slump of his shoulders. If he was hurt that badly, he¡¯d need something nourishing to help him heal. Maybe she couldn¡¯t offer medical expertise, but she could at least make sure he had something healthy to eat. Her mind immediately went to the wild herbs and vegetables she knew grew near the village. She¡¯d gathered them before, wandering through the fields and small clearings on days when her leg allowed. She couldn¡¯t risk using anything from home; her parents wouldn¡¯t be pleased if she took from their supplies, and she didn¡¯t want to face their anger. But if she could find enough plants outside, she could make something simple yet hearty for Lukas, a small gesture of care she could offer on her own. With a determined nod, she tightened her grip on her cane and turned toward the fields, scanning the ground for the familiar leaves and stems she¡¯d learned to recognize. Despite her limitations, Lucy moved with a quiet confidence, her thoughts focused on helping in the way she knew best. Lukas: The next morning, Lukas awoke to the dim light of the herbalist¡¯s hut, feeling disoriented. His legs were tightly bandaged, and a wet cloth rested on his forehead. The smell of herbs filled the air, overwhelming his senses as he groaned, a deep ache radiating from his injured leg. The herbalist approached, a calm but weathered presence, and explained his situation: he¡¯d been brought here by the villagers after collapsing on the edge of the swamp. She sat beside him, offering him a bowl of cold vegetable stew. As he took a tentative bite, she mentioned that Lucy had brought it over while he was still unconscious.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Such a kind girl,¡± the herbalist murmured. ¡°She made this for you herself.¡± Lukas nodded, the flavors of the simple meal bringing a strange comfort. Left alone for a while, he replayed the events of the swamp in his mind, a wave of humiliation and fear washing over him. His chest felt heavy with the memory of the heart, the panic that had forced him to flee. Just then, the door burst open, and Karry rushed in, her face lined with worry. She¡¯d already visited earlier, but he¡¯d still been unconscious. Now, seeing him awake, she visibly relaxed, sitting beside him and gripping his hand. ¡°I was so worried, Lukas,¡± she whispered, ignoring the herbalist¡¯s reassurances that he¡¯d recover in time. They spoke quietly, her voice a balm to his shaken spirit. But as they talked, Twain entered the hut, bringing with him the adventurer party leader, Ulrick¡ªa tall, steady man with a fierce determination in his eyes. Twain explained the situation in a low voice. ¡°Ulrick and his team are going to assess what¡¯s happening up there in the swamp. They need your account to know what they¡¯re up against.¡± Ulrick nodded, his expression unwavering as he looked down at Lukas. ¡°Tell us what you saw,¡± he said. Lukas took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He spoke of the swamp¡¯s dangers, its endless pools of mud and dark, twisted trees. But when he got to the heart, his voice faltered, remembering the looming shape, the terrifying pulse. ¡°There was¡­ this heart,¡± he managed. ¡°Huge, pulsing, like it was alive. And the fear¡­ it hit me all at once. I ran.¡± Twain looked shocked, glancing at Ulrick, whose expression had grown more intense. Ulrick¡¯s jaw tightened, but a glint of determination shone in his eyes. ¡°Then we¡¯ll be ready.¡± After the herbalist ushered everyone out, Lukas lay in silence, letting the quietness soothe his nerves and ease the lingering aches. He¡¯d been given time to rest, and for the first time since entering the swamp, he felt some peace. Hours passed, and he was nearly dozing off when the door creaked open gently. He looked up to see Lucy stepping inside, her small frame covered in a fine layer of dust, with bits of hay tangled in her messy hair. Her clothes were smeared with animal filth, her expression nervous but hopeful as she approached. ¡°Lucy,¡± he greeted her, his voice soft, surprised by her state. He shifted, sitting up to offer her a gentle smile. ¡°Thank you for the stew¡ªit was tasty and just what I needed.¡± A shy smile spread across her face, and she seemed to brighten, relieved by his kind words. They spoke quietly, Lukas¡¯s tone warm and grateful, but eventually, his eyes couldn¡¯t help but wander to the dirt and straw clinging to her clothes and hair. ¡°Why are you so dirty, Lucy?¡± he asked, chuckling a little. ¡°Were you playing with the animals in the barn?¡± Her expression faltered, and she hesitated, biting her lip as she glanced away. ¡°No¡­ my parents made me sleep out there last night because¡­ because I cooked for you.¡± The words slipped out before she could stop them, and her face turned crimson as she realized her mistake. She quickly looked down, wishing she could take it back, but Lukas¡¯s expression had already shifted. He was silent for a moment, his initial surprise morphing into a simmering fury. ¡°They made you sleep in the barn¡­ because you made me a meal?¡± His voice was quiet, controlled, but laced with anger. Lucy swallowed, nodding quickly as if to downplay it. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡ª¡± But Lukas was already struggling to his feet, his anger overpowering his exhaustion. His legs wobbled, still weak, but he steadied himself, his face set in hard lines as he made his way to the door. ¡°Stay here, Lucy.¡± Without another word, he stepped outside, crossing the village with a barely restrained fury. By now, several villagers were out and about, and they turned to stare as Lukas stormed up to Lucy¡¯s family¡¯s modest home, his face dark with anger. He didn¡¯t knock¡ªhe pounded on the door, waiting only long enough for her parents to emerge, their expressions turning defensive as they took in Lukas¡¯s glare. ¡°What kind of parents are you?¡± Lukas shouted, his voice loud enough to draw more villagers¡¯ attention. ¡°How could you treat your own daughter that way? She only wanted to help me! Do you have any idea how kind she is, how thoughtful? And you punished her for it?¡± Lucy¡¯s parents shrank under his words, glancing around uncomfortably as the other villagers began to murmur, casting disapproving glances their way. Lukas didn¡¯t relent, his voice shaking with anger. ¡°If I ever hear of you treating her like that again, you¡¯ll answer to me. I may be hurt now, but when I recover, don¡¯t think I¡¯ll forget.¡± The villagers whispered, some nodding in silent agreement, while others looked on with shock. One of the elders placed a hand on Lukas¡¯s shoulder, gently encouraging him to return to the herbalist to rest. Reluctantly, he allowed them to guide him back, though he cast one last glare at Lucy¡¯s parents. When he returned to the herbalist¡¯s hut, Lucy was waiting, her eyes wide, as if uncertain of what to say. Lukas still fumed as he sat down, but his expression softened as he looked at her, a protective warmth replacing his anger. ¡°Don¡¯t let anyone make you feel small, Lucy,¡± he murmured, his tone gentle. ¡°You¡¯re better than that.¡± Ulrick: Ulrick led his party through the village, their expressions serious as they prepared for their venture into the swamp. They¡¯d already visited the herbalist and gathered several pouches of potent herbs, rumored to boost healing and ward off poisons¡ªprecautions they hoped would keep them safe from whatever had overpowered Lukas. As they headed toward the inn to gather rations, they heard Lukas¡¯s furious shouts echoing through the village. The party exchanged glances but chose not to intervene; it seemed like a personal matter, and they had their own mission to focus on. Inside the inn, they found Karry, her expression laced with worry as she saw them enter. She looked like she wanted to say something, but Ulrick¡¯s group was already in the middle of discussing supplies. That¡¯s when Vin, their healer, started speaking in his unique, backward way. ¡°Food, we¡¯ll need more,¡± he began, his voice steady but his phrasing a bit tangled. ¡°Healing, herbs we have, but rations¡ªimportant, yes.¡± Karry raised an eyebrow, but the rest of the group nodded, used to Vin¡¯s peculiar way of talking. He was a strange one, Vin. Despite his deep knowledge of herbal remedies and survival, he couldn¡¯t write his own name, and his communication was often confusing to outsiders. But his companions had long learned to appreciate his quirks. They knew that while his words were unusual, his skills had saved them more than once. Once they packed away the rations, the group decided to sit down for a last beer before heading out. The inn was warm, filled with the low murmur of villagers and the clink of mugs. As they settled around a corner table, Ulrick looked around at his crew, taking in their faces. Ulrick himself, axe and shield always within reach, had a natural talent for leadership. He carried himself with a steady presence that made the others trust him without question. His sharp eyes swept over each of them, reading their moods as they prepared for the unknown. Beside him sat Nole, the hunter of the group, her tight leather armor drawing more than a few glances as she adjusted her bow and quiver. Good-looking and aware of it, she enjoyed the attention but kept her heart guarded. Relationships weren¡¯t for her, but a little harmless admiration from afar? She didn¡¯t mind that at all. Across the table, Vin sat quietly, his hands wrapped around his mug. Often a loner, Vin had a strange way about him that set him apart. Though he communicated in an unusual manner and sometimes felt more comfortable alone with his thoughts, he¡¯d found a place with this group. His friends accepted him for who he was, which was enough for him. Brill, their acolyte specializing in fire magic, leaned back confidently, his fingers tapping rhythmically on his mug. He was proud¡ªsome might say too proud¡ªbut his skills with fire had proven invaluable. His high opinion of himself was matched only by his soft spot for Nole, the one person he allowed to tease him without letting his pride get in the way. Finally, there was Gale, the newest member, and the group¡¯s youngest at fifteen. He was still green, having only joined the adventuring business three weeks ago, and wielded a two-handed sword he could barely handle. But his heart was in the right place, and the older members looked out for him. They all knew he had a lot to learn, and they wanted to give him every chance to do so safely. Gale raised his mug enthusiastically, though they limited him to just one drink¡ªhe couldn¡¯t hold his alcohol, and they weren¡¯t taking any risks before heading into the swamp. As they finished their beers, Ulrick took one last look around the table, nodding to each of them. They were ready, in as much as they could be. With supplies gathered, weapons and gear prepared, and spirits lifted, the party rose, leaving the warmth of the inn behind as they set out to face the mysteries of the swamp. Chapter 8: Chomp! Bio-Matter: 87/1000 Adrian surveyed his progress with satisfaction. His collectors were busy, darting through the swamp as they gathered dead animals, plants, and other biomass, zipping back to his core at impressive speeds. He could feel the steady trickle of bio-matter flowing into his reserves, slowly replenishing his initial investment. While the swamp was still sparsely populated in terms of monsters, Adrian was ready to fix that. With his reserves back up, he concentrated on spawning another pair¡ªa Bloodroot Tree and a Flesh Crawler Queen¡ªpositioned deeper within the dungeon¡¯s range. As the familiar sensation of spawning washed over him, something unusual happened. One of the collectors returned, carrying a bundle of mushrooms, and tossed them into the hole in the wall Adrian had identified as his stomach. The mushrooms fell into the grinding pit, and within moments, the system processed their DNA. He felt the familiar sorting and separation of DNA strands¡ªmostly minor features he hadn¡¯t found much use for yet, like insect legs for his Flesh Crawlers, which were weaker than the standard ones. But the moment the mushrooms were broken down, a new system message appeared:
System Message Mycelium resonates with Bio-Mancer class and Parasite Lair theme. New Trap option gained: Corpsecap. Corpsecap: Corpsecap mushrooms have caps filled with explosive gas. It will explode if a creature gets too close to it, covering the creature in spores. Cost: 5 Bio-Matter. Integrates into the environment.
Adrian¡¯s thoughts sparked with delight as he read the description of his new trap. The idea of ¡°integration into the environment¡± piqued his curiosity, though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure what it meant just yet. But that was a question for later¡ªright now, it was time to put his new tool to work. He spawned a handful of Corpsecap mushrooms throughout the dungeon, placing them near key areas and close to some of the newly added Bloodroot Trees. After that, he added a few more collectors and Flesh Crawler Queens, scattering them in strategic spots to fill out the swamp¡¯s defenses. As he watched his bio-matter reserves dwindle, nearly empty, he felt a thrill of anticipation. With his dungeon now teeming with a few more creatures and fungal surprises, it was ready to offer a challenge. All that was left was to wait for something¡ªor someone¡ªto trigger his new additions. With the recent additions to his dungeon, Adrian decided it was time to expand his field of vision. He summoned two more Oculnids and positioned them strategically around the hollow tree. He¡¯d expected the experience of seeing through multiple eyes at once to be disorienting, especially as each Oculnid offered a different angle and perspective of the swamp. Yet, as he focused on his new ¡°sight,¡± he felt no confusion or overload. Somehow, his mind processed the multiple viewpoints simultaneously with perfect clarity. It was as though his thoughts had been altered, adapted to handle the expanded sensory input without strain. He could see through every eye, each viewpoint seamlessly integrated into his awareness. Adrian found himself wondering if this was another adaptation of his race as a Dungeon Heart¡ªa change in his mind¡¯s architecture that allowed him to work with these new, complex perceptions. It was as though the system had taken every aspect of his new existence into account, ensuring that he¡¯d function optimally as the core of this dark and twisted place. A few hours passed, and Adrian¡¯s collectors returned with something unexpected. As the corpse of a recently slain animal landed in his stomach, the system processed two new DNA strains. The first was just the animal itself¡ªnothing particularly exciting. But the second caught his attention: Lesser Blood Parasite. His interest piqued as he examined this new strain, recalling how the creature had fallen to his Flesh Crawlers earlier. He¡¯d given them explicit orders to leave the body intact, anticipating that his collectors would handle the retrieval. It had taken two collectors to carry it back, their strength clearly lacking for anything heavier than standard pickups. Adrian made a mental note that while his collectors excelled at gathering bio-matter sacks from the Bloodroot Trees, their carrying capacity was limited. Sadly, DNA could not be extracted from those sacks¡ªonly from entire organisms. The arrival of the parasite strain hinted at something intriguing: there might be more life forms within his dungeon he hadn¡¯t yet detected, hidden parasites lurking in the swamp. This seemed fitting, considering his theme of Parasite Lair. Although no new spawning options were unlocked, the system informed him of a progress marker: Parasite Samples 1/5. It seemed that with time¡ªand perhaps a few more encounters¡ªhe¡¯d unlock something valuable. With a small reserve of bio-matter remaining, Adrian decided it was time for a test. He selected one of the younger Flesh Crawlers, ordering it into the hollow tree where his core resided. Let¡¯s see what this ¡°Bio-Matter Overcharge¡± can do, he thought, a flicker of excitement sparking through his consciousness as he prepared to push the boundaries of his powers. Adrian examined the young Flesh Crawler, noting its smaller size compared to the others. It must have just hatched, barely larger than the width of his core¡¯s pulsating chamber. The queens seemed to pump out eggs rapidly, especially until their brood reached the limit of ten additional members¡ªexcluding the tree, of course. ¡°Well, young or not,¡± he thought with a hint of anticipation, ¡°let¡¯s see what Bio-Matter Overcharge can do.¡± As he activated the skill, he watched in astonishment as the little crawler began to transform before him. The creature¡¯s body expanded rapidly, muscles bulging as its tiny frame morphed. Adrian had intended to invest 15 bio-matter points, but as the transformation accelerated, he¡¯d already exceeded his goal¡ªhe¡¯d pumped in 19 points before he could stop himself. The results, however, were impressive. The once-small Flesh Crawler now stood nearly 1.3 meters tall, its neck elongated and thickened, while its mandibles had grown to intimidating proportions. Its face was now protected by a dark gray bone plate, a shift from the lighter bone color it had previously. Armor plates sprouted along its back and abdomen, forming a segmented, nearly enclosed exoskeleton with a slit along the middle, dividing the plates horizontally. Even its legs had toughened, covered with jagged bone plates, and at the tips of its feet, sharp, bony claws jutted out, ideal for gripping surfaces or even delivering quick, lethal stabs. But the best part? It had arms¡ªor something close. Short, sickle-like limbs protruded from its sides, devoid of hands but deadly in their sharpness. They weren¡¯t tools for grasping, but they¡¯d make for effective slashing weapons. Adrian¡¯s mind buzzed with satisfaction. The experiment had been a total success. But then, something unexpected happened. ¡°Mastaa¡ª¡± The sound was strange, a mix of clicking noises that seemed to vibrate through the hollow tree. ¡°Hello¡­ little guy?¡± Adrian thought, uncertain if the creature could actually hear him. ¡°Hulu litl guy!¡± The creature¡¯s clicks responded, somehow repeating his words with eerie accuracy. Adrian¡¯s focus sharpened on the crawler, and a system message appeared:
System MessageReading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Evolved Flesh Crawler. An advanced version of the standard Flesh Crawler. This individual was boosted with Bio-Matter Overcharge and has developed a low level of intelligence. This development was influenced by the mind of the Dungeon Heart.
Adrian¡¯s shock settled in. Intelligence? Could this creature actually think on some level? As he processed the revelation, a strange realization crept over him¡ªa strange, unsettling warmth. Did¡­ did I just become a father? The creature stood before him, its new form glinting in the dim, pulsing light of the tree. The bond was faint, but it was there, tethering Adrian to this bizarre, grotesque, and oddly endearing being. This experiment had indeed gone far beyond his expectations. After a few moments of trying to communicate with his new ¡°intelligent¡± resident, Adrian¡¯s initial excitement began to wane. Intelligence, as he realized, wasn¡¯t exactly what he¡¯d imagined. Chomp was¡­ enthusiastic, sure, but his level of intelligence was closer to that of a dog¡ªan eager dog that could make sounds resembling words, but far from truly understanding complex commands. Still, Adrian couldn¡¯t deny the importance of this discovery. The clicks and chittering sounds Chomp made were clearly a language of their own. The patterns didn¡¯t match any known language Adrian was familiar with, suggesting that perhaps he had the potential to understand creatures or languages previously unknown to him. It was also possible that his dungeon senses automatically translated his creatures¡¯ languages, while leaving other languages untranslated. Either way, he¡¯d need more examples before drawing conclusions. Lost in thought, Adrian finally came up with a fitting name for his new companion. ¡°Chomp,¡± he thought simply. The moment he shared this with the creature, Chomp¡¯s excitement was palpable. The little crawler nearly vibrated with joy, clicking and repeating his name as if it were the greatest gift he¡¯d ever received. Adrian couldn¡¯t help but feel a touch of amusement, though the novelty soon wore thin as Chomp continued bouncing around. ¡°All right, that¡¯s enough, Chomp,¡± he said with a hint of frustration. ¡°Go out and explore¡ªbut don¡¯t run off too far.¡± Chomp chittered happily and practically zoomed out of the hollow tree, leaping and clicking, as if the sensation of movement itself was brand new. Adrian observed the little crawler¡¯s antics and sighed. Now I remember why I never wanted kids, he thought. Still, abandoning his creation wasn¡¯t an option. There was a strange sense of responsibility lingering at the back of his mind. His musings were interrupted as a sudden, distant sensation prickled along the edges of his dungeon¡¯s range. Heavy, rhythmic thuds echoed through his awareness, five of them in total. The impact was enough to reverberate through his senses, unsettling the stillness of the swamp. ¡°What could that be?¡± he wondered, a mix of curiosity and caution sharpening his focus. Whatever was approaching, it was heavy¡ªand it was headed his way. Ulrick and his team stood at the edge of the caldera, looking down into the swamp below. They¡¯d taken longer than Lukas to get here, unfamiliar with the land and cautious in their approach. Now, seeing the dark, twisted swamp for the first time, they understood what Lukas had meant by "unnatural." Carefully, they climbed down into the caldera. When their feet finally touched the muddy ground, a shiver passed through each of them. All the experienced members exchanged wary glances, a silent acknowledgment that something was wrong¡ªexcept for the youngest, Gale, who looked around in puzzlement. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked, noticing their reactions. Ulrick took a deep breath, steadying himself before he looked at Gale. ¡°Listen, kid¡­ this just got a lot more dangerous. Do you feel it? That pressure¡­ the heaviness that wasn¡¯t there before we entered the swamp?¡± Gale swallowed, his voice uncertain. ¡°Y-Yeah¡­ I thought that was just my nerves.¡± Ulrick locked eyes with him, his gaze serious. ¡°No, kid. That¡¯s the aura of a dungeon. But it¡¯s¡­ strange.¡± The hunter, Nole, normally cheerful, added in a voice tinged with worry, ¡°The dungeon¡¯s aura¡­ it hits us in waves. I¡¯ve never felt anything like it. If this is a dungeon, it¡¯s unlike any I¡¯ve ever seen. We were in two dungeons together and the dungeon aura is a constant, always!¡± Vin, their healer, began muttering in his peculiar, backward way of speaking. ¡°Area too small. Not a field dungeon. Above ground, no typical dungeon. No tower, not a tower dungeon. New type, perhaps. Never heard of a dungeon with a heart. Aura strange.¡± Ulrick turned to Gale again, his tone grave. ¡°Kid, I think it¡¯s better if you climb back out. We¡¯re in uncharted territory here, and no one knows what we¡¯re facing. Lukas only mentioned swamp animals, but who knows what¡¯s waiting for us now.¡± Gale¡¯s face hardened, a touch of defiance in his eyes. ¡°No! You said we¡¯re a team. We stick together!¡± Ulrick let out a resigned sigh. He was known for his loyalty to his word, and Gale¡¯s insistence had struck a nerve. ¡°Alright, fine. You stay in the middle, but when I say you bolt, you run like your life depends on it. Understood?¡± ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Gale replied, less certain now as he saw the mix of determination, fear, and worry flicker across Ulrick¡¯s face. Ulrick straightened, taking one last look at each of his team members. ¡°Alright, team, we move out. Eyes open. Always.¡± With that, they stepped forward into the swamp, every sense on high alert, each of them feeling the unrelenting pressure of the unknown bearing down on them. The team moved slowly through the swamp, their eyes darting to every shadow and ripple. Familiar sounds of wetlands filled the air, but interspersed were unfamiliar noises that set them on edge. Each time a new sound emerged, they halted, weapons at the ready. Sweat trickled down Ulrick''s brow, the oppressive heat and humidity pressing on his mind like a heavy weight. In the murky, diffused light, every twisted tree seemed alive, branches appearing to sway unnaturally at the edges of their vision. The gnarled plants looked as if they''d been plucked from someone''s nightmare, adding to the eerie atmosphere. As they navigated around a particularly large pool of stagnant water, Ulrick noticed something¡ªa pair of small dots gliding just above the surface. "Hold up," he whispered, raising a hand. The dots seemed to track their movement, floating silently before suddenly disappearing beneath the water. A chill ran down Ulrick''s spine. He waited, tense, but when nothing happened after a few moments, he allowed himself a slight exhale. "Probably just swamp gas or some critter," Nole murmured, though her eyes remained wary. They took another cautious step when suddenly, with a massive splash, a gigantic beast burst from the pool. Its elongated jaws, lined with razor-sharp teeth, snapped inches from Nole''s face. She sprang back with lightning speed, her enhanced agility from years of training saving her from a grisly fate. "What is that thing?" Gale shouted, eyes wide. Without hesitation, Ulrick charged forward, slamming his shield into the creature''s snout. The impact reverberated up his arm. "Its head feels like solid rock!" he thought, gritting his teeth. The beast recoiled slightly but seemed more annoyed than hurt. As Ulrick retreated a few steps to reassess, two arrows whistled past him, embedding themselves in the creature''s flank. Nole had recovered and was firing with precision, but the arrows barely penetrated its tough, scaled hide. "These scales are like armor!" Ulrick shouted. The beast let out a guttural roar, its eyes locking onto him with primal fury. "Keep its attention!" Brill yelled from behind. Ulrick nodded, stepping side to side, waving his axe to draw the beast''s focus. He feinted forward, landing a glancing blow on its side, but it seemed unfazed. Suddenly, a torrent of flames erupted over his shoulder as Brill unleashed a continuous stream of fire from his outstretched hands, engulfing the beast in searing heat. "That should do it," Ulrick thought, shielding his face from the intense heat. But to their horror, the creature shook off the flames and charged straight through, heading directly for Brill. Brill''s eyes widened in panic as the beast closed in. Time seemed to slow. Just as the creature lunged, a figure blurred past. Gale leaped between them, his two-handed sword raised high. With a desperate cry, he brought the blade down in a powerful arc, slicing deep into the beast''s snout. The creature bellowed in pain, thrashing violently. Before it could retaliate or retreat, another arrow flew true, this time piercing its eye. The beast shuddered, its massive form collapsing into the mud with a resounding thud. Silence settled over the swamp, broken only by their heavy breaths. Brill sank to his knees, his face pale. "I... I almost lost a limb¡ªor worse," he stammered. Ulrick placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "But you didn''t. Thanks to Gale." Gale gave a shaky nod, adrenaline still coursing through him. "Glad I could help." Vin stepped closer to the fallen creature, his gaze analytical. "Unknown monster. Fireproof skin," he stated in his characteristic clipped speech. He turned to Nole. "Nole. Harvest." She nodded, wiping sweat from her brow. "On it." As the team took a moment to rest, Nole set to work with her skinning knife. Despite her skill, the beast''s hide proved challenging. She managed to extract larger pieces but struggled with the tougher scales. "This hide is incredible," she mused. "With some additional leather, this could make a fine chest piece." A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "Maybe we can find another one of these beasts?" The rest of the team stared at her in disbelief. "Are you out of your mind?" Brill exclaimed. "One nearly toasted us alive!" Vin, gazing up at the overcast sky as if lost in thought, added nothing. Nole shrugged, a playful smile on her lips. "What? I was just asking!" Ulrick chuckled despite himself. "Let''s focus on surviving this one first. Then we can talk about hunting more unknown monsters." The team settled down, the tension easing slightly as they caught their breath. But the encounter had made one thing clear¡ªthe swamp was full of dangers they had never imagined, and they would need to stay vigilant. Chapter 9: Parasites for Everyone! Ulrick¡¯s team moved cautiously, their eyes sharp, each step drawing them deeper into the heart of the swamp. A stifling silence replaced the typical hum of insects, adding an unnatural weight to the air. The trees around them grew more twisted and contorted, the gnarled roots and flesh-like bark creating an unsettling scene. Then, in a clearing ahead, they saw it¡ªa monstrous, pulsing tree twisted into a cluster of sinewy trunks. Dark sacks dangled from its branches, heavy and dark, like bloated fruit ripe with something unnatural. Beneath the tree¡¯s shadow, a figure moved¡ªlarger than the others they¡¯d seen. It was a some four legged thing, and around her, her brood stirred in anticipation. ¡°What in the gods¡¯ names¡­¡± Nole breathed, her voice barely a whisper. Before they could fully grasp what they were facing, the brood emerged¡ªthe beasts numbering close to ten, each one hissing and skittering forward with unnatural speed. As the creatures skittered closer, Nole felt a wave of revulsion churn in her stomach. The little nightmares moved with an unnatural, jerky rhythm, their skinless, sinewy bodies gleaming in the dim light. Their exposed muscles twitched with each movement, and small, segmented plates of darkened bone covered only parts of their bodies, leaving the raw tissue beneath unsettlingly visible. Worst of all were their mandibles¡ªthick, sharp, and slick with some unknown fluid, opening and snapping with a sickening click as they closed in. ¡°Gods, they¡¯re like¡­ living nightmares,¡± Nole muttered, her voice filled with disgust as she aimed an arrow. She had faced beasts and monsters before, but these things were a mockery of life, twisted and wrong. The sight of them made her skin crawl, and even the act of breathing felt difficult in their presence. She didn¡¯t just want to kill them¡ªshe wanted to forget she¡¯d ever seen them. ¡°They¡¯re coming!¡± Gale shouted, gripping his sword. ¡°Form up!¡± Ulrick commanded, raising his shield. They closed ranks, with Brill sending a burst of fire that momentarily halted the creatures¡¯ advance, leaving scorch marks on their twisted forms. But it wasn¡¯t enough. The creatures surged forward, surrounding the team. Ulrick swung his axe, cutting down one, but another latched onto his shield, snapping its mandibles as it tried to push him back. Nole¡¯s arrows flew fast and true, piercing two monsters, but the creatures were relentless, advancing even as their numbers dwindled. Vin worked quickly, pulling out a vial of herbs and chanting, a faint glow surrounding his arm as he healed a nasty gash he¡¯d sustained in the initial assault. But as he finished, Gale let out a shout, clutching his side where mandibles had gouged through his armor. ¡°Vin! Over here!¡± Gale gasped, fighting off another creature with a shaky swing. Ulrick¡¯s eyes darted around, assessing the situation. They were losing ground. Two Beasts lay dead at their feet, but they¡¯d barely made a dent in the swarm. He realized grimly that they were at the breaking point. ¡°Fall back!¡± he ordered, voice firm. ¡°Everyone, pull back to the rim!¡± As they began to retreat, Nole took a few steps back before two of those monsters lunged at her, their claws tearing at her arm. She cried out but twisted fiercely, ripping herself free. Her quiver was torn from her shoulder, clattering to the ground as she staggered back, bleeding but determined. They pushed through the mud and vines, scrambling for safety as the Creatures skittered after them. Finally, they reached the edge of the swamp, collapsing against the twisted roots of the trees. Vin immediately set to work, his magic flowing as he tended to their wounds, though his face showed strain from the effort. Catching his breath, Ulrick glanced around, taking stock of the team¡¯s condition. Brill¡¯s leg was bandaged, though he winced with each step, and Nole¡¯s arm bore deep scratches, blood seeping through Vin¡¯s makeshift bandages. To much at once to heal with his magic he uses his first aid skills to bandage the more shallow wounds where his magic would be a waste. ¡°That was¡­ too close,¡± Brill muttered, staring back into the swamp where the twisted trees hid the creatures they¡¯d left behind. Nole nodded, her face pale. ¡°And I lost my quiver. I¡¯m down to a handful of arrows.¡± Ulrick nodded, taking it all in. ¡°We¡¯ll report everything to the guild. But we need to bring back more than just injuries. Let¡¯s gather some plants and harmless creatures around the rim. This swamp is hiding something unnatural, and the guild will need all the evidence we can get.¡± The team moved carefully along the edge, taking samples of strange plants and capturing small, less threatening creatures they encountered. With their limited supplies and weakened state, they knew better than to venture any further. When they finally set out on the return journey, each member bore signs of the brutal encounter, and a silent resolve settled over them. Whatever this dungeon held, it was unlike anything they¡¯d ever faced¡ªand they¡¯d need every ounce of preparation before returning. Chomp: Chomp scurried through the twisted roots, his many-legged form blending seamlessly with the muck and shadows of the swamp. Master had given him a task: watch the intruders and report. Though Chomp¡¯s mind was simple, the command was clear, echoing in his thoughts like a drumbeat. He crouched low, hidden behind a thick knot of roots, mandibles clicking softly as he watched the strange creatures¡ªtwo legs, tall and covered in odd, shiny skins. They smelled unfamiliar, sharp and tangy, and moved clumsily through the swamp, stumbling and splashing. When the fight began, Chomp''s attention sharpened. He observed as the Flesh Crawlers, his kin, swarmed forward with fierce hunger. One of the tall creatures, with a blinding flame, set fire to a Crawler, making Chomp twitch with confusion¡ªfire was strange, bright, dangerous. Chomp¡¯s instincts urged him forward, but Master¡¯s command held him back, watching silently as his kin fought and fell.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. As the intruders retreated, Chomp followed in the shadows, skittering noiselessly across mud and rock. When they reached the edge of the swamp and began to climb out, he watched them closely, storing every detail in his mind. The retreat of the intruders meant one thing: Master¡¯s land was safe, at least for now. As they disappeared over the caldera¡¯s rim, Chomp lingered, staring at the empty spot where they had been. He felt a small swell of pride¡ªMaster would be pleased with him. With a final glance, Chomp turned back, melting into the swamp¡¯s murky shadows, ready to return to Master and report everything he had seen. Adrian: Adrian pulsed with satisfaction. The Flesh Crawlers, simple creatures though they were, had performed admirably. Alone, they were no match for the average foe, but in a swarm, they¡¯d proved to be formidable. After hearing Chomp¡¯s report, Adrian pieced together the childlike descriptions, drawing valuable insights from each one. So, there were humans in this world¡ªhumans seemingly rooted in a medieval age. That didn¡¯t surprise him, but the confirmation was satisfying. More interesting was their magic. Though he¡¯d expected its existence, witnessing it firsthand through Chomp¡¯s description of fire conjured from thin air gave him more clarity on what he¡¯d face in the future. Adrian couldn¡¯t help but feel a tinge of regret that he hadn¡¯t claimed a kill in this first encounter. Still, his creatures had driven the intruders out and performed their task well. He was beginning to understand the lay of his surroundings, too¡ªthe swamp was encircled by a rocky rim, a natural barrier of sorts. He had no idea what lay beyond it, but now he knew exactly how to find out. ¡°Chomp?¡± Adrian sent the thought out, feeling his loyal scout respond. ¡°I have a little mission for you. Climb up this rim, take a look around, but don¡¯t go any further. I want to know what surrounds us.¡± Chomp seemed almost delighted by the task, his childlike excitement pulsing back along the bond. Adrian observed him, amused. In a strange way, Chomp was the perfect blend of horror and loyal servant with a hint of innocent enthusiasm, like a grotesque puppy eager to please. Watching Chomp scurry off toward the caldera rim, Adrian¡¯s focus shifted, his mind already calculating. He would learn everything there was to know about this land. Adrian focused his efforts on expanding his vision throughout the swamp. The first step was producing more Oculnids, placing them strategically across the dungeon to widen his field of view. He threw a few additional Collectors into the mix as well, directing them to gather biomass and locate potential sources of new DNA strains. His objectives were clear: expand his awareness within the swamp, accumulate more DNA samples, and fill this ¡°parasite counter¡± required to unlock new parasite options. His patience was soon rewarded. One of his Collectors returned with a sample of a Poisonous Parasite, pushing him to two of the five required parasite samples. Still, two samples felt like a small start, and Adrian knew he¡¯d need far more to develop his arsenal. After some thought, he issued new orders to his creatures. His small swarm of Collectors would focus exclusively on retrieving dead animals, prioritizing them over any other gathering. To support this effort, he commanded his Flesh Crawlers to leave every second kill untouched, allowing it to be retrieved for DNA analysis. With so few parasite options available, Adrian was reminded of his early days in the lab. Back then, he and his colleagues had started with minimal samples, relying on time, effort, and determination to build a foundation. They¡¯d painstakingly extracted, cultivated, and experimented, turning small discoveries into groundbreaking progress. It was a game of patience and strategy¡ªone he knew well. Adrian¡¯s pulse of anticipation echoed through the swamp, his new creatures setting out to fulfill their roles. He would wait and see what this land offered him. And, given time, his options would grow, one parasite at a time. It took nearly a full day, but finally, Adrian¡¯s patience paid off. The last sample had been collected, bringing his parasite roster to completion: Blood Parasite, Poisonous Parasite, Hallucinogenic Parasite, Paralytic Parasite, and Controlling Parasite. As the final sample was absorbed, a system message appeared: Parasite samples 5/5. New Passive Skill: Parasite Infection. New Spawning Option: Parasite Queen. ¡°Now we¡¯re talking!¡± Adrian thought, anticipation tingling through him as he concentrated on his newly unlocked passive skill. The system¡¯s response was immediate: Parasite Infection: Every dungeon monster is infected with various parasites. Though harmless to their dungeon hosts, these parasites¡¯ eggs have a small chance of transferring during close-quarters combat. Upon hatching, they impart one of five random effects. The effect¡¯s potency depends on the host monster¡¯s evolution and the victim¡¯s resistance. Ranged attacks using biological weapons like quills, needles, or body fluids also carry a lower chance of infection. Adrian let out an exhilarated pulse. This was exactly what he¡¯d wanted¡ªan invisible weapon, one that would infiltrate without his foes even realizing it. Next, he focused on the newly available Parasite Queen, waiting for the system to provide an explanation. Parasite Queen: A six-legged creature typically found near water sources in hot climates, resembling a crab with a shell-like structure on its back. This shell has multiple openings, from which it perpetually oozes a liquid containing different parasite eggs. When this liquid mixes with water, the eggs hatch, and the parasites seek out hosts within the ecosystem. Cost: 20 Bio-Mass Adrian couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of excitement¡ªalmost like Christmas morning. He immediately spawned a Parasite Queen to examine it firsthand. The creature was disgustingly beautiful, oozing the precious parasite-laden fluid into a nearby pool. Adrian marveled at its crab-like form, perfectly designed to unleash his parasites into the ecosystem. With his new passive skill and spawning option, he was ready to fully weaponize his dungeon. He took stock of his bio-matter reserves¡ª283/1000¡ªand immediately launched into a spawning spree, setting his plans into motion. When he finally paused, his reserves had dipped to 93 bio-matter, but the investment was more than worth it. His dungeon was transforming, becoming a fully infected ecosystem primed to handle whatever intruders dared venture in. Satisfied, Adrian pulsed with anticipation, feeling his swamp settle into an ominous quiet. The next adventurers wouldn¡¯t know what hit them. When Chomp returned, he launched into an eager ramble, his clicks and hisses reflecting his excitement as he described what he¡¯d seen beyond the rim. ¡°It goes waaaay down from the rim!¡± Chomp clicked, his mandibles twitching. ¡°And when it stops going down, it¡¯s all flat! So much green down there. And waaay back, there¡¯s something strange¡ªlike a little circle full of stones, but there¡¯s smoke coming from them! And around them, there¡¯s lots of brown with green lines in between. But it¡¯s far, like¡­ at least ten swamps away!¡± Adrian listened, intrigued, as Chomp continued. ¡°And the strangest thing, Master! There¡¯s no big cloud outside the rim. Just little white ones, and so much blue in between! And it felt weird out there¡ªheavy and weak. Not so weak I couldn¡¯t move, but it was¡­ not nice! I was happy to come back to the swamp where I feel strong again.¡± Adrian absorbed every detail, his mind piecing together the scene Chomp described. A vast, flat landscape¡ªa forest or field. The ¡°little circle full of stones¡± sounded like a village or settlement, and the green lines between the brown might indicate farmland. And beyond his influence, in the clear sky outside, Chomp had felt a weakening sensation. It seemed his dungeon¡¯s aura granted a distinct boost within the swamp¡¯s boundaries, reinforcing his creatures and discouraging any prolonged presence beyond it. A faint sense of satisfaction washed over him. He was starting to understand his place in this world¡ªand the world¡¯s place around him. Chapter 10: Birth of a new Monster Lucy leaned over the fence, beaming as she petted the tiny, woolly sheep nestled close to her. ¡°You¡¯re so cute,¡± she murmured, scratching one of the lamb¡¯s little ears as it wobbled against her hand. Her cane rested nearby, hooked on the fence keeping the baby sheep safely enclosed. She¡¯d spent nearly every morning here since Lukas had visited her parents. She¡¯d heard the neighbors gossiping about how he¡¯d yelled at her parents that day, but since then, they¡¯d been¡­ nicer. So much so that tonight, she didn¡¯t have to eat alone in her room¡ªthey¡¯d promised they¡¯d eat together as a family. She¡¯d even get a second serving! The thought made her stomach growl in anticipation. Voices drifted in from down the road, and she hopped to the edge of the enclosure, balancing carefully on her good leg to peer over the gate. There, coming up the road, were the adventurers¡ªUlrick, Nole, and the others, moving slowly with bandages peeking out here and there. As they approached, she grinned and waved. ¡°Hallo, adventurers! How was your adventure?¡± Ulrick raised his brows in surprise at the warm welcome but returned her smile, though there was a hint of strain in his face. ¡°Hey there, young lady, playing with the sheep, I see?¡± ¡°Yep!¡± She giggled. ¡°The baby sheep needed some intense cuddling.¡± But her eyes soon drifted back up to the storm cloud looming over the swamp, dark and unrelenting. ¡°So, what¡¯s going on up there?¡± she asked, pointing at the cloud. Ulrick¡¯s face turned serious. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous up there, kid. It¡¯s a dungeon¡­ but a strange one.¡± Nole, shaking her head with a grimace, added, ¡°And the beasts are ugly! Better stay here with the cute little sheep.¡± Lucy¡¯s gaze moved to Nole, admiring her tall frame and enviable confidence. She glanced down at her own chest, a pang of jealousy stirring. Maybe if she could get a few more meals in, she¡¯d grow a little more¡­ ¡°Well, young lady,¡± Ulrick said with a nod, ¡°we¡¯d better be off. There¡¯s beer waiting at the inn, and we¡¯ve got a long journey ahead tomorrow. Got to report this dungeon to the guildmaster. You take care now, kiddo!¡± With a wave, the adventurers continued up the road, heading toward the village inn. But as they passed her parents, who were busy feeding the older sheep by the barn, the healer, Vin, paused, his gaze lingering. He looked at her parents, then glanced back at Lucy, his tone flat as he muttered, ¡°Kid¡¯s too thin. Malnourished. Parents¡­ well-fed. Bad parents. Bad people.¡± Without a second glance, he continued on, his words sinking like stones in the silence he left behind. The other adventurers exchanged glances, their looks cool and wary, before moving on without a word. Lucy''s parents turned to her, their expressions hardened. The warmth she¡¯d felt all day drained away. She looked at her feet, biting back the tears prickling her eyes. Dinner together was definitely off the table now, and any hopes of a second serving vanished. Lucy wasn¡¯t allowed to go inside while her mother was cooking, but she didn¡¯t mind too much. She enjoyed watching the sunset paint the sky in soft pinks and oranges, and she liked seeing the other kids playing near the fields, their laughter drifting over like music. Then, suddenly, her mother¡¯s voice cut through the air, calling her name. Lucy¡¯s heart leaped¡ªdinner was on after all! She eagerly grabbed her cane and moved as fast as she could toward the house, her stomach rumbling with hunger as the rich, warm smell wafted from the open door. When she reached the table, she could barely sit still, practically bouncing with excitement as her mother placed two steaming pots on the table. Her mother ladled a hearty soup from one pot into a deep bowl and placed it in front of herself, then filled another bowl with soup from the same pot for her father. She filled lucy¡äs bowl from the second pot before they all began to eat, and Lucy happily talked about her day, sharing every small detail about the animals and the baby sheep. Her parents were quieter, their responses brief as they exchanged unreadable glances across the table. When the meal was finished, her mother¡¯s tone was sharp and sudden. ¡°Wash your hands and go to bed,¡± she ordered. Surprised, Lucy nodded. Usually, she was allowed to stay up a bit later, but tonight, she suddenly felt a deep, irresistible drowsiness settling over her. Maybe I am a bit tired, she thought as she washed her hands, struggling to keep her eyes open. By the time she was dressed for bed, she could barely remember making her way to her room. She fell into bed, asleep almost before her head hit the pillow, sinking into a deep, heavy slumber. Lucy stirred, her mind still clouded with heavy drowsiness. Her eyelids felt like lead, closing almost as soon as she tried to open them. I¡¯m so tired¡­ She shifted slightly, but something was off. This wasn¡¯t her bed. Cold air nipped at her skin, mingling with strange, warm, damp breezes. Confused, she struggled to keep her eyes open. ¡°See, she¡¯s waking up! You should have put more deeproot in her soup,¡± she heard her father¡¯s voice hiss. ¡°Wha¡­¡± The word barely slipped out. Her throat felt thick, and her tongue was too heavy to form anything more. The only response was a sharp whisper from her mother. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t needed a break every hour, we¡¯d be back by now! That little nuisance has the whole village turned against us!¡± her mother¡¯s voice snapped. ¡°At least she¡¯s light.¡± Lucy¡¯s eyes fluttered open, and her vision blurred in the dim light. She wasn¡¯t in her bed or even at home. Her father was carrying her, and around her, she could make out dark trees and heavy, swampy fog. Panic stirred in her chest, but her thoughts were too sluggish, too muddled. What¡¯s going on? Are we moving? Is something wrong at home? Her mother¡¯s voice was bitter as she whispered, ¡°We¡¯ll just say she ran away. The dungeon will take care of the rest. Just throw her down already! Argh! That rain drives me crazy!¡± The words barely registered before Lucy felt herself slip from her father¡¯s grasp. She fell, air rushed past her face. She felt her small body hitting the a tree branch, which snapped under her. Then she felt the unforgiving ground, pain briefly lancing through her senses before everything went black.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Adrian: Bio-Mass: 324/1000. Adrian pulsed with satisfaction. The additions of new Collectors and Flesh Crawlers had boosted the bio-mass intake significantly, and the swamp was becoming more efficient by the day. His Collectors had even brought back a few surprises¡ªbugs, mostly, but they provided useful DNA strains: acid glands, hardened carapace, small horns and insect-like wings. The wings weren¡¯t strong enough to carry more than a toy car by Earth¡¯s standards, but he figured he¡¯d find a purpose for them soon enough. The swamp was now dotted with Oculnids, their watchful eyes covering almost every area but the rim. There were still plenty of blind spots, but adventurers like the last group would eventually enter his field of view. The next time intruders ventured in, he¡¯d be ready to watch them himself. Meanwhile, the Parasite Queens had dug burrows near lakes and waterways, and as he watched a dead fish drift lazily downstream, he noticed something latched onto its gills¡ªa parasite, happy and thriving. The strangest thing about his parasites was that he could feel them. Not emotions or health, just a faint signal echoing in his mind, like a quiet call saying, ¡°I am here.¡± Some of the larger animals infected by his parasites now gave off the same silent beacon, expanding his awareness subtly through the swamp¡¯s ecosystem. Thinking about the potential of parasite-based infection, he idly checked over Chomp and noticed small holes along his mandibles and sickles. So that¡¯s how the parasite eggs transferred¡ªthrough small pores, designed to infect through close contact. Adrian was immersed in thoughts of expanding his dungeon¡¯s reach through parasites when he suddenly felt¡­ something. A heavy thud. The sensation came from the rim, where the rocky edge circled his swamp. It didn¡¯t seem to be moving, just lingering there, as if it had landed and stayed still. Ten minutes passed without any further motion. Strange, he thought. New adventurers already? It didn¡¯t feel right, though. The weight was different, somehow. He sent a ping through the dungeon, and Chomp quickly scampered over, his eager clicks echoing in Adrian¡¯s mind. ¡°Chomp! Boy, would you check something out for me?¡± Chomp: Chomp zoomed through the swamp, leaping from tree to tree, the air rushing past his face in exhilarating bursts. He loved running for his master, knowing it made Master happy when he did things right. He¡¯d only made Master mad once¡­ when he¡¯d peed in the hollow tree. Chomp cringed at the memory¡ªMaster had not liked that and made him promise to go outside in the swamp instead. But today, he was on an important mission, and he swelled with pride as he picked up speed, his muscles tightening with every stride. In no time, he reached the rim, sniffing the air for anything unusual. Left! his instincts urged, and he darted in that direction, bounding over logs and pools of murky water. At one point, he jumped squarely onto an alligator¡¯s head, launching himself off again before the sluggish beast could even snap at him. Stupid things are so slow! he thought with glee. When he finally arrived at the spot, he stopped short, his eyes fixed on something unusual: a broken branch lay snapped on the ground, and next to it, a small human lay face-down in the mud, dirty and unmoving. Chomp skittered closer, tilting his head as he examined her. She was so¡­ little, with barely any meat on her bones. She didn¡¯t look like a proper adventurer at all¡ªjust a weak little thing, easy prey for a snake or anything else hungry enough. One of her legs looked strange, thin and twisted. She couldn¡¯t walk on it, that was clear. She wasn¡¯t like the others¡­ small, weak, he thought, unimpressed. But then a thought struck him: What would Master want to do? Chomp tilted his head, clicking in thought. The little human was strange, not like the ones that had stomped through the swamp before. But he knew Master would want to see her¡ªand she was too weak to get anywhere on her own. He sniffed at her, hesitating, then gingerly bit into her clothing, grabbing hold of her with his mandibles. Come on, little human, he thought, tugging gently. She barely stirred, so he pulled a bit harder, careful not to hurt her as he dragged her slowly toward the nearest Oculnid. Every few steps, he looked back to make sure she was still there, the odd weight of her form making him feel oddly proud, like he was bringing Master something very special. At last, he reached the tree where the Oculnid watched, its single eye blinking and adjusting as he positioned her beneath it. Chomp stepped back, pleased, and clicked excitedly to himself, ¡°Master can see you now, little human.¡± Adrian: Adrian¡¯s mind buzzed with confusion as he observed the small, frail figure lying in the mud, her breaths shallow and her face smudged with dirt. What is a girl doing here? he wondered, a prickle of unease threading through his thoughts. She was painfully thin, her limbs looking more fragile than he¡¯d seen on any creature that had wandered into his domain. And her leg¡ªit was twisted and malformed, making it impossible for her to walk far, let alone survive a place like this. He grit his teeth, a strange feeling of responsibility washing over him. Something¡¯s not right here, he thought, scanning the area again. There was no explanation for why she¡¯d end up in a hostile swamp, far from any safety. Turning his thoughts toward his loyal scout, he ordered, ¡°Chomp, bring her to the hollow tree. But¡­ be careful.¡± Watching Chomp carefully lift her by the fabric of her clothes, Adrian felt a tug of unfamiliar protectiveness. The child was clearly defenseless, and with a flash of irritation, he wondered who could have possibly left her here to fend for herself. Adrian watched from the hollow tree as Chomp dutifully dragged the girl through the mud, her small form leaving streaks in the wet earth. When they passed near one of the parasite queen dens, Chomp splashed through shallow water, and Adrian¡¯s awareness tingled with a warning¡ªparasite-infested water. Before he could fully process the thought, he felt something tug at his senses, and then he saw it¡ªa control parasite latched onto her, crawling into her ear. Adrian¡¯s protective instinct surged. ¡°Get out of her, parasite!¡± he ordered, sending out a mental pulse. But the parasite was too simple, too instinct-driven to comprehend, let alone obey him. His warning went ignored, and the parasite burrowed further, disappearing from sight. Suddenly, a shock of pain flared in his mind¡ªa deep, searing ache that pulsed through him. The heartbeat of his dungeon heart sped up, each beat sending waves of heat across his form. Then a system message appeared before him: __##@System Error### Invalid classification detected-7KJL&^__* He barely registered the jumble of characters before the pain intensified, his mind scrambling to understand. What is happening? His vision blurred, and he gritted his teeth as another system message forced itself into his consciousness: __#%%System Override+5bB89¡­ Unidentified entity present%@!__* Adrian¡¯s body throbbed, heat radiating out of the dungeon heart and reaching his creatures. His bond with them crackled with pain, echoing back to him as Chomp and the others recoiled. Adrian felt his dungeon heart shudder, each beat pounding harder, and then, with another burst, blood vessels beneath it ruptured, sending a hot, wet ache through him. ##Error! Apply protocol for unknown entity_#! Error.!¡­apply solution__!__* The entire dungeon shook violently, reverberating with his distress. Adrian clenched his mind around the pain, his senses spiraling in confusion as the final system message appeared with jarring clarity: Error resolved. Classification changed. New dungeon monster gained: Lucy. The pain receded, leaving him disoriented as he registered the name and the final line: Lucy, Dungeon Monster, +__@g56Kl89d^^&%@!__ Chapter 11: Revenge When Adrian¡¯s ¡°headache¡± subsided, he let out a mental sigh, trying to wrap his thoughts around what had just happened. It felt like his whole dungeon had experienced a system-wide glitch, leaving him with more questions than answers. His connection to the system had always been tenuous, but this incident felt different. The system itself, that cold, detached machine, had outright struggled, mislabeling the girl as a dungeon monster. ¡°What¡­ the hell?¡± Adrian muttered to himself. Identifying her only produced another string of nonsensical characters, garbled code instead of clarity. For a moment, he wondered how long his bizarre existence in this dungeon could hold up under the strain of such constant errors. He checked in on his creatures, feeling the faint disorientation in each of them. Two of his collectors had gone offline¡ªlikely devoured by swamp creatures when the system shock forced them to land. Chomp, bless him, stood wobbling on shaky legs, looking thoroughly confused. ¡°Aww¡­ Chomp¡¯s head hurts,¡± he mumbled, rubbing his mandibles together in a gesture that almost seemed like rubbing temples. ¡°Yeah, join the club. And I don¡¯t even have a head,¡± Adrian replied dryly. ¡°That little girl you brought¡ªapparently she¡¯s now classified as a ¡®monster¡¯ by our dear malfunctioning system.¡± Chomp¡¯s large, expressive eyes went wide as he stared up at the dungeon heart, awe flooding his expression. ¡°Master makes nomnom to a friend? Master can do anything¡­¡± Just then, the small, frail body on the ground stirred. Lucy¡¯s mismatched legs shifted slightly, her face scrunching as she slowly came to. Adrian focused on her, feeling an unfamiliar tug at his core¡ªa strange sense of connection that seemed to pulse along with the heartbeat of his dungeon. Lucy: When Lucy''s eyes fluttered open, a horrible scene unfolded before her. Suspended in the middle of the room was a massive, grotesque heart, its four chambers visibly contracting with each sickeningly wet beat. A faint, red glow pulsed outward, lighting the twisted, dead-wood walls in eerie intervals. The room itself felt alive, the very ground beneath her hands slick and yielding, as if made of flesh rather than earth. Across the room, a creature jumped and pranced, its movements frenetic and unnatural. It looked like a dog made of sinew and raw muscle, its exposed flesh glistening in the dim light. But this was no dog. It had two sickle-like arms attached above its forelegs, their sharp edges gleaming. The bone plating on its head caught the pulsating glow of the heart, creating a monstrous visage that made her breath catch in her throat. Terror gripped her as she instinctively scrambled backward, her palms slipping on the slick, warm ground. Her back pressed against the fleshy wall, its texture yielding slightly but holding firm. She turned her gaze downward, and what she saw made her stomach churn¡ªa floor of pulsing, uneven flesh, alive and moving as if breathing. Her heart pounded in her chest, a frantic rhythm that seemed to sync with the glowing beats of the monstrous heart before her. "No, no, no, this can''t be real," she whispered hoarsely, her voice trembling. The beast stopped its wild movements. Its head tilted as it sniffed the air, its glowing eyes locking onto her. Panic surged within her, freezing her limbs as the creature began to approach. Each step squelched against the grotesque floor. As it drew closer, its maw opened, revealing rows of jagged teeth. She braced herself for a scream that wouldn''t come. But then, something strange happened. Instead of snarling or growling, the creature emitted a series of strange clicks and guttural sounds. Yet, somehow, she understood. "No fear," it rasped, the voice both alien and childlike in its tone. "We kin now. You... my sister now." Her breath caught as the words hit her, confusing and terrifying in equal measure. Sister? What was this thing talking about? Her mind reeled, trying to make sense of her surroundings, of this monstrous creature, of the horror unfolding before her. This had to be a nightmare. It had to be. Lucy¡¯s chest heaved as her fear overwhelmed her, tears spilling freely down her cheeks. A sob escaped her lips, and her entire body shook as the panic set in. She cried uncontrollably, unable to hold back the raw emotion flooding her mind. Chomp tilted his head, his glowing eyes narrowing with confusion as he watched her. He stepped closer, sniffing at the air again. Then, with a voice both gruff and innocent, he rasped, ¡°No! Master said to do this outside. He does not like that in here.¡± Adrian, observing through his link with Chomp, was momentarily caught off guard. ¡°Chomp,¡± his voice rang in the air, carrying both amusement and exasperation, ¡°she¡¯s not peeing. She¡¯s crying.¡± Chomp paused, tilting his head even further. ¡°Crying?¡± he asked, the clicks and growls of his language somehow communicating his bewilderment. ¡°What is crying?¡± ¡°Humans do that when they¡¯re sad or scared,¡± Adrian explained, his voice patient despite the unusual circumstance. ¡°It¡¯s just how they express emotions.¡± Chomp¡¯s gaze flickered between Lucy and the pulsing heart above. ¡°But she is sister now,¡± he said, his tone rising in confusion. ¡°Not human. She is kin.¡± Adrian sighed, a subtle frustration creeping into his tone. ¡°The system classified her as a dungeon monster, yes. But look at her. She hasn¡¯t changed. She¡¯s still as human as she can be. Even the parasite has vanished from her head.¡± Lucy tried to speak, to call for her mother, but her words caught in her throat. Her last memories surged forward¡ªthe bitter betrayal, her parents¡¯ words, and the cold pain of the fall. Her cries intensified, the sound echoing off the fleshy walls of the hollow tree. She hugged herself tightly, rocking back and forth as the anguish consumed her. Chomp backed away slightly, his clicks softening as if mimicking an apology. Adrian¡¯s voice echoed gently in her mind, his tone unusually calm and comforting. ¡°Chomp, give her some space. Let her be for a moment.¡± Then, directed at Lucy, his voice softened even further. ¡°There¡¯s no need to cry, little girl. You¡¯re safe here. No one will hurt you.¡± But Lucy couldn¡¯t stop. The weight of the betrayal, the sheer horror of where she¡¯d woken up, and the impossibility of her situation crashed down on her all at once. All she could do was cry. Adrian waited in silence, unsure how to deal with the outpouring of raw emotion. Chomp, for his part, crouched low, watching Lucy intently, his confusion palpable. For the first time, the dungeon seemed uncharacteristically quiet. It took nearly an hour for Adrian to channel every ounce of compassion he had left, soothing Lucy until her sobs finally subsided. Though her crying slowed, Adrian felt emotionally drained¡ªsomething he hadn¡¯t experienced since his time as a human. Once she was calm enough, he spoke, his voice steady but firm. "You¡¯re in my swamp, my dungeon. It¡¯s on a mountain I haven¡¯t bothered naming yet. I suspect you came from the village not far from here." Lucy, still scared and huddled into herself, looked up with teary eyes. Her voice was soft and timid. "Who... who are you? And where are you?"This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Adrian paused, perplexed. Did she not realize? "I¡¯m here. You see me. I¡¯m the heart of this swamp and the dungeon itself," he explained, his tone as patient as he could manage. Before Lucy could respond, Chomp interjected enthusiastically, hopping from one leg to another. "Master is the best and the most smart! He¡¯s the master of my kin and the Giver of Noms!" Adrian blinked¡ªor he would have if he had eyelids. "The... what now? The ''Giver of Noms''? What are you talking about?" Chomp puffed up, his clicking voice carrying pride. "Master is what Master is! Master gives noms to kin! He is the Giver of Noms!" Adrian groaned internally, his irritation rising. "I am not the Giver of Noms. Stop calling me that ridiculous title!" Chomp was unbothered. "Master is the Giver of Noms!" he declared again, unwavering in his belief. Lucy, who had been watching the exchange in stunned silence, felt a small, unexpected giggle bubble up. The sheer absurdity of this back-and-forth distracted her from her fear. Adrian and Chomp looked at her¡ªwell, Adrian imagined looking, though Chomp was physically doing it¡ªand Lucy took a moment to gather herself. "So," she asked with a small smile, "your name is Giver of Noms, and you¡¯re the master of this place?" The dungeon shook slightly as every single Oculnid rolled its massive abdomen-mounted eye simultaneously. Adrian gave an audible sigh of resignation. "No," he said flatly. "My name is Adrian. And yes, I am the master of this place." He decided to ignore the ridiculous nickname entirely, hoping it would disappear on its own. But his mood shifted when he asked his next question, his compassion temporarily depleted. "Why are you even here? This is a place for adventurers and fools who think they¡¯re clever¡ªnot for little girls with genetic defects that leave one leg misshapen." Lucy¡¯s face crumpled, tears welling up again as she stammered out a broken answer. "I... I don¡¯t... My mom and dad..." Her voice wavered, and her shoulders shook. "They brought me here... They don¡¯t want me anymore." Her words were soft, but they hit Adrian harder than any adventurer¡¯s sword ever could. Adrian¡¯s dungeon heart skipped a beat. For all the chaos and death he had caused on Earth, he had never aimed his wrath at children. Collateral damage was one thing; deliberate harm was another. Kids weren¡¯t his concern back then, and truthfully, he didn¡¯t like them much now. But Lucy was different. She was his now. His creature, his responsibility. He cared for his monsters, and she was no exception. But her story¡ªwhat she had endured¡ªignited something in him. Her parents had abandoned her, tossed her aside like refuse. They had left her to die in his dungeon simply because she couldn¡¯t help on their farm, because her leg was malformed. She was malnourished, fragile, and broken in spirit. Over their connection, Adrian felt her sadness and deep betrayal as she recounted the years of cruelty. A slow, burning rage started to build within him. If he could, he would have thrown everything in the room around. But instead, the longer she spoke, the colder his mind grew. Adrian¡¯s focus fell on Chomp, who stood attentively nearby. His voice, cold and controlled, resonated in the small space. "Chomp. I¡¯m mad. Her parents don¡¯t deserve to live. Take some bio-matter sacks from the Bloodroot Tree outside, go to the village, and turn them to paste. Make sure they smell a little like her." Lucy¡¯s eyes widened in panic. She staggered forward, her voice trembling. "No! No! Don¡¯t kill them! They... they just don¡¯t have enough food! And... and they¡¯re mean but not so mean... Please, don¡¯t kill them!" Her defense of those despicable humans only stoked Adrian¡¯s anger further. His monstrous mind rejected the idea. She was his now, part of his dungeon, and he would not let such treatment stand unanswered. But then Lucy did something unexpected. She stood, shaky on her misshapen leg, and approached the heart at the center of the hollow tree. Despite her fear, she reached out and placed her small hand on the pulsing surface. Her tears rolled freely as her voice quavered. "Please, Adrian... don¡¯t kill them. They¡¯re bad... but don¡¯t kill them." Chomp, waiting eagerly at the entrance for the command to move out, paused. He turned his head back toward her, watching her small, trembling form. The big, grotesque creature tilted his head, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his simple mind. She was sad. Adrian remained still for a long moment, his thoughts a storm of rage and cold calculation. Finally, his voice came, devoid of emotion, like he¡¯d switched off that part of himself entirely. "Chomp. Don¡¯t kill them. But take one of their legs. One from each. When you¡¯re finished, come back immediately." Chomp chittered excitedly, ready to carry out the order, but paused again to glance at Lucy. Her sobs grew louder, but Adrian ignored them, his mind focused elsewhere. In this moment, Adrian knew one thing with absolute certainty¡ªno one would ever hurt her again. Chomp: Chomp sprinted through the tall grass, his claws barely brushing the ground. Even outside the dungeon, he was fast¡ªhis body built for movement, precision, and obedience. The farther he moved from the swamp, the weaker he felt, but he didn¡¯t care. This mission was too important. His sister¡¯s honor was at stake, and master had commanded it. When exhaustion finally crept into his limbs, Chomp bit into a bio-matter sack. The rush of energy was instant. Strength surged through his body, driving him forward once more. He would take revenge. For Lucy. For master. Nothing could stop him. As he ran, the storm over the swamp seemed to mirror his anger. Lightning flashed rapidly, more frequent than before, illuminating the sky behind him. The rain had pelted harder against his back as he left, almost like a farewell push from his home. Now, out here in the flat "way down," the air was still. No rain. No thunder. Only the quiet rustle of grass. Strange. Chomp shook the thoughts away. Focus. Mission. It wasn¡¯t long before he reached the edges of the human village. The place smelled strange¡ªstale food, animal fur, and the faint aroma of wet earth. But beneath it all, he could sense her scent, faint but undeniable. Sister. Lucy. He crouched low, moving as silently as he could, his sharp eyes scanning the shadows. He didn¡¯t know much about human nests, but he knew they liked to live in clusters. Pack animals. Suddenly, movement caught his attention. Two small humans, larger than Lucy but not fully grown, were locked in a fierce battle. Their hands grasped at each other, mouths pressed together in what Chomp thought must be an attempt to bite or hold dominance. Their growls were low, barely audible, as if trying not to alert their pack to the conflict. One of them¡ªa male¡ªgrabbed at the other¡¯s covering, pulling it down to expose the vulnerable area beneath. A cunning tactic. "Smart," Chomp thought, tilting his head as he observed. "Quiet fight. Keep pack unaware. Very good." The fight continued as Chomp moved on, leaving them to their strange ritual. He had more important things to focus on. The scent grew stronger as he approached a small human den. A structure made of stone and wood. "Weak nest," he thought, sniffing the air. "No bloodroot tree to house them. These humans build their own." He circled the den carefully, his keen senses picking up faint noises from within. Finally, he found an opening in the wall¡ªa rectangular gap not blocked by wood. With a quick leap, Chomp slipped inside, landing silently on the floor. The hunt was on. Mar: The screams pierced through the quiet of the night, jolting the entire village of Mar awake. Lanterns were lit hastily, shadows flickering across frightened faces as villagers rushed outside, pulling on cloaks against the cool night air. Among them were the adventurers staying at the inn, weapons drawn as they followed the commotion to its source. What they saw made even the seasoned adventurers hesitate. On the ground near the central square lay Lucy''s mother, writhing and screaming, blood pooling beneath her as she clutched at the stump where her leg had been. Standing over her was a creature the likes of which they had never seen¡ªa horrifying blend of sinew and bone, its four legs bent in an unnatural gait, mandibles twitching with menace. Its sickle-like arms gleamed faintly in the moonlight, slick with blood. The crowd recoiled in horror. The beast''s head tilted unnervingly as it leaned closer to the woman. A guttural, gurgling voice emerged from the monster, unnatural but unmistakable. "Fooor... Luuucyyy." The villagers froze, the weight of its words chilling them more than the sight of its form. But the adventurers, their instincts kicking in, began to move forward cautiously, preparing to strike. As if sensing their intent, the monster turned its grotesque head toward them, eyes gleaming with something primal and unreadable. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, it sprinted away, bounding toward the swamp with unnatural agility. The villagers watched in stunned silence as it disappeared into the night, its path marked clearly by the raging storm over the dungeon, the lightning illuminating its silhouette for a fleeting moment before it was swallowed by the dark. It was only when the cries of Lucy''s mother began anew that the crowd sprang into action, tending to her injury. Meanwhile, others hurried to the house, hoping to find some explanation. Inside, they were met with another horrifying sight¡ªLucy''s father, unconscious and missing a leg as well. Blood smeared the floorboards, and the house was eerily quiet apart from the groans of the injured man. Twain, his mind racing, pieced together the fragments of what he''d heard. A monster had attacked two specific targets, leaving them alive but maimed. This wasn¡¯t mindless savagery¡ªit was deliberate. It didn¡¯t take long for his sharp mind to make another grim realization. "Where¡¯s Lucy?" he muttered to himself, the cold dread settling over him. He turned to the others. "Has anyone seen Lucy?" The crowd murmured in confusion, faces looking to one another. No one had seen her since dinner. And in the eerie light of the storm, the absence of the little girl cast an even darker shadow over the events of the night. Chapter 12: New Neighbors The walls of the guardhouse were sturdy, built to house the worst of humanity behind iron bars. Ulrick and his party stood near the entrance, their expressions grim but resolute. Two guardsmen dragged Lucy''s parents, now missing a leg each, into the building. The mother sobbed, while the father remained eerily silent. Inside, the guard captain, a burly man with a stern face, unfolded the sealed letter from Twain. His eyes scanned the parchment, growing darker with every word. When he finished, he folded it carefully and set it aside on his desk. ¡°What disgusting people,¡± he said, voice dripping with disdain. He turned to one of the guards. ¡°Take them to the prison for criminal processing. Let the judge decide their fate.¡± The guards saluted and hauled the parents down the corridor. The mother¡¯s cries echoed faintly as they disappeared from sight. The captain reached into his pocket and retrieved four silver coins. ¡°This is payment for the criminal transport quest. In cases like this, the city covers the expenses.¡± He handed the coins to Ulrick and added, ¡°You have my thanks. Not just for delivering them but for ensuring justice will be served.¡± Ulrick pocketed the coins and gave a polite nod. ¡°We¡¯re glad to have done our part. Monsters and dungeons are one thing, but this¡ª¡± He trailed off, his face twisting in disgust. ¡°It¡¯s a different kind of evil.¡± The captain¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°Agreed. If you¡¯ll excuse me, I have to send for the judge.¡± As the adventurers stepped outside, Brill broke the silence. ¡°Four silver for transporting those two? Feels¡­ odd.¡± ¡°They deserve far worse than prison,¡± Nole muttered. ¡°I¡¯m still disgusted we even had to touch them.¡± ¡°They¡¯re gone now, and it¡¯s not our burden anymore,¡± Ulrick said firmly. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on what¡¯s ahead.¡± The party mounted their cart, their next stop clear: the guild branch office. The strange dungeon loomed heavy on their minds, and they needed to report every detail to the guild master. But for now, the prospect of a cold beer waiting after the report brought a faint smile to Ulrick¡¯s face. ¡°Let¡¯s get this done,¡± he said, flicking the reins. The Dragonclaw team guided their cart to the back of the guild building, where small, well-kept stables were located. With the horses tethered and the cart unloaded, they entered through the rear entrance, their tired eyes drawn almost magnetically to the bar on the far side of the room. The promise of a frothy mug of beer called to them, but duty came first. With a collective sigh of longing, they made their way past the tempting sight and approached the reception desk, where a female clerk was meticulously organizing documents. Ulrick leaned against the counter and cleared his throat. ¡°We¡¯re the Dragonclaw team,¡± he said with a weary tone. ¡°We need to speak with the guildmaster. Urgently.¡± The clerk glanced up, pushing her glasses higher on her nose. ¡°The guildmaster is currently in a meeting. You¡¯ll have to wait.¡± The news hit the team hard, their collective shoulders sagging. Their resolve to wait was short-lived, though, as their gazes drifted once more toward the bar. Moments later, they were perched on stools, and the bartender placed tankards of frothy beer in front of them. Ulrick grabbed his mug with a muttered, ¡°Finally,¡± just as a firm hand clamped down on his shoulder. ¡°Listen, punk,¡± he began, turning around, irritation written across his face. ¡°I¡¯ve had a long¡ª¡± His words froze mid-sentence as he found himself staring into the piercing gaze of the guildmaster. ¡°You really need to work on your manners, Ulrick,¡± the guildmaster said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Now, grab your team and follow me into my office. Take your beer with you¡ªyou¡¯ll need it.¡± Ulrick blinked, then grinned as he hoisted his mug. ¡°Don¡¯t mind if I do.¡± Moments later, the team was seated in the guildmaster¡¯s office, beer in hand, while Vin leaned silently against the window, gazing outside. The guildmaster took his place behind a large oak desk, his steely gaze sweeping over the group. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it,¡± he said. Ulrick set his mug down and began, the weight of the mission evident in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s a dungeon. I¡¯m sure of it. But this dungeon is¡­ strange.¡± The guildmaster leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as Ulrick continued. ¡°The dungeon aura isn¡¯t constant. It pulses¡ªstrong waves, like a heartbeat. And the storm above the swamp is¡­ wrong. It doesn¡¯t move, it doesn¡¯t weaken. It just rains endlessly, day and night. The dungeon itself is a swamp, massive and sprawling, with some giant, dead-looking tree at the center.¡± Ulrick paused for a moment, his hand tightening around his tankard. ¡°And the core? It¡¯s not a crystal like you¡¯d expect. The hunter who first went there described a beating heart. A massive, glowing heart.¡± The guildmaster raised an eyebrow but said nothing, letting Ulrick continue. ¡°And there¡¯s how it arrived,¡± Ulrick added, leaning forward. ¡°The villagers said it came as a fireball¡ªcrashing into the mountain. They said the shockwave shook the land, and when the dust cleared, a storm cloud formed over the mountain. It hasn¡¯t left since.¡± The guildmaster leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk and interlacing his fingers. His sharp eyes locked onto Ulrick¡¯s as he asked, ¡°What¡¯s your threat assessment of this dungeon, Ulrick? How dangerous is it?¡± Ulrick took a moment, glancing around at his team before answering. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ mixed,¡± he began, his voice steady but thoughtful. ¡°The swamp is treacherous. The terrain itself can kill you if you¡¯re not prepared¡ªmud that¡¯ll pull you under, water hiding all sorts of dangers, and visibility¡¯s terrible. The creatures are a strange blend of normal animals and dungeon monsters. The monsters aren¡¯t the toughest I¡¯ve faced, but they¡¯re aggressive, and they work together. That alone makes them dangerous.¡± He paused to take a sip of his beer, gathering his thoughts. ¡°That said, it¡¯s a first dungeon floor. If a team is properly prepared¡ªgood gear, maybe a guide, and a solid strategy¡ªI¡¯d say even newer teams could manage it without too many casualties.¡± The guildmaster nodded, but his expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°And unprepared teams? Or ones who think they can handle it without taking it seriously?¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Ulrick frowned. ¡°Then it¡¯ll eat them alive. The monsters alone would whittle them down, but the swamp? It doesn¡¯t forgive mistakes. One slip, one wrong step, and you¡¯re done.¡± The guildmaster leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the armrest as he processed the assessment. ¡°Noted,¡± he said, his tone neutral, though the faintest hint of worry flickered in his eyes. Vin spoke up from his spot by the window, his voice soft but firm. ¡°Adventurers will underestimate it. They always do with first floors. They won¡¯t see the swamp¡ªthey¡¯ll see treasure. And they¡¯ll die.¡± The guildmaster sighed. ¡°That¡¯s what I was afraid of.¡± Ulrick shifted uncomfortably in his chair, taking a long sip from his tankard before speaking again. "There¡¯s something else I need to report, and it¡¯s... strange, to say the least." The guildmaster, who had been leaning back in his chair while stroking his beard thoughtfully, straightened up. "Strange how?" Ulrick glanced at his team, as if searching for the right words. "The village where we stayed, Mar, had an incident right after we returned from the dungeon. A pair of locals¡ªfarmers¡ªwere attacked in the middle of the night. Both lost a leg each, and the attacker... well, it wasn¡¯t human. It was a monster from the swamp we think... and... it spoke. Apparently, before it fled, it growled something like, ''For Lucy.''" The guildmaster¡¯s brow furrowed deeply. "Lucy? Who or what is that?" "She¡¯s a girl from the village," Ulrick explained. "Disabled, malnourished¡ªher parents admitted they had thrown her into the swamp later when questioned. Claimed they couldn¡¯t afford to care for her anymore." His voice was tinged with anger as he continued. "It doesn¡¯t take a genius to figure out the creature targeted them on purpose. What¡¯s more, it fled back toward the dungeon after the attack." The guildmaster rubbed his temples, his expression a mix of exasperation and intrigue. "You¡¯re saying the dungeon sent a monster to punish her parents?" "I¡¯m saying it¡¯s possible, we transportet the parents to the guard, the village elder asked us to do so." Ulrick replied grimly. "This dungeon isn¡¯t like any we¡¯ve dealt with before. Its creatures aren¡¯t acting solely on instinct¡ªthey¡¯re coordinated. It¡¯s as if they¡¯re... aware." The guildmaster leaned back in his chair again, a pensive look in his eyes. "An aware dungeon that avenges wronged children and delivers cryptic messages. Wonderful. Anything else about this swamp that¡¯s likely to upend our understanding of the world?" Ulrick hesitated, then gave a small shake of his head. "That¡¯s all for now, but I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if there¡¯s more waiting to be discovered." The guildmaster sat in silence for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Very well. I¡¯ll include this in the report to the capital. For now, keep this information contained. If word gets out, we might be dealing with more than adventurers seeking fame. We could have zealots or worse poking their noses into this." The room fell into silence, the only sound the clinking of mugs as the team took long sips of their beer. The guildmaster stared at the ceiling, stroking his beard, his expression unreadable. Vin, still at the window, spoke without turning. ¡°No precedent. No tower. Not field. Not crystal. Not normal. Strange dungeon.¡± The guildmaster¡¯s gaze drifted down from the ceiling, meeting Ulrick¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯ll need time to think on this¡­ but this isn¡¯t something we can ignore. You¡¯ve done well to bring this to me.¡± He stood, his imposing frame looming over the desk. ¡°For now, get some rest. I¡¯ll draft a report to the central guild branch. If this dungeon is as unique as you say, we¡¯ll need to plan carefully.¡± The team nodded, finishing their beers. Ulrick gave a small sigh of relief. At least now, it was in the guildmaster¡¯s hands. The bar was lively, filled with the chatter of adventurers, the clink of mugs, and the occasional laugh that carried above the din. The Dragonclaw team was huddled around a corner table, their tankards already half-emptied. The mood was relaxed, though a hint of unease lingered. They¡¯d just returned from their meeting with the guildmaster, and the weight of their findings in the swamp still pressed on them. The door to the bar swung open, and the guildmaster¡¯s broad frame filled the doorway. The noise of the room dipped slightly as he entered, his presence commanding attention even in a crowd. He scanned the room, his eyes landing on Ulrick and his team. ¡°Figures,¡± he muttered under his breath as he strode toward them. ¡°Ulrick,¡± he said as he approached, his voice cutting through the room. ¡°Mind if I join you for a moment?¡± Ulrick raised an eyebrow but gestured to the empty chair across from him. ¡°Always a pleasure, sir.¡± The guildmaster pulled out the chair and sat down, his expression stern. ¡°The report for the capital is on its way,¡± he began without preamble. ¡°Ashenvail¡¯s central branch will decide how to allocate resources and personnel, but I have my own plans in motion. This dungeon you¡¯ve discovered¡ªits value cannot be overstated. We have only two dungeons in the kingdom, and now we¡¯ve found a third. That¡¯s not just rare¡ªit¡¯s monumental.¡± He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. ¡°I¡¯m going to establish a guild academy at the foot of that mountain. It¡¯ll serve as a hub for research and training, as well as a staging ground for adventurers diving into the dungeon. This isn¡¯t just about survival or profit; this is about Ashenvail¡¯s future.¡± Ulrick nodded, his jaw tightening. He had a sinking feeling about where this was headed. The guildmaster continued. ¡°Since your team has the most experience with this dungeon, I¡¯m assigning you as guides. You¡¯ll return to the village, prepare the locals, and assist with the initial setup. You¡¯ll also be expected to lead dives into the dungeon to assess its dangers and establish a foothold.¡± A soft groan escaped from the team¡¯s corner. Nole, her head swaying slightly, muttered under her breath. ¡°Those¡­ disgusting things¡­ again? No¡­¡± Her head hit the table with a dull thud as she promptly passed out. The guildmaster raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t comment. Instead, he turned back to Ulrick. ¡°You¡¯ve got a week to prepare. Think carefully about what you¡¯ll need¡ªgear, consumables, tools for organization, and items to help ease new teams into the dungeon. Send me a full list, and I¡¯ll authorize the expenses.¡± He stood, his chair scraping against the wooden floor. ¡°Ulrick,¡± he said with a slight smirk, ¡°maybe you should have a word with your team about their alcohol consumption. You¡¯ll need sharp minds and sharper blades if you want to survive this.¡± The guildmaster strode out of the bar, leaving the team in stunned silence. Ulrick sat back, a hand running through his hair. ¡°Guides¡­¡± he muttered. ¡°The pay¡¯s good, sure, but it means going back into that damn swamp.¡± From her corner, Nole stirred briefly, her groggy voice slurring. ¡°Pay¡¯s not good enough¡­ for those ugly things¡­¡± The rest of the team burst into laughter, their tension breaking for a moment. Ulrick couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, though his mind was already spinning with plans. This was an opportunity for greatness¡ªbut only if they survived. After a week of intense shopping, the team was ready to head back to the village. Nole had enjoyed every second of their shopping spree, dragging Brill along to try on endless sets of armor pieces. To her delight¡ªand everyone else¡¯s amusement¡ªBrill had been sporting a ridiculous, dreamy smile ever since. It wasn¡¯t hard to guess why. Somewhere in the process, he might¡¯ve caught a glimpse of something less armor-related, but Nole didn¡¯t seem to mind, or even notice. She was too busy enjoying herself. The cart they rode was now filled to the brim with supplies, new gear, and various odds and ends they¡¯d picked up along the way. They¡¯d have to return the cart to the village at some point anyway, so it served a double purpose. As they neared the outskirts of the swamp, the horizon darkened with the familiar sight of the stationary storm cloud. Its charged intensity had subsided since their last encounter, but it still loomed ominously, a constant reminder of the dangers they were returning to. Gale was practically buzzing with energy, unable to hide his excitement. The youngest guide in the guild¡¯s history at only 15 years old, with just four weeks of adventuring under his belt, he felt both honored and overwhelmed. Determination settled on his face as he gazed at the storm, gripping his weapon tightly. He had a lot to prove, and he was ready to do whatever it took to rise to the occasion. Ulrick, on the other hand, couldn¡¯t shake a slight sense of unease. His team, while capable, was also one of the most inexperienced guide teams in the guild. Everyone except Gale was nearing their first tier-up, but they still had a long way to go before earning the title of seasoned adventurers. The thought weighed on him as the storm cloud came into sharper focus. "Glorious or disastrous," he muttered under his breath, catching Nole¡¯s curious glance. "Just thinking about the future," he added quickly, forcing a small smile. As the cart creaked along the path and the wind carried the distant rumble of thunder, the team steeled themselves. The dangers ahead would be great, but so too would the rewards. They were no longer just adventurers¡ªthey were guides. And with a little luck, some hard training, and plenty of skill, their journey into the swamp would mark the beginning of something truly extraordinary. Chapter 13: Mad Scientist Level 2 Two weeks had passed, and Adrian observed his swamp with a sense of satisfaction. The ecosystem he¡¯d built was thriving¡ªif you could call something so grotesque ¡°thriving.¡± Bio-matter levels had reached 786, the traps and monsters functioned seamlessly, and even without adventurers venturing into the swamp, everything seemed stable. But what captured Adrian¡¯s attention most during those weeks wasn¡¯t the dungeon itself¡ªit was Lucy and Chomp. Lucy had transitioned from fear and despair to forming an unbreakable bond with the very creature she¡¯d initially feared the most. Watching Chomp leap and bound through the swamp with Lucy clinging to his back¡ªalternating between laughter and terrified shrieks¡ªwas a bizarre sight. It was a strange, heartwarming scene, set in a nightmarish swamp. Lucy treated the dungeon like a playground: petting Flesh Crawlers, picking Corpsecap mushrooms and giggling like they were toys, and even dangling from vines. Stranger still, none of the monsters showed aggression toward her. Adrian noted this, wondering if her connection to the dungeon marked her as part of its ecosystem in a way he didn¡¯t fully understand. Speaking of the Corpsecaps, Adrian had made an interesting discovery. The traps didn¡¯t just kill¡ªthey multiplied. Any time a Corpsecap claimed a kill, a new one sprouted from the corpse. If two kills occurred near each other, two Corpsecaps emerged. It seemed the traps were integrating into the swamp¡¯s ecosystem in ways he hadn¡¯t predicted. Another strange occurrence caught Adrian¡¯s attention that day. A Bloodroot Tree had produced what looked like an acorn. The tendril holding it lowered to the ground, and then something surprising happened. One of the Flesh Crawler queens emerged from its nest, unsteady but clearly driven by instinct. It picked up the acorn delicately with its mandibles and carried it off into the swamp. Adrian watched as the queen chose a spot, buried the acorn, and settled over it like a hen with an egg. Over two days, the acorn grew into a small, ball-like proto-tree, rooted in the swamp and sheltered by the queen. Tiny Flesh Crawlers emerged, scavenging for plants and insects to nourish the tree. Adrian watched with a sense of warped pride. His creations weren¡¯t just surviving¡ªthey were evolving. Adrian was just about to admire his work further when the calm was broken by five heavy thuds at the swamp¡¯s rim. He felt them before the oculnids confirmed it: five adventurers. Adrian zoomed his attention through the network of eyes and immediately recognized them. It was the same group as before, though their gear looked significantly improved. Their presence wasn¡¯t unexpected, but it was unsettling. Without hesitation, Adrian issued a command. ¡°Chomp, Lucy, come back to the hollow tree. Now.¡± Chomp, who had been performing his usual gravity-defying antics, immediately bounded toward the hollow tree with Lucy clinging to his back, protesting, ¡°Aww, but we were having fun!¡± Adrian felt an odd unease. These adventurers were no strangers, but two weeks was plenty of time for them to prepare. And this time, Adrian had no intention of underestimating them¡ªor letting them underestimate him. Adrian observed through the oculnids as the adventurers hesitated at the edge of the swamp, their curiosity piqued by the eerie, unmoving spider-like creatures. The oculnids were perfectly still, their singular purpose to provide Adrian with vision, but their unnatural design unnerved the group. He felt the faint vibrations of their voices ripple through the swamp¡¯s humid air. Concentrating, Adrian realized he could almost make out what they were saying¡ªan ability he hadn¡¯t consciously noticed before. "Eyes seem to follow me, that''s absolutely creepy!" The female adventurer''s voice was laced with irritation and unease. "I don¡¯t mind people looking at my behind when I walk by, but when monsters are watching me, that''s enough!" Adrian smirked inwardly at her candor. Then, a more analytical voice broke through, its cadence peculiar and halting. "Eyes follow motion, all eyes same target. Maybe swarm? No. No function for swarm watching target together. Eye spider immobile, always watching. Counting three at rim. Visual system for dungeon? Possible." Adrian paused. The adventurer¡¯s observations were unnervingly accurate. His strange speech pattern and focused deductions caught Adrian¡¯s attention. Is that one autistic? Adrian wondered, not out of disdain, but fascination. The analytical adventurer¡¯s perspective was unique, logical, and efficient¡ªqualities Adrian respected. "Whatever they are," the leader, clad in half-plate armor, interjected, "they don¡¯t seem to do anything. Just ignore them. If those are the eyes of the dungeon, I don¡¯t want to make it mad by killing them. Okay, guys, fall into formation. This is Expedition Two into the cursed swamp. Hold your eyes open. Always." Adrian noted the authoritative tone. The leader was cautious but clearly not afraid. This was someone who commanded respect and expected to be followed¡ªa good quality, Adrian thought. Perhaps too good. This group had learned from their previous foray into the swamp. They weren¡¯t underestimating the dangers this time. Adrian shifted his focus away from their words, observing their movements instead. Let¡¯s see how they handle the dungeon this time, he thought, his dungeon heart pulsing faintly with anticipation. Adrian observed the adventurers as they moved cautiously through the swamp, their footsteps squelching in the mud as they skirted the deeper pools of water. His improvements to the swamp''s ecosystem had borne fruit¡ªthere were more creatures, more danger, and more complexity. Yet, this group seemed more prepared, more coordinated than before. It didn¡¯t take long for them to stumble upon a Flesh Crawler nest. Adrian watched as the female adventurer, quick on her feet, nocked arrows and sent them flying with precision. Four of the unsuspecting creatures fell before they even realized they were under attack. The remaining six surged forward, screeching and clattering their sickle-like limbs against the wet ground. The leader stepped forward, intercepting the charge. His shield clanged as two Flesh Crawlers slammed into it, their frenzied attacks momentarily halted. Another two were drawn to his bold movements, focusing their aggression on him. The remaining two veered toward a man radiating an aura of confidence. His hands erupted into flames, and with practiced ease, he sent a continuous stream of fire towards the incoming creatures. Isolated from the rest of the swarm, the Flesh Crawlers stood no chance, falling one after the other in a blaze of crackling heat. Meanwhile, a young adventurer, barely older than Lucy, hefted a two-handed sword and swung it in a wide arc. His strike connected with one Flesh Crawler, splitting it cleanly. Despite his inexperience, his strike was decisive. Adrian noted his raw potential but also his reckless pride. The leader, locked in battle with the final three Flesh Crawlers, managed to keep them at bay with a combination of his shield and axe. He sustained only a shallow cut to his upper thigh, the claw slipping through a gap in his armor. Two arrows whistled through the air, taking down one of the creatures. The remaining two were quickly dispatched by axe and flame.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Adrian''s attention shifted to the robed man standing motionless at the rear. His lack of participation puzzled Adrian. A mage who doesn¡¯t cast spells? Adrian mused. Or perhaps¡­ a healer? The thought intrigued him. The team dynamic was robust, and their roles seemed well-distributed. The battle won, the adventurers scanned the area, weapons ready, but found no immediate threats. Their vigilance did not falter as the fire mage turned his attention to the Bloodroot Tree. Flames licked at its base, the fire spreading quickly through the symbiotic organism. The eggs in the queen''s chamber popped under the intense heat, and a high-pitched, guttural scream echoed through the swamp as the queen met her agonizing end. Adrian felt the queen''s life force dissipate, a faint pang of loss for the creature he had created. This is going much better for them than last time, Adrian thought. The adventurers were doing well, all things considered. Their progress through the swamp was steady, and their adaptability was commendable. Adrian watched with an odd mixture of pride and amusement as they faced the challenges his dungeon presented. This was the dance of dungeon and adventurers, a symbiotic relationship of danger and growth. Ulrick¡¯s cautious approach was paying off. He was clearly leading with his experience, though the group''s discomfort with the swamp''s nature showed in every step they took. The river crossing had been particularly entertaining for Adrian. Watching Nole deal with leeches and the prideful mage fuss over his sodden robes was a small delight. It wasn¡¯t as deadly as some parts of the swamp, but it served as a reminder that nature itself could be its own hazard. The clearing of Corpsecaps was the highlight so far. Adrian couldn¡¯t stop the amused pulse that rippled through the dungeon as the mushrooms detonated in a fiery chain reaction. The adventurers had been cautious, but not cautious enough. The sight of them wiping mud and debris from their faces was priceless. "Good effort, but always check for clusters," Adrian mused, as though giving them silent advice. He glanced at his bio-mass. 796 and climbing steadily. Not bad. It wasn¡¯t an enormous haul yet, but his patience was paying off. This group was both a source of entertainment and a measure of his dungeon¡¯s effectiveness. The fact that they were aiming for the center intrigued him. ¡°Well, let¡¯s see how far you can go,¡± Adrian thought, already curious about their next move. Adrian¡¯s focus sharpened as he observed the aftermath of the Corpsecap explosion. Emerging from the murky undergrowth was something he hadn¡¯t noticed before¡ªsomething he didn¡¯t even know existed within his dungeon. The sight made him pause, and when Chomp¡¯s voice echoed through their shared connection, Adrian felt his curiosity peak. ¡°Crooki!¡± Chomp laughed, the guttural growl of his voice surprisingly light. ¡°That one¡¯s strange, master! Crooki¡¯s fun to watch!¡± Adrian concentrated on the lumbering creature making its way toward the adventurers. It was a bizarre amalgamation of life and death, a skinned alligator that seemed almost spectral under the dim swamp light. Its snout bore a jagged scar, and the once-lifeless body was now animated, not by its own will but by the Corpsecaps that adorned its back. Spores drifted from the mushroom caps in a haunting mist, carried by the slight movements of its body as it shuffled closer to the clearing. The adventurers froze, their faces pale as the blood drained from them. Whatever this thing was, they knew it. Recognition flashed in their eyes, mingled with disbelief and horror. "Crooki," Adrian murmured, amused by the name Chomp had given it. He concentrated further, prompting the system to respond with a cold, factual message:
Corpsecap Cluster: This advanced form of Corpsecap emerges when sufficient biomass is absorbed by the fungus. No longer capable of exploding, the cluster uses the corpse it has grown upon for mobility, attack, and defense. The mycelium threads reinforce the host¡¯s muscles and bones, animating the body as a vessel for survival. Spores are released to further propagate the Corpsecap species. Challenge Rating: Medium for lower-level adventurers.
Adrian couldn¡¯t help but admire the morbid beauty of the creature. The Corpsecap¡¯s clever adaptation to its environment was fascinating, and it stirred his scientist¡¯s mind. However, the adventurers didn¡¯t seem to share his appreciation for nature¡¯s ingenuity. They snapped into action, their earlier confidence giving way to nervous precision. Nole loosed arrows, finding purchase in the soft tissues of the reanimated beast. The fire mage ignited Crooki¡¯s back with bursts of flame, burning away the mushrooms and blackening the alligator¡¯s exposed flesh. The melee fighters worked in tandem, slicing through the reinforced muscles until the Corpsecap Cluster collapsed in a heap. The fight was over quickly, the adventurers leaving the grotesque form to rot where it fell. Adrian was slightly disappointed, but he reminded himself that this was the nature of the dungeon¡ªa test, not a slaughter. ¡°Master?¡± Chomp¡¯s voice broke through Adrian¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Why not help Crooki? He was funny.¡± ¡°No,¡± Adrian replied calmly. ¡°The adventurers need challenges. Crooki served his purpose. Let them have their victory.¡± Adrian watched the group move on, the swamp absorbing their noise as they ventured further. He felt a twinge of curiosity about the connection between Crooki and the adventurers. They had recognized the creature, but how? That question lingered in Adrian¡¯s mind as he prepared for the next phase of the dungeon¡¯s performance. System Notification: Bio-Matter: 800/1000 Level-Up Available. Cost: 800 Bio-Mass. Adrian felt a rush of excitement. He hadn''t expected the level-up system to work this way, requiring him to trigger it manually. But spending nearly all his bio-matter at once? That seemed... risky. And then, a wild idea struck him. If he could grin, he would have. Instead, Lucy and Chomp heard an eerie sound ripple through their connection with him¡ªa laugh, something between a maniacal cackle and the thrill of discovery. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Lucy asked, looking at Chomp. Chomp tilted his head. ¡°Master laugh weird... what he plan now?¡± Adrian simply replied, ¡°Just enjoy the show.¡± The two exchanged confused glances, left to wonder what their master was up to this time.
The adventurers moved cautiously through the swamp, their senses on high alert. Another bloodroot tree loomed ahead, its Flesh Crawler defenders already bristling with aggression. The team prepared for battle, and though they managed to overcome the creatures, it wasn¡¯t without cost. Gale and Ulrick bore fresh wounds, but Vin¡¯s healing magic patched them up well enough. Finally, the group stood before the massive dead tree at the swamp¡¯s center. Its hollowed, gnarled trunk loomed like a sentinel guarding the heart of the dungeon. ¡°This must be it,¡± Gale whispered, his awe evident. ¡°This is where the heart is, right? Inside the tree?¡± Ulrick nodded. ¡°You can hear it, can¡¯t you? The heartbeat. It¡¯s louder here.¡± Before they could decide their next move, movement caught their attention. A swarm of small creatures¡ªFlesh Crawlers, but far more numerous than before¡ªemerged from the shadows, encircling the tree. The adventurers braced themselves, falling into defensive stances, but the creatures didn¡¯t attack. A tense silence hung in the air. The only sound was the rhythmic pounding of the heart. Then, the ground began to tremble. The heartbeat quickened, echoing like a war drum. ¡°What¡¯s happening?!¡± Brill shouted. The party watched in horror as the dead tree began to grow. Twisted sprouts burst from its bark, and leaves, vibrant and green, pushed their way out of the lifeless wood. At the same time, the roots below the tree tore through the swamp floor, plunging into the earth. The entire structure grew taller and more imposing, as if the dungeon itself was coming alive. Lightning split the sky and struck the tree directly at its center. For a moment, the world stood still. No flames, no scars, just a sudden, unnatural silence. And then, as if nothing had happened, the swamp returned to life. The croaks of frogs and the buzz of insects resumed, breaking the stillness. The Flesh Crawlers that had surrounded the tree began to disperse, retreating into the swamp without a sound. ¡°What in the name of the gods just happened?¡± Brill muttered, his voice shaky. ¡°I... I don¡¯t know,¡± Ulrick said, his eyes fixed on the now-living tree. Gale pointed at the roots. ¡°Did you see that? The roots... they went straight down. I think I saw tunnels forming. Could it be a new dungeon level?¡± Ulrick met Gale¡¯s wide-eyed gaze and nodded grimly. ¡°It¡¯s possible. But that¡¯s not our concern right now. We¡¯re leaving. Now.¡± No one argued. The group retraced their steps as quickly as possible, the swamp seeming even more hostile in the wake of what they¡¯d witnessed. Chapter 14: The New World Below When the rumbling ceased, Adrian took a moment to assess his surroundings. His core chamber had expanded significantly, no longer a hollow, lifeless husk. The tree now appeared alive, its bark gleaming faintly with bio-luminescence. Fleshy growths adorned the walls, pulsing faintly as if mirroring his own heartbeat. The transformation was clear: this was no longer just a tree; it was an extension of him, a true symbol of his growth. As Adrian glanced outside through his lone oculnid perched near the entrance, he noted an entirely new environment. The swampy ground was now darker, interspersed with glowing moss and the occasional darting light of luminous insects. The air was dense with humidity, yet there was something more¡ªa faint, almost electric charge that tingled within the range of his sensory network. Before he could explore further, a System Notification appeared: Level up successful. Dungeon floor added. Overall theme: Subterranean Swamp Tunnels. New skill acquired: Spawn Organ. New organ unlocked: Mutation Chamber. Cost 500 Bio-Matter New monster available: Venomwing Striker. Cost 10 Bio-Matter Bio-Matter maximum storage upgraded. Adrian absorbed the information with interest. A second floor¡­ a mutation chamber¡­ new monsters, upgraded Bio-Matter storage. His options were expanding rapidly, and with them, his opportunities to grow stronger. However, as he checked his bio-matter reserves, a flicker of irritation crossed his thoughts. Bio-Matter: 7/2000. The system¡¯s level-up had drained him nearly dry. He would have to wait for the ecosystem to refill his reserves before he could spawn anything substantial. Adventurers had just left the dungeon; it would be some time before new ones arrived. That meant his options for biomass replenishment were limited. Adrian turned his focus to the Mutation Chamber. The organ stood nestled against one wall of the hollow tree, resembling a veined pod with pulsating sacs of glowing bio-matter. It exuded an aura of potential, though its uses would have to wait until his reserves were replenished. ¡°Lucy! Chomp!¡± Adrian called out through their mental link. The two, who had been curiously examining the changes to the chamber, froze mid-investigation. ¡°What is it?¡± Lucy asked, her small form tilting her head as she tried to comprehend the changes around her. ¡°I need the two of you to explore the new floor. My reserves are low, and I can¡¯t create oculnids to scout yet. You¡¯ll need to be my eyes.¡± Chomp¡¯s tail wagged with excitement, his natural curiosity driving his eagerness to see what lay below. Lucy, on the other hand, hesitated. ¡°What if there¡¯s something dangerous down there?¡± Adrian¡¯s voice carried a reassuring tone. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m sending the two of you together. Chomp, you¡¯re quick and can fight. Lucy, your presence seems to calm the dungeon creatures. The first floor¡¯s monsters didn¡¯t attack you, and I suspect it will be the same below. Stay cautious, and don¡¯t go too far until I can see through my oculnids.¡± Reluctantly, Lucy nodded. ¡°Fine. But you better keep an eye on us once you can.¡± Adrian would have smiled if he still had a face. ¡°Of course. Now, go.¡± The two set out, descending through a newly formed tunnel that spiraled downward. The walls were slick with a mix of mud and bio-luminescent moss, casting an eerie glow. Chomp ducked down, his nose twitching as he sniffed at the unfamiliar air, while Lucy took her usual place on his back, her eyes darting nervously. Adrian, left alone in his chamber, turned his thoughts inward. His dungeon had expanded, but the challenges it presented would need careful planning. For now, he would let the second floor grow naturally, using the time to strategize and prepare. As he waited, he felt the faint tremors of life in the tunnels below. Creatures were already adapting to the new environment, their movements faint but discernible through his senses. There was time to observe, plan, and grow stronger. For now, Adrian could only wait and get some collectors down there. Lucy adjusted her grip on Chomp¡¯s back as they began their descent into the tunnels below. The spiraling path was slick with mud and veined with glowing moss, casting a faint, greenish hue across the walls. Every step Chomp took was deliberate, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed at the unfamiliar air. Lucy¡¯s wide eyes darted nervously, scanning the shadows for signs of danger. ¡°It¡¯s so... quiet,¡± she murmured, gripping a clump of fur on Chomp¡¯s back. ¡°Almost too quiet.¡± Chomp let out a soft growl, not of alarm but agreement. The air carried a damp, earthy scent mingled with something alien¡ªa hint of decay and life intertwined. Small glowing insects flitted between the moss, their lights dancing like tiny stars. They passed the first small chamber, its walls lined with fungi that seemed to sway subtly, though there was no breeze. His words reassured her, but the unease of the new floor lingered. This wasn¡¯t just a dungeon anymore; it felt like an entirely different world. As they emerged from the tunnel into a massive cavern, Lucy let out an audible gasp. Towering mushrooms formed a sprawling forest, their caps as large as the canopies of trees. Bioluminescent veins ran along their trunks, pulsing faintly with light that changed hues¡ªfrom soft blues to warm oranges¡ªcasting an ethereal glow across the cavern. Sporadic beams of sunlight filtered through cracks in the rocky ceiling far above, blending natural light with the mushrooms¡¯ otherworldly luminescence. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± Lucy whispered, her earlier tension momentarily forgotten. Chomp sniffed the air, his tail wagging slightly. He crouched low, moving carefully through the dense fungal undergrowth, his paws squelching softly in the swampy ground. Lucy held on tightly, her gaze shifting between the enormous mushrooms and the movement in the distance. That¡¯s when they saw them. A small herd of deer-creatures grazed near the base of a particularly large mushroom. Their skeletal heads and parasitic growths gave them a grotesque appearance, but their movements were eerily graceful. Tendrils of fungal growth wrapped around their limbs and spines, intertwining with their bodies in a seamless, symbiotic relationship.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°They look... dead,¡± Lucy said, her voice tinged with both awe and fear. ¡°But they¡¯re moving.¡± The deer-creatures didn¡¯t seem to notice Lucy and Chomp at first, their focus entirely on the glowing moss and smaller mushrooms scattered across the ground. Then, Lucy spotted something else¡ªsomething different. Among the herd, two upright figures stood out. They were taller than the deer-creatures, their skeletal heads identical but their posture unmistakably humanoid. One appeared female, with glowing eyes that flickered faintly in its hollow sockets, while the other, clearly male, watched the pair closely. Their thin, almost skeletal frames were draped in ragged scraps of fabric, and parasitic tendrils coiled around their limbs like adornments. ¡°What are they?¡± Lucy whispered, her grip tightening on Chomp. The two humanoid figures, Wendren as they would later be called, made no move to attack. Instead, they observed Lucy and Chomp with a mixture of caution and curiosity. When Chomp took a hesitant step closer, the Wendren retreated, blending seamlessly into the herd of deer-creatures. The entire group moved as one, disappearing deeper into the forest. ¡°They¡¯re watching us,¡± Lucy said, her voice shaky. Moving cautiously, Lucy and Chomp continued their exploration. Smaller caverns branched off the main tunnels, each one unique in its features. One chamber caught their attention with its shimmering walls and faintly acrid scent. As they entered, Lucy¡¯s eyes widened at the sight. Crystals grew in jagged formations around a small lake of faintly glowing green acid. The air stung faintly, and Chomp growled softly, his instincts warning him of the danger. The crystals reflected the light in dazzling patterns, their sharp edges appearing almost alive. Small amphibians, their skin slick and translucent, hopped between the formations, seemingly unaffected by the acidic environment. Lucy watched in fascination as one of the creatures dipped into the lake, emerging moments later unharmed. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t stay here long,¡± she muttered, the acidic smell making her throat burn slightly. Chomp snorted in agreement, taking a step back toward the tunnel. As they retreated, Lucy glanced over her shoulder, her curiosity lingering on the strange beauty of the acid crystals. Adrian: When Lucy and Chomp finally returned to the hollow tree, they were both exhausted but exhilarated. Adrian¡¯s voice greeted them immediately. ¡°You¡¯re back. Good. What did you find?¡± Lucy slid off Chomp¡¯s back, her legs shaky. ¡°We saw... so much. A forest of mushrooms. Strange animals. And... those humanoid things.¡± Chomp let out a low growl, his tail wagging tiredly. ¡°They didn¡¯t attack us,¡± Lucy added quickly. ¡°But they were watching. Closely.¡± Adrian processed the information in silence for a moment. ¡°You¡¯ve done well. This new floor... it¡¯s more than I expected. There¡¯s potential here. Thank you.¡± Lucy and Chomp exchanged a glance, their bond stronger than ever after their shared journey. As Adrian began planning his next moves, the two settled into a corner of the chamber, eager to rest after their adventure. Adrian¡¯s senses stretched through his dungeon, his focus divided between the bustling ecosystem of the first floor and the unexplored mysteries of the second. His oculnids had only begun scouting the new cavern systems. The first chamber they entered was vast, dominated by mushroom trees whose caps formed a canopy glowing with bio-luminescence. Among the scurrying animals, his attention snagged on the strange humanoid deer creatures. Adrian examined them with scientific curiosity. These beings moved with deliberate grace, their skeletal faces unsettling yet oddly captivating. Unlike the other creatures, these seemed¡­ different. Intelligent? Perhaps. They didn¡¯t interact with the other animals but observed them, almost as if they were trying to learn. Adrian decided to monitor them closely; they might prove valuable¡ªor dangerous. As he pondered, a heavy thud rippled through the caldera¡¯s edge. Adrian shifted his focus to the rim, where his oculnids provided a clear view. Another adventurer group had arrived. These were not Ulrick¡¯s team. This group was younger, more cautious, and visibly less experienced. Their gear was basic¡ªpatchwork leather armor, dull iron weapons, and one poorly fitted mail shirt. Adrian scrutinized their dynamic: two women, both with bows slung across their backs; a wiry young man in mismatched chainmail wielding a sword; a stout, nervous-looking man clutching a wooden shield; and a mage, distinguished by his ragged robes and staff adorned with a cheap-looking crystal. Adrian¡¯s thoughts drifted as he observed them. "Are they¡­ training in my dungeon? Interesting. But this environment doesn¡¯t tolerate incompetence." The group moved cautiously, stepping into the swamp with hesitant determination. Their initial encounters were against mundane swamp animals¡ªterritorial crocodiles, venomous snakes, and the like. Despite their nervousness, they showed decent coordination, though their inexperience was evident. The archer women argued over positioning. The mage¡¯s fireball incinerated a target but almost singed the swordsman¡¯s hair in the process. Still, they pressed on. It wasn¡¯t long before they stumbled upon a Flesh Crawler nest. Adrian watched with detached interest as the group hesitated, realizing too late that they were surrounded. The nest had hidden itself well, and the crawlers emerged in a coordinated ambush. The young adventurers panicked. The stout man¡¯s shield proved his saving grace as he deflected several attackers, but his inexperience showed in the shakiness of his defense. One of the archers fired wildly, her arrows finding only mud and bark, while the other screamed as a crawler lunged at her leg. Adrian observed clinically. "Their inexperience will cost them. But how much?" The mage shouted an incantation, unleashing a burst of fire that singed a few of the crawlers. Yet it wasn¡¯t enough to stop the relentless swarm. The group managed to retreat¡ªbut not without loss. One of the hunters of the group¡ªa wiry young woman with a bow¡ªwas dragged down by two Flesh Crawlers. His screams echoed through the swamp, silencing only when the creatures tore into him. The others fled, barely escaping the nest¡¯s reach. Adrian issued a silent command to the crawlers: "Take only half." The monsters obeyed, retreating after tearing away a portion of the hunter¡¯s body. The rest remained intact, untouched, as Adrian¡¯s collectors arrived moments later. Back in his core chamber, Adrian reviewed the influx of biomass: Bio-Matter Collected: 230 units. Adrian paused. The amount was significant¡ªmore than any creature in his ecosystem had ever provided. He analyzed the difference, the system providing no further insights beyond a vague message: "Bio-matter contribution varies by source." Adrian contemplated this for a moment. "System-enhanced humans¡­ they¡¯re worth more biomass. Interesting." The thought took a darker turn. If humans offered this much biomass, what would happen if he took them all? The villagers were nearby, defenseless. One command, and his collectors could quietly eliminate dozens in a single night, filling his reserves to capacity. The idea was intoxicating. "With that much biomass, I could expand my dungeon exponentially. Level up twice, maybe more. I¡¯d be unstoppable." But as quickly as the thought came, he dismissed it. "I don¡¯t know what adventurers are capable of if they grow stronger. If I become too murderous, they¡¯ll come in greater numbers, and at levels I can¡¯t yet imagine. My survival depends on restraint." He settled into silence, allowing the ecosystem to work as intended. The swamp would claim its share of adventurers over time, providing a steady influx of resources. Patience, after all, was a virtue. Adrian¡¯s oculnids resumed their exploration of the second floor. The caverns revealed strange terrain¡ªcrystals growing around small pools of weak acid, glowing fungus climbing the walls, and tunnels winding like veins through the earth. He paid particular attention to the humanoid deer-creatures and their silent watchers, the skeletal-faced Wendren. These creatures were not his creations. They existed independently of him, yet they felt connected to the dungeon¡¯s essence. The Wendren, in particular, seemed¡­ aware. Though they did not interact with his creatures, they moved with purpose, occasionally glancing skyward as though sensing his oculnid¡¯s gaze. Adrian made a note to study them further. For now, his focus returned to the first floor, where the adventurers would surely spread word of their encounter. More would come, drawn by the promise of danger and reward. And Adrian would be waiting. Chapter 15: The First Song The rain was unrelenting. Sheets of water poured from the perpetual stormcloud that loomed over the mountain, but strangly staying perfectly over the caldera the dungeon was located in. Lightning crackled across the dark sky, its light illuminating the bustling activity below, though the bolts never struck the ground. Workers scurried to erect the academy¡¯s central structure, their voices carrying over the storm as they shouted orders and instructions. The tavern tent, set up hastily by a clever entrepreneur, was alive with noise. Adventurers swapped tales of their dungeon runs, laughter and boasting mingling with the occasional clink of mugs. In a quieter corner, the surviving members of the young adventuring group sat hunched over their drinks. The stout shield-bearer muttered, ¡°If I¡¯d been faster¡­ maybe¡­¡± He trailed off, shaking his head. The mage across from him stared into his mug. ¡°It¡¯s not on you. It¡¯s on all of us. We weren¡¯t ready, and he¡­ he paid for it.¡± A heavy silence fell over the table. One of the archers raised her mug half-heartedly. ¡°To Darrek,¡± she said, voice cracking. ¡°He deserved better.¡± The others murmured their agreement, clinking their mugs together with a muted sense of finality. Nearby adventurers glanced their way, recognizing the ritual for what it was, but none interrupted. Loss was a quiet, sacred thing in their world.
Outside the orientation tent, Ulrick and his team stood under a makeshift awning, rain dripping from the edges. The tent itself was packed with adventurers eager for guidance, their muffled chatter audible even over the storm. A rough map of the dungeon¡¯s first floor hung on a stretched cloth inside, illuminated by the flickering glow of lanterns. ¡°You ready?¡± Ulrick asked, his voice steady. ¡°As I¡¯ll ever be,¡± Brill replied with a grin, though his eyes flicked toward Nole. She was adjusting her form-fitting, comfortable clothing, the wet fabric clinging just enough to accentuate her figure. Brill coughed and quickly looked away when she caught him. ¡°Don¡¯t get distracted,¡± Nole teased lightly, her smirk making him blush. Gale fidgeted nervously, his hands trembling slightly as he checked his gear for the third time. ¡°D-do we really have to speak? I mean, they¡¯re here to listen to you, right?¡± Ulrick placed a reassuring hand on the younger man¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve got something important to say. They¡¯ll listen.¡± Vin was already muttering to himself, his sharp mind sorting through the details he wanted to share. ¡°Group close. Splitting up¡ªno. Mistakes. Death. Unity, survival.¡±
The tent grew quiet as Ulrick stepped to the front, his presence commanding attention. He let the silence stretch, the weight of the storm outside underscoring his words when he finally spoke. ¡°The dungeon doesn¡¯t care who you are. It doesn¡¯t care how strong or smart you think you are. It¡¯s a predator, and you¡¯re its prey. It¡¯s already taken one life.¡± The room tensed. Even the cockiest adventurers shifted uncomfortably under his piercing gaze. Brill stepped up next, gesturing toward the map. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about what you¡¯re up against. First floor¡¯s got plenty to kill you if you¡¯re not careful. Flesh Crawlers? They¡¯re quick, aggressive, and they¡¯ll tear you apart if you¡¯re not paying attention. But the real killers are parasites.¡± He paused, letting the word sink in. ¡°We even saw on Parasite reanimate a dead beast. We killed the beast in our first run of the dungeon, only to be chased by it in the second run.¡± Nole took her turn, her movements smooth and confident as she stepped forward. Her voice was sharp, commanding. ¡°Your best chance at surviving? Landmarks. That Big dead Tree in the middle of the swamp? The waterfall? Use them. Don¡¯t wander blindly, or you¡¯ll end up lost¡ªor worse. Oh, and if something glows, don¡¯t touch it unless you¡¯ve got a death wish.¡± She flipped her hair casually, a few adventurers clearly captivated by her presence. Vin followed, speaking in his distinct, fragmented style. ¡°Landmarks¡ªimportant. Always. Glow¡­ no touch. Group¡ªclose. Split, bad. Mistakes¡ªdeadly.¡± Some adventurers exchanged confused glances, but his team nodded along as if he were reciting scripture. His words carried weight, their strange cadence adding an air of intrigue. Finally, Gale hesitated as he stepped forward, his voice trembling. ¡°I-I... um¡­ when I first started, I made a lot of mistakes.¡± He took a shaky breath, then continued, his confidence growing. ¡°But mistakes in there don¡¯t just hurt you. They hurt everyone. And sometimes¡­ they kill. So don¡¯t rush in thinking you¡¯re invincible. You¡¯re not.¡± His honesty resonated with the newer adventurers, who nodded earnestly.
During the Q&A, a cocky adventurer spoke up, his voice laced with arrogance. ¡°If it¡¯s so dangerous, why¡¯d you even go in? Sounds like you¡¯re just scared of the place.¡± Ulrick¡¯s glare could have cut steel. ¡°We already lost one person up there. If you think you know better, by all means¡ªprove me wrong. But don¡¯t expect us to carry your corpse back.¡± The man wilted under Ulrick¡¯s gaze, muttering something incoherent. The rest of the room remained silent.
As the class ended, the adventurers trickled out, some lingering to ask questions. Ulrick and his team stood near the entrance, answering inquiries and offering advice. Brill nudged Ulrick as they watched the young adventuring group leave, their grief still etched on their faces. ¡°Think they¡¯ll listen?¡± Brill asked quietly. ¡°Some will,¡± Ulrick replied. ¡°The smart ones.¡±
Night fell over the academy. The stormcloud continued its endless deluge, lightning flashing intermittently above. Ulrick stood under the awning of the orientation tent, watching the distant peak of the mountain. ¡°We¡¯re building something here,¡± he murmured. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it lasts.¡± Everveil: The grand hall of Everveil¡¯s royal palace was a marvel of artistry. Columns of white marble stretched toward a vaulted ceiling painted with scenes of Ashenvail¡¯s storied history. King Aldemar Valenridge sat upon the throne, his posture poised, though his expression carried the weight of leadership.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Chad Gepit entered with his characteristic brisk stride, a stack of scrolls tucked under one arm. ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he began, bowing briefly. ¡°I bring news from the southern territories. It appears we have... a new addition to the kingdom.¡± Aldemar raised an eyebrow. ¡°A new addition? Do tell, Chad.¡± Chad unfurled a map, spreading it across the polished table before the throne. He tapped a spot near the mountain where Adrian¡¯s dungeon had appeared. ¡°A dungeon, Your Majesty. Recent reports confirm its emergence near the village of Mar.¡± The room grew silent as the assembled nobles and advisors leaned in. Aldemar¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°A dungeon? And the guild? What is their response?¡± Chad smirked faintly. ¡°They¡¯ve wasted no time, as expected. A guild academy is already under construction at the mountain¡¯s base. Adventurers are flocking to the area like moths to a flame. However...¡± He paused, letting the weight of his next words settle. ¡°This dungeon is... unusual.¡± Aldemar¡¯s tone grew serious. ¡°Unusual how?¡± ¡°The stormcloud,¡± Chad said, gesturing to an artist¡¯s rendering of the dungeon¡¯s surroundings. ¡°It does not move. It rains incessantly, and lightning flashes but never strikes the ground. Witnesses report creatures within the dungeon that exhibit parasitic behavior and, in one case, reanimated a beast killed by adventurers.¡± Murmurs broke out among the council, some voices alarmed, others intrigued. Aldemar raised a hand for silence. ¡°What are the guild¡¯s intentions?¡± ¡°They intend to study it, of course,¡± Chad replied. ¡°And profit from it. But they are not equipped to handle something of this scale should it spiral out of control.¡± The king frowned. ¡°And your assessment?¡± Chad¡¯s smirk returned, tinged with seriousness. ¡°It is both an opportunity and a threat, Your Majesty. Properly managed, it could bring wealth and prestige to Ashenvail. But left unchecked...¡± He let the unspoken words linger. Aldemar leaned back in his throne, steepling his fingers. ¡°Send a delegation to the guild academy. I want a full report on their progress and a detailed account of the dungeon¡¯s nature. If this dungeon poses a danger to the kingdom, we will act accordingly.¡± ¡°As you command,¡± Chad said, bowing once more. He allowed himself a small, wry smile as he left the hall. ¡°Adventurers and their dungeons,¡± he murmured under his breath. ¡°What delightful chaos...¡± Adrian: Adrian¡¯s attention was drawn to the Wendren as they huddled around the fire. His oculnid perched high in the cavern, its unblinking gaze capturing every detail of the strange gathering. The skeletal humanoids sat in a loose circle, their thin frames silhouetted against the flickering orange glow. The one who had sparked the flame sat closest, its glowing eyes fixed on the small blaze as it fed dry moss and branches into the fire. Around it, the others watched in silence, their heads tilting with a strange, almost childlike curiosity. And then, the first sound came¡ªa low, drawn-out hum, soft and tentative. The Wendren closest to the fire swayed slightly, its skeletal head bobbing in rhythm with the noise. Adrian¡¯s thoughts sharpened. What are they doing? This isn¡¯t communication as I¡¯ve seen before... Another Wendren joined in, its hum dissonant yet complementary to the first. Soon, a third added its voice, followed by a fourth. The cavern filled with a strange, chaotic symphony of hums and clicks. The sounds were uneven at first, a discordant cacophony, but then something shifted. The noises began to align, finding a rhythm¡ªa pulse that matched the soft beat of the fire¡¯s crackling embers. Adrian watched in stunned silence. The Wendren weren¡¯t just making noise; they were singing. The sound was unlike anything he had ever heard¡ªlow, guttural hums and sharp, staccato clicks, layered and weaving together into an alien melody. It was primal yet hauntingly beautiful. It reverberated through the cavern, carried along the damp, stony walls. From the shadows, a few of the deer-creatures stirred. Their glowing eyes blinked open as they raised their skeletal heads to watch the Wendren. After a moment, they lowered their heads back down, unbothered, and returned to sleep. The Wendren continued, their song growing more deliberate, their voices rising and falling as if testing the limits of this new form of expression. Their glowing eyes reflected the firelight, giving the scene an almost reverent quality. For the first time in his existence as a dungeon heart, Adrian felt something he couldn¡¯t quite place. They¡¯re creating... no, they¡¯re evolving. He could sense it in the very essence of the dungeon¡ªthe Wendren were changing, growing into something he hadn¡¯t anticipated. As the fire burned low, the song faded into a quiet hum, a lullaby that echoed softly through the cavern. The Wendren remained seated, their skeletal frames bathed in the dying firelight. And that night, for the first time, Adrian¡¯s dungeon resonated with something other than danger or fear. Deep within its caverns, a quiet song was born. The day had been relentless, as it always was. Adrian could feel the constant presence of adventurers roaming the swamp floor of his dungeon, their clumsy movements stirring ripples through his sensory network. Every step they took, every beast they felled, tugged at his awareness, demanding his attention. It was infuriating. Adrian grumbled to himself as he reviewed the influx of bio-matter his collectors had harvested. The adventurers rarely died¡ªjust as well, since a high death rate would only invite stronger, more prepared parties to his doorstep¡ªbut the creatures they slaughtered provided a steady income. Bio-Matter: 746/2000. Not bad, but not great either. Enough to keep the ecosystem replenished and spawn more creatures, but it came at a cost: his time. Managing the dungeon was a full-time occupation. If it wasn¡¯t adventurers trampling through his floors, it was rebalancing the ecosystem or directing his collectors. The constant interruptions left him precious little time to focus on what he truly wanted: experimenting, studying, and pushing the boundaries of what he could create. As the night settled in, the swamp above grew quieter. The latest group of adventurers had retreated, leaving behind a trail of carcasses and scattered loot that his collectors were already sweeping up. Finally, a reprieve. ¡°This should do,¡± Adrian muttered to himself, his voice echoing faintly through his chamber. The fleshy walls of his heart room pulsed softly, mirroring his heartbeat. It was time to test the evolution chamber. He reached out through his network, summoning the creature he had chosen for the experiment. A Venomwing Striker buzzed into the heart chamber moments later, its insectoid body glistening faintly under the red glow of the room. Its wings flickered with bioluminescent light, casting erratic patterns on the uneven ground. Adrian¡¯s focus shifted to the evolution chamber itself¡ªa pulsating pod-like structure nestled against one wall. It throbbed rhythmically, its surface slick with a faintly glowing liquid that pooled at its base. ¡°Inside,¡± he commanded. The Striker obeyed without hesitation, skittering toward the pod and slipping inside through a thin membrane that sealed shut behind it. The chamber came alive, glowing brighter as it began its work. Adrian¡¯s vision was immediately flooded with a system info box:
Subject: Venomwing Striker Available Mutations:
  1. Acid Glands (Cost: 10 Bio-Matter) ¨C Introduces specialized glands for spraying acidic venom.
  2. Armored Carapace (Cost: 7 Bio-Matter) ¨C Enhances durability with reinforced exoskeleton plating.
  3. Overseer (Cost: 500 Bio-Matter) ¨C Unique mutation. Can only be applied once.
Adrian¡¯s focus locked onto the third option. ¡°Overseer,¡± he murmured, intrigued. The description was sparse¡ªno further details about what the mutation entailed¡ªbut the cost alone was enough to catch his attention. Five hundred bio-matter? That was an absurd amount compared to the other mutations, which barely cost a fraction of that. ¡°What makes you so special?¡± he mused, his curiosity growing. The label ¡°Unique¡± added another layer of mystery. Unlike the other options, this mutation could only be applied once¡ªmeaning he would have to choose carefully if he proceeded. His heart pulsed faintly as he mulled over the decision. The Venomwing Striker was a capable creature, but this¡­ this could be something entirely new. Something that might finally ease the burden of managing his dungeon alone. Adrian lingered on the thought, the glowing system box hovering in his mind. ¡°Overseer,¡± he said again, the word lingering in his thoughts like an itch. You¡¯re going to be interesting, aren¡¯t you? Chapter 16: The Overseer Adrian¡¯s focus shifted from the incessant activity on the first floor to the second. With the funds generated by the endless stream of adventurers, he¡¯d gradually begun to populate the mushroom forest and surrounding caverns with new creatures. The second floor needed to be different¡ªmore dynamic, more challenging. If the adventurers thought they could fall into predictable patterns, they would soon learn otherwise. Swarms of Venomwing Strikers buzzed through the air, their bioluminescent wings casting faint glows across the mushroom caps. Adrian watched with curiosity as some of the Venomwings began carving out small hollows in the upper parts of the massive mushroom forest. These alcoves served as miniature nests, sheltering the creatures when they weren¡¯t patrolling. But it was the appearance of smaller Venomwings that truly caught his attention. He hadn¡¯t spawned them. They were¡­ natural. ¡°Are they reproducing on their own?¡± Adrian mused, the thought both intriguing and unsettling. His creations were adapting faster than expected, and while it wasn¡¯t entirely unwelcome, it added an element of unpredictability to his carefully curated ecosystem.
Mixed into the forest, clusters of Quillbugs scuttled through the undergrowth. These ranged fighters, with their hard exoskeletons and ability to launch sharp, venom-coated quills, worked best in small teams. Adrian strategically placed them to counter adventurers who relied too heavily on long-range attacks. Further complicating matters were the Flesh Crawlers, whose nests were interspersed throughout the forest floor. Their territorial aggression ensured that no corner of the second floor would feel safe. Even the backline adventurers¡ªthe ones who usually hung back, avoiding direct confrontation¡ªwould be forced to stay on their toes. And then there were the Parasite Queens. Adrian had placed several of them strategically throughout the forest, their grotesque, bulbous forms pulsing faintly as they exuded parasitic spores into the air. Each queen was a small hive of activity, their offspring scurrying out to infest unwary intruders. The second floor wasn¡¯t just dangerous; it was a nightmare for anyone who thought they could breeze through without preparation.
The entrance to the second floor led directly into the mushroom forest¡¯s main chamber¡ªa sprawling cavern illuminated by the faint, shifting glows of bioluminescent moss and fungi. At the back of the forest stood the true centerpiece of the level: a massive, ancient-looking tree that stretched from the cavern floor to the cracked ceiling above. Its bark glistened with a faint, organic sheen, and its roots snaked outward in all directions, forming a labyrinthine barrier. Adrian had poured significant resources into fortifying this area. The roots of the tree, pulsating faintly as though alive, wove together to create an almost impenetrable maze. Only one path led to the entrance of his heart room, hidden deep within the labyrinth. It was a masterpiece of security, ensuring that no adventurer could stumble upon his core unchallenged. Still, Adrian couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of irritation as he monitored the mining team outside the caldera. They were slowly carving a tunnel through the mountain for easier access, their efforts guarded by three teams of adventurers. His oculnids perched nearby, shifting their focus randomly. The adventurers visibly flinched every time, the sudden shifts in attention sending spikes of paranoia through the group. It was entertaining, if nothing else. ¡°Let them dig,¡± Adrian muttered to himself, watching as the tunnel inched closer to completion. He didn¡¯t care how they got in¡ªhis defenses were more than ready. The oculnid perched above the entrance to the second floor, its unblinking eye glowing faintly in the dim light. Bioluminescent moss marked the cave¡¯s curves, illuminating the descent into the unknown. ¡°Come,¡± Adrian thought, his core pulsing faintly. ¡°You¡¯re all so eager to descend¡­ Let¡¯s see how many of you make it back.¡± But at that day... nobody came down. The heart room pulsed softly, the red glow of Adrian¡¯s dungeon heart casting eerie shadows across the fleshy walls. Night had settled over the dungeon, and the adventurers who had filled the first floor during the day were gone, their footsteps replaced by the quiet hum of the ecosystem resetting itself. It was Adrian¡¯s favorite time¡ªwhen the swamp was silent, and his thoughts were uninterrupted. Bio-Matter: 756/2000. It was enough. He¡¯d debated for hours, analyzing the risks and rewards of the unique mutation labeled ¡°Overseer.¡± The cost was steep¡ªfive hundred bio-matter¡ªbut the potential benefits far outweighed the expense. Adrian didn¡¯t know what the mutation would yield, but the fact that it was unique intrigued him. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you can do,¡± Adrian muttered, his voice reverberating faintly through the heart room. In the background, Chomp bounded around like an overexcited pup. The Flesh Crawler snapped at the air, chasing a tiny glowing insect that he had brought into the chamber. His tail wagged furiously as he leapt, missing his target by a wide margin and landing in a heap. Unbothered, Chomp sprang back up and continued his pursuit. Adrian barely glanced at him, his focus entirely on the evolution chamber. The pod-like structure glowed faintly, its surface rippling as it awaited his command. The Venomwing Striker inside twitched slightly, its wings glowing faintly as it rested in suspended animation. ¡°Activate mutation: Overseer,¡± Adrian commanded. The chamber came alive, pulsing with light as the system acknowledged his order:
System Message Unique mutation "Overseer" activated. Bio-Matter cost: 500. Commencing evolution. Please wait...
Adrian watched as the pod¡¯s glow intensified, the liquid inside swirling with vibrant shades of green and gold. The Venomwing¡¯s form began to change, its slender body stretching and shifting as new limbs sprouted and its wings grew larger. The process was mesmerizing, a blend of grotesque and beautiful. Chomp, meanwhile, had finally caught the glowing insect. He held it triumphantly in his jaws, his tail wagging so hard it threatened to knock over one of the smaller organ-like structures lining the heart room. He trotted over to Lucy, who sat nearby, and proudly deposited his prize in her lap.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Lucy wrinkled her nose. ¡°Chomp, that¡¯s disgusting.¡± Chomp tilted his head, looking genuinely offended, before snatching the insect back and scampering off to find another distraction. Adrian ignored the exchange entirely, his focus unwavering as the evolution chamber emitted a final, blinding flash of light. When the glow subsided, the pod opened with a wet squelch, and the creature within emerged. It was magnificent. The Overseer stood taller than Adrian had expected, its elongated body sleek and dragonfly-like. Its translucent wings shimmered with bioluminescent patterns, casting intricate designs on the chamber walls. Its eyes, multifaceted and glowing faintly blue, radiated intelligence far beyond that of any other creature Adrian had spawned. It did not move aimlessly or await a command. Instead, it turned its head directly toward Adrian, as if recognizing him. ¡°Overseer Dronis,¡± Adrian murmured, naming the creature instinctively. ¡°You¡¯re more than I expected.¡± The Overseer clicked its mandibles softly, almost as if acknowledging him. As Adrian stared at Dronis, already calculating its potential uses, Chomp¡¯s antics continued in the background. He had abandoned his glowing insect in favor of wrestling with a loose tendril hanging from the wall. ¡°Chomp,¡± Adrian said, his voice sharp enough to make the creature freeze mid-tug. ¡°If you pull that down, you¡¯ll regret it.¡± Chomp dropped the tendril immediately, his tail wagging apologetically as he backed away. Adrian¡¯s gaze returned to Dronis, his thoughts already turning dark. The Overseer would be perfect for monitoring the second floor, managing its ecosystem, and perhaps even assisting with his experiments. Adrian imagined the possibilities: new mutations, hybrid creatures, and perhaps even a way to extend his influence beyond the dungeon¡¯s current limits. Chomp, completely unaware of Adrian¡¯s scheming, returned to his games, pouncing at shadows on the floor. The heart room seemed to embody a strange duality¡ªa place of play and innocence on one side, and cold, calculated ambition on the other. Adrian could feel the tension between the two, but for now, he let it be. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you can do, Overseer Dronis,¡± Adrian said softly, his core pulsing faintly as he envisioned the creature¡¯s future role in his growing domain. Adrian¡¯s core pulsed faintly as he observed the creature before him. Overseer Dronis stood motionless, his newly evolved form gleaming with bioluminescent patterns that danced across his dragonfly-like wings. For a moment, the creature did nothing, its multifaceted eyes reflecting the red glow of the heart room. Then, without warning, Dronis turned and moved to the opposite side of the chamber, his movements unnervingly fluid. Adrian¡¯s curiosity sharpened. What are you doing? Dronis stopped near a patch of fleshy growth along the chamber wall. Slowly, he leaned backward, his wings fluttering briefly before wrapping around himself. In a matter of seconds, a cocoon began to form around his body, its surface glistening with a strange, organic sheen. Adrian¡¯s sensory network tingled as the dungeon beneath him responded. The floor beneath the cocoon began to swell, pulsating rhythmically as if alive. ¡°What¡­¡± Adrian murmured, his thoughts racing. He could feel the dungeon¡¯s nerves shifting and growing, their patterns changing as though adapting to Dronis¡¯s presence. The process was slow and deliberate. Over the course of an hour, the ground beneath the cocoon expanded, forming a mound of flesh and bioluminescent pods. Tiny swamp plants began sprouting from its surface¡ªminiature versions of the flora from the first floor. The sight was both fascinating and unsettling. When the cocoon finally split open, Adrian watched as Dronis emerged¡ªnot standing, but fused to the ground. His lower body had melded with the fleshy growth, becoming one with the dungeon itself. His elongated torso leaned forward, his wings twitching spasmodically as if adjusting to their new role. Before him, the growth had transformed into a console-like structure, its surface pulsing faintly with life. Dronis extended his hands, placing them gently on the console. As he did, the flesh began to fuse with him, tendrils snaking upward and embedding themselves into his arms. The process was seamless, almost graceful, as if the dungeon had always intended for this connection to exist. Adrian¡¯s senses hummed with new clarity as the connection deepened. The second floor¡¯s ecosystem, once a chaotic web of inputs, began to organize itself. Data streamed into his awareness, filtered and categorized with precision. Then Dronis spoke, his voice a low, resonant hum that echoed through the chamber. ¡°Overseer Dronis, ready to begin his task.¡± Adrian couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of satisfaction. This was no ordinary creation. Dronis was a true extension of the dungeon¡ªhis administrator, his strategist, his overseer. The possibilities this creature presented were endless. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work,¡± Adrian said, his core pulsing with approval. Ulrick and his Team: The tunnel stretched behind them, its walls slick with moisture and faintly illuminated by bioluminescent moss. The soft, greenish glow barely sufficed to light their way, casting eerie shadows that danced with every step. Ulrick led the group, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his axe as they reached the end of the passage. They stepped forward¡ªand froze. The sight before them was nothing short of breathtaking. They stood at the edge of a massive cavern, its scale almost incomprehensible. Towering mushrooms, their caps as wide as treetops, formed an entire forest that stretched far into the distance. Each mushroom glowed faintly, their bioluminescent veins pulsing with hues of blue and amber, casting a soft, ethereal light over the swampy ground below. Above the forest loomed a stormcloud¡ªa dark, swirling mass that roiled with contained energy. Lightning crackled silently within its depths, illuminating the cavern in flashes of white and blue. Rain fell steadily from the cloud, drenching the mushroom forest below in a fine, misty drizzle. Yet, curiously, beams of sunlight pierced through jagged cracks in the cavern ceiling, their golden rays cutting through the gloom unbothered by the stormcloud. The juxtaposition of light and shadow, natural and unnatural, was mesmerizing. ¡°By the gods¡­¡± Brill murmured, his voice barely audible over the soft patter of rain. The air was thick and wet, carrying a strange mix of earthy decay and faint sweetness. Swarms of small, insect-like creatures zipped through the air, their wings leaving trails of faint light as they darted between the mushroom trees. Their erratic movements created a shifting constellation of glowing specks, adding to the cavern¡¯s otherworldly atmosphere. Further back, past the mushroom forest, a waterfall spilled from the stormcloud above, its cascade vanishing into the swamp below. The sound of rushing water echoed faintly, blending with the ambient hum of the cavern. And then, at the farthest edge of the cavern, it stood. The tree. It rose impossibly high, its massive trunk seemingly carved from living flesh and wood. Bioluminescent veins snaked across its surface, pulsing faintly with the rhythm of a heartbeat. Adrian¡¯s dungeon heart lay hidden within, though its presence could be felt¡ªa subtle, oppressive awareness that filled the air. Branches extended upward, weaving into the cavern ceiling as if holding it aloft. At its base, a sprawling network of roots spread out like tendrils, their massive forms twisting and curling into a labyrinth that seemed to guard the tree. The roots glistened with moisture, forming an intricate maze that was as beautiful as it was foreboding. The entire scene was alive, vibrant, and utterly alien. ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± Gale began, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find words. ¡°Mesmerizing,¡± Nole finished, her eyes wide as she took in the spectacle. Ulrick said nothing, his gaze fixed on the tree. There was a weight to its presence, an unshakable sense of power that made his hand tighten instinctively around his sword. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± Brill said, his voice tinged with awe. ¡°And dangerous.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget why we¡¯re here,¡± Ulrick finally said, his tone steady but quiet. ¡°This isn¡¯t just scenery. It¡¯s a dungeon. And every step we take, every breath we draw¡ªit¡¯s all being watched.¡± His words hung heavy in the damp air, a stark reminder of the peril they faced despite the cavern¡¯s otherworldly beauty. Chapter 17: The Marked Skull The first strike came with terrifying speed. A Venomwing darted down, claws extended, and raked across Ulrick¡¯s shield with a shrill screech. Another buzzed past Brill¡¯s shoulder, narrowly missing him. ¡°Get to cover!¡± Ulrick barked, raising his shield as another Venomwing slammed into it. The impact jarred his arm, but the creature fell dead at his feet, its wings crumpled. The forest erupted into chaos. Nole fired arrows into the air, her keen eyes tracking the swift-moving creatures. ¡°They¡¯re too fast!¡± she growled as most of her shots missed, though a lucky arrow caught one in the thorax, sending it spiraling to the ground. Brill, grinning grimly, raised his staff and sent a wave of fire into the swarm. The flames engulfed two Venomwings mid-dive, their fragile wings turning to ash. ¡°Burn, you little bastards!¡± he shouted, the smell of scorched chitin filling the air. Meanwhile, Vin crouched behind Ulrick, using him as a living shield. Despite his usual reluctance to fight, he swung his staff wildly, managing to smack one Venomwing out of the air. ¡°Got one!¡± he exclaimed, his voice more surprised than triumphant. Gale, however, was struggling. A Venomwing struck him square in the face, knocking him onto his back into a shallow pool of water. He scrambled to his feet, swaying as another creature rammed into his stomach, forcing him to one knee. Above him, two more Venomwings dived with stingers poised to strike. ¡°Gale! Hold still!¡± Brill shouted, sending a jet of fire over Gale¡¯s head. The flames consumed the diving creatures, their charred remains falling harmlessly to the ground. Gale staggered upright, his hair singed and a trickle of blood running down his temple, but he was alive.
The fight ended as abruptly as it began. The swarm dispersed, leaving several Venomwing corpses scattered on the wet ground. The cavern grew quiet, the absence of the swarm¡¯s buzzing almost unnerving. ¡°Everyone okay?¡± Ulrick asked, his shield still raised. ¡°I¡¯ll live,¡± Gale muttered, wiping blood from his forehead. His voice was strained but steady. The group gathered near one of the massive mushrooms for cover. Nole knelt by one of the fallen Venomwings, her eyes glinting with fascination as she examined its glowing wings. ¡°Look at these patterns¡­ They¡¯re beautiful,¡± she said, running a finger gently along the delicate membrane. Brill snorted. ¡°Yeah, beautiful poison delivery systems.¡± The team noticed the sharp claws on the creature¡¯s legs and the stinger at the end of its tail, still dripping venom even in death. ¡°Vile little things,¡± Ulrick muttered, nudging one of the corpses with his boot. As they rested, Vin distributed anti-toxins from their packs. The burning pain of the Venomwings¡¯ poison began to fade, though the exhaustion lingered. ¡°Those things are bad news for any team without shield users,¡± Gale said quietly, surprising everyone with the gravity of his tone. He glanced at Ulrick. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t kept Vin intact, we¡¯d have been in serious trouble.¡± The others stared, taken aback by Gale¡¯s maturity. Nole grinned slyly and sidled up to him, tapping a finger on his nose. ¡°Awww! Ulrick! Look how our little man has grown after his first real swarm in a dungeon!¡± Gale¡¯s face turned beet red as the group burst into laughter. Even Vin cracked a rare smile, though he quickly readied a healing spell for Gale¡¯s flustered state.
As their laughter died down, a faint sensation rippled through the air¡ªsmall bursts of pressure that felt almost¡­ like laughter. The group froze, glancing around uneasily. Ulrick¡¯s eyes drifted upward, locking onto an oculnid perched on the underside of a mushroom, its unblinking gaze fixed on them. ¡°Those eyespider things really are unsettling,¡± he muttered. ¡°They could blink, for starters.¡± Reassured that no more Venomwings were on the attack, the team resumed their journey, the weight of the dungeon¡¯s watchful presence pressing down on them. Brother and Sister: Tasty bush¡­ juicy¡­ full of flavor. It has been some time since the crackglow went dark. My lower siblings are hungry. We move to the green patch, where they can eat their fill. Proud, I watch them chew, their movements bringing comfort. Across the herd, my sister stands watch, vigilant as always. When she¡¯s certain no danger lurks, she crouches to gather some green for herself. Even Wendren must eat, though always while guarding the lower siblings. I kneel as well, plucking a handful of the green patch for my meal. The air is wet and warm¡ªa balm in my lungs as I tilt my head back to savor it. But the peace is shattered by a sound. A rustling too far away to be one of the herd. My breath halts. My head snaps toward the noise, and a low hum escapes my throat. It carries over the herd, and ears spring up in unison. My sister hears it too. She reaches for her weapon¡ªa sturdy mushroom branch. I do the same, grabbing my branch and feeling its weight between my three fingers. My fingerparasite stirs, its segments digging into the branch¡¯s skin and tying it tightly to my hand. The sting as it latches to my flesh is sharp, but welcome. It is ready. I hum my approval to it. The rustling grows louder. I shift, planting myself beside the herd, while my sister mirrors me on the opposite side. The lower siblings press together, forming a tight cluster, their instincts guiding them to appear larger. My sister and I stand as their guardians. And then it happens. A strange stick flies through the air before we can react. It strikes the siblingflock in their center, and a gasp ripples through them. I glance at my sister, motioning with a tilt of my head. Together, we step forward. The predators have shown themselves, and we will defend the flock.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
We move quickly now. Another stick flies, embedding itself in my sister¡¯s stomach. She pauses to glance at the wound, but it seems to cause her little pain. Bold predators, these are. My mushroom branch will split their skulls. There is movement ahead. Bushes shake, revealing four small creatures. They walk like us, on two legs, but their forms are clumsy and strange. Their skins glint unnaturally¡ªmetal-like, disgusting. One holds a shield that gleams like a mushroom cap. Another has a green, firm skin. Two of them wear loose fur that almost touches the ground. Disgusting things! So strange, so alien, so fat. They must have eaten the herd of another guardian. But they will not feast on mine! I charge, raising my branch high. It crashes down on the gleaming one, but he blocks it with his glittering stick. So small, yet so resilient. A sharp pain stings my side¡ªa stick lodged in my flesh. I growl and press forward, ignoring it. Beside me, my sister groans in pain. Her fist crashes through fire, slamming into a small one and sending it flying. She is strong, but she smells¡­ wrong. Her brown skin is blackened, blistering like the wood we burn for light at night. Yet fury drives her forward. She rushes the glinting predator, her fists pounding on its cap. A loud clang echoes as her strength meets the shimmering shield. I turn my focus to a smaller predator, less armored. I grab its leg and hurl it behind a mushroom. My attention follows, and I see a fifth one¡ªhidden. This one holds a thin stick, which spits another stick at me. It pierces my stomach, and green lifewater spills from the wound. My strength begins to fade, but I cannot falter. A loud thud draws my gaze. My sister lies motionless, her skin torn open at the neck, her voice silent. Her parasites squirm in panic as her glow dims to nothing. Too much. This is too much. I must save the herd.
I flee, tears blurring my vision as I run. The herd follows my loud hum, understanding my distress. A guardian has fallen. We must escape. When the predators are out of sight, I stop. Alone now. My sister is gone, a guardian lost in duty. I kneel and scoop a handful of mud from the wet ground. Half my skull shall be brown, so all will see. The other half, pristine bone, is for her. She has gone to the heartbeat. My hand presses the mud firmly to my face, and when I stand, the glow of my eye shines through its veil. The lower siblings nuzzle me, sensing my grief. Their warmth steadies me as tears of sorrow mix with the mud of the mushroom forest. I straighten. I cannot falter. I am the guardian now. We will warn the others. These monsters are dangerous. They must know. The predators have come to our home. The Guides: Nole stepped out from behind a towering mushroom tree, brushing glowing spores from her shoulder with an annoyed flick. The rest of the team gathered slowly, battered and bruised. Even Vin, usually unshakable, stood up from where the creature had thrown him, his robes soaked in mud. He didn¡¯t seem to care, though. His sharp eyes flicked between the others, taking silent stock of their injuries. "What the heck were those things? Nole!" Ulrick¡¯s voice was harsh but hushed, his face twisted in a mix of anger and disbelief. "Why did you fire that arrow? Are you insane?!" ¡°What!?¡± Nole¡¯s expression turned defensive as she jabbed a finger in his direction. ¡°I saw them through the bushes! They had clubs, Ulrick! Clubs! It looked like they were about to attack us!¡± Ulrick¡¯s glare could have cut through steel. ¡°They weren¡¯t even moving toward us, Nole. Do you have any idea what you just did? We¡¯re on an unexplored dungeon floor, and you started a fight with whatever the hell those were!¡± Before she could respond, Brill, his face pale and pained, waved a hand between them. ¡°Both of you, quiet. We¡¯re still in a dungeon,¡± he muttered, clutching his stomach. His fire magic had burned away the creature¡¯s weapon, but not before its fist had connected solidly with his side. He winced as he adjusted his stance, his other hand still pressed firmly against the aching bruise. Nearby, Gale knelt on the damp ground, holding his sword with a look of devastation. The blade, once straight and reliable, now curved sharply, bent nearly forty-five degrees. ¡°That thing was expensive¡­¡± he murmured, his voice thick with grief as he inspected the ruined weapon. ¡°I spent half my savings on this¡­¡± A warm, golden light surrounded the group as Vin cast his healing magic, starting with Brill. ¡°Too strong. Too thin. And¡­ run away. Strange,¡± he murmured, his words calm and measured even as the glow of his magic began to fade. Ulrick, rubbing his chin in thought, glanced in the direction the surviving Wendren had fled. His brow furrowed. ¡°Vin¡¯s right. Dungeon monsters don¡¯t run away. They fight until they¡¯re dead, no exceptions. What is going on with this place?¡± His voice trailed off, the frustration in his tone replaced with growing unease. ¡°Creature was humming,¡± Vin added, his voice distant, as if recounting a vivid memory. ¡°Voice beautiful. Communicating? Unknown.¡± Brill, now standing a bit straighter thanks to Vin¡¯s magic, frowned. ¡°Humming? I¡­ I thought I imagined it.¡± He gestured toward the mud-streaked clearing where the battle had taken place. ¡°But now that you mention it, they didn¡¯t fight like dungeon monsters either. They guarded, protected the herd. And when the other one ran¡­¡± He glanced at Ulrick. ¡°It felt like it was mourning.¡± ¡°Mourning?¡± Nole scoffed, crossing her arms. ¡°Come on, Brill. They¡¯re just dungeon monsters. Weird ones, sure, but still monsters.¡± Ulrick¡¯s gaze hardened as he turned back toward her. ¡°We don¡¯t know that, Nole. And you¡¯d better hope you didn¡¯t just piss off something smarter than us.¡± His words lingered in the air like the faint echoes of the fight, a reminder of how little they truly understood about Adrian¡¯s dungeon. The group fell silent, the wet sounds of the mushroom forest filling the void. Somewhere far off, faint humming echoed again, haunting and melodic. Gale shivered. ¡°That sound¡­ I think it¡¯s following us.¡± Ulrick turned sharply toward the source of the noise, scanning the darkness between the mushrooms. ¡°We¡¯re leaving. Now.¡± No one argued. The team gathered their gear, patching themselves up as best they could before moving deeper into the forest. Their steps were cautious, their eyes constantly darting to the shadows. The once-mesmerizing glow of the bioluminescent forest now felt oppressive, its beauty hiding dangers they couldn¡¯t begin to comprehend. As they walked, Vin spoke quietly, almost to himself. ¡°Not beasts. Not mindless. Something more. Too close. Too human.¡± Ulrick didn¡¯t respond. But the grim set of his jaw said enough. Whatever the Wendren were, this dungeon was unlike any they had ever faced. Just moments later: The still-twitching parasites within the burned and beaten Wendren''s body went eerily still. Then, without warning, thin white strands burst through the charred remnants of what was once skin, writhing and spreading like roots searching for sustenance. In a heartbeat, the transformation began¡ªgiant mushroom caps, veined and luminescent, erupted from its back with grotesque speed, their growth accompanied by wet, squelching sounds. The body jerked violently, convulsing as if struggling against unseen chains. The red glow of its lifeless eyes faded, only to be replaced moments later by an otherworldly blue light that pulsed like a heartbeat in the dark. Slowly, unsteadily, it staggered to its knees, its new fungal burden swaying unnaturally with every movement. Where once lay the fallen Wendren, now stood a two-legged corpsecap colony, its form a macabre blend of flesh and fungal growth. Bioluminescent mycelium crawled across its body in glowing patterns, the tendrils pulsating softly with an almost hypnotic rhythm. It swayed slightly, as if adjusting to its new existence. Then it froze. The creature¡¯s head tilted upward, its glowing eyes scanning the darkness. A scent. Something had awoken it. The colony leaned forward, a low creaking noise emanating from its form as it took its first step. The scent beckoned, and it would follow¡ªuntil the one who disturbed its slumber was consumed. Chapter 18: Corpsemountain The damp air of the swamp pressed heavily around Ulrick and his team as they raced through the winding paths of the dungeon''s first floor. The lightningstrikes of the storm provided just enough light to cast eerie shadows, making every twisted root and hanging vine a potential threat. "Keep moving!" Ulrick shouted, his voice strained. The sound of heavy, uneven footsteps echoed behind them, accompanied by a wet, slithering noise that sent chills down their spines. "What is that thing?!" Nole gasped, her bow clutched tightly in her trembling hands. "Doesn''t matter! It¡¯s gaining on us!" Brill snapped, sweat dripping from his brow as he struggled to summon another fire spell. They burst into a clearing near the entrance tunnel¡ªtheir only escape route. But as they approached, the ground trembled. From the darkness emerged a towering monstrosity, nearly four meters high. It was a grotesque amalgamation of twisted animal limbs, fungal growths, and the unmistakable form of the fallen Wendren. White strands of mycelium threaded through its body, binding flesh and fungus into a horrifying unity. Giant mushroom caps sprouted haphazardly from its back, glowing with a sickly blue light. Beneath its translucent skin, parasites writhed and pulsed, giving the creature an unsettling, almost liquid appearance. Its eyes, once red, now blazed a deep blue, filled with an unnatural rage. "Is that... the beast we fought earlier?" Gale whispered, his voice barely audible. "It can''t be," Vin replied, though his shaken expression betrayed his doubt. The creature let out a guttural roar¡ªa sound that resonated with both fury and pain. It raised a massive arm, tendrils of bioluminescent fungus trailing from its fingers, and slammed it down. The team scattered just in time as the ground where they''d stood exploded into splinters and spores. "Spread out! We can''t take it head-on!" Ulrick commanded, drawing his sword. Brill unleashed a torrent of flames, engulfing the creature''s arm. For a moment, it seemed to recoil, the firelight reflecting off its glistening form. But the flames quickly fizzled as the damp fungi smothered them. "My magic isn''t working!" Brill exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice. Nole fired a volley of arrows, each one finding its mark but to little effect. The creature absorbed them, the wounds closing almost instantly as more fungal growth covered the punctures. "We need a new plan!" Ulrick shouted. "How about not dying?" Gale retorted, dodging another sweeping attack. The creature''s movements were relentless. It swung its massive limbs with surprising speed, each attack coming closer than the last. Vin attempted to cast a barrier spell, but a stray tendril lashed out, knocking him off his feet. "We can''t keep this up!" Brill yelled. "Fall back to the academy! Maybe we can get help!" Ulrick decided. With a nod, the team turned and sprinted toward the dungeon entrance. The creature pursued, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground, but as it crossed the threshold of the dungeon, it hesitated. The glow of its eyes flickered, and its movements became sluggish. "It¡¯s weakening!" Nole noticed. "Don''t stop! Keep going!" Ulrick urged. They emerged into the open air, the twilight casting long shadows across the landscape. The academy loomed ahead, its lights guiding them like a beacon. Behind them, the creature¡ªnow outside the dungeon''s confines¡ªstumbled but continued its pursuit. "What''s it doing outside the dungeon? They aren''t supposed to leave!" Gale exclaimed. "Nothing about this dungeon is normal!" Ulrick replied grimly. As they neared the academy grounds, alarm bells rang out. Adventurers and instructors poured from the buildings, weapons at the ready. "Form a line!" an instructor ordered. "Protect the academy!" The creature barreled forward, undeterred by the growing number of opponents. The adventurers launched their assault¡ªspells, arrows, and blades striking in unison. The creature bellowed in pain but fought back with ferocity, swatting attackers aside like insects. "This isn''t working!" Brill shouted, helping Vin to his feet.Stolen novel; please report. "Keep fighting! We have to stop it here!" Ulrick commanded, though doubt gnawed at him. Just then, a high-pitched voice cut through the chaos. "Wait! Stop!" From the edge of the battlefield, Lucy appeared, riding atop Chomp. The Flesh Crawler bounded forward, his many legs skittering across the ground with surprising agility. "Get back! It''s too dangerous!" an adventurer warned, but Lucy ignored him. She guided Chomp directly between the creature and the defenders. The Mountainus beast hesitated, its glowing eyes fixed on the small girl who now stood fearlessly before it. "Hey there," Lucy said softly, her eyes full of compassion. "You must be so confused." The creature''s posture shifted. The tension in its massive frame seemed to ease as it tilted its head, the parasites beneath its skin slowing their frantic movement. Lucy reached out her hand. "It''s okay. You''re not alone." It lowered itself, bringing its towering form closer to her level. Tentatively, a tendril extended toward Lucy, wrapping gently around her outstretched hand. "There we go," she smiled. "Let''s get you back home." She turned to the astonished adventurers. "I''m really sorry about all this! Corpsemountain didn''t mean any harm. He''s just a bit upset." "Who... what are you?" Ulrick stammered, his sword hanging limply at his side. "Me? I''m Lucy!" she replied cheerfully. "Don''t worry, I have everything under control. The dungeon is still open, and this big guy won''t bother you again!" Before anyone could respond, Corpsemountain carefully lifted Lucy onto his shoulder. She laughed with delight. "Wow, you''re so tall! Chomp, look! I can see the village from up here!" Chomp wagged his tail and chirped happily, trotting alongside as they headed back toward the dungeon. The crowd of adventurers parted, too stunned to act. As Lucy and her companions disappeared into the fading light, whispers spread among the onlookers. "Did that girl just tame a dungeon monster?" "She said her name was Lucy..." "What''s going on inside that dungeon?". The stormcloud above the mountain flickered with distant lightning, casting sporadic shadows across the courtyard of the half-finished academy. Makeshift torches lined the perimeter, their flickering light mingling with the murmur of adventurers tending wounds and trading whispers about the chaos that had just unfolded. In the center of the courtyard, Ulrick¡¯s team stood before a panel of guild officials. The officials¡¯ faces ranged from confusion to outright frustration, their notes scattered across a hastily assembled table. ¡°Let¡¯s start from the beginning,¡± one of the senior officials, a wiry woman with streaks of gray in her hair, demanded. ¡°What in the gods¡¯ names was that thing?¡± ¡°It used to be one of those... creatures,¡± Ulrick said cautiously. ¡°Humanoid, skeletal heads, about one and a half times our size. Intelligent enough to guard a herd of deer-creatures on the second floor.¡± ¡°You mean the monsters you provoked?¡± the wiry woman asked sharply, her pen poised over her notebook. ¡°They weren¡¯t just monsters,¡± Nole interjected, arms crossed defensively. ¡°I saw them through the bushes. They were holding clubs, guarding the herd. They looked ready to attack!¡± ¡°And did they?¡± another official prompted. ¡°Yes,¡± Nole replied, hesitating slightly. ¡°But only after we fired the first shot.¡± A ripple of murmurs passed through the gathered officials. One of them leaned forward. ¡°These humanoids¡ªhow intelligent are we talking?¡± ¡°Enough to act like herd guardians,¡± Ulrick explained. ¡°They protected the deer-creatures like their own. One even ran when the fight turned. That¡¯s not normal dungeon behavior.¡± ¡°They communicated,¡± Vin added, his fragmented style making the officials lean in to catch his words. ¡°Humming. Rhythmic. Like speech. Purposeful.¡± ¡°Humming?¡± the wiry woman repeated, frowning deeply. ¡°And then?¡± ¡°We killed one of them. The other ran with the herd,¡± Ulrick said grimly. ¡°But that wasn¡¯t the end of it. One of those Corpsecaps¡ªthe explosive mushrooms¡ªgrew out of the corpse.¡± ¡°Corpsecaps are stationary,¡± another official argued, though his voice faltered. ¡°They don¡¯t... move.¡± ¡°This one did,¡± Brill cut in, still pale from his injuries. ¡°It didn¡¯t just grow¡ªit took over the corpse. Used it like a puppet. It was... huge. And it left the dungeon.¡± The murmurs grew louder now, tinged with unease. ¡°Monsters can¡¯t leave dungeons,¡± one official said flatly, his tone more for his own reassurance than anyone else¡¯s. ¡°Normally, no,¡± Ulrick replied. ¡°But this one did. It was weaker outside, but not by much. If it weren¡¯t for the adventurers from the academy, it would¡¯ve torn through us¡ªand the academy, too.¡± ¡°And the girl?¡± the wiry woman asked. ¡°Who was she?¡± ¡°Lucy,¡± Gale said quietly. ¡°She used to live in the village of Mar. Her parents... they were criminals. They abandoned her in the dungeon just before Chomp¡ªuh, that Flesh Crawler she was riding¡ªtook their legs.¡± ¡°What?¡± one official exclaimed, horrified. ¡°They were judged in Terana for it,¡± Nole clarified. ¡°But Lucy disappeared. We thought she was gone. Dead, even. And now she¡¯s riding dungeon monsters and taming them?¡± ¡°She wasn¡¯t taming it,¡± Brill corrected. ¡°That thing¡ªwhatever it was¡ªlistened to her. It stopped.¡± ¡°That¡¯s worse,¡± another official muttered. ¡°If she¡¯s part of the dungeon, she¡¯s a threat.¡± ¡°We should bring her in for questioning,¡± one of the officials suggested. ¡°If she¡¯s connected to the dungeon, we need answers.¡± ¡°No!¡± Ulrick¡¯s voice was sharp and loud, startling the gathered officials. ¡°We¡äll will not capture her. Are you mad? She¡¯s part of that dungeon now. If we take her, who knows what the dungeon will do? It could send every monster it has after her¡ªand us.¡± The officials fell silent, exchanging uneasy glances. ¡°She didn¡¯t look like she was there against her will,¡± Ulrick continued, his tone calmer now. ¡°She was happy. Laughing. Riding that thing like it was her friend. We talk to her. No forcing, no grabbing, and definitely no capturing.¡± The wiry woman tapped her pen thoughtfully against her notebook. ¡°All right, Ulrick. Your team will handle it. You¡¯ve already got the connection.¡± Ulrick frowned but nodded. ¡°Fine.¡± ¡°In the meantime,¡± the wiry woman continued, ¡°we need fortifications¡ªreal ones. A permanent guard rotation at the entrance. If creatures can leave the dungeon, we can¡¯t leave it exposed.¡± ¡°And a report to the HQ in Ashenvail,¡± another official added. ¡°They need to know what we¡¯re dealing with here.¡± As the tension hung heavy in the humid night air, Ulrick glanced at his battered team. Their faces were drawn and tired, their gear muddy and dented. He looked back at the officials. ¡°Tavern tent?¡± he asked simply. Brill, Nole, and Gale all replied in unison: ¡°Tavern tent.¡± Chapter 19: Sanity? Overrated! Adrian¡¯s dungeon heart pulsed steadily in the heart room, the glow from his circulatory system casting faint red patterns across the fleshy walls. He leaned into the mental link with the Overseer, evaluating the data flow as it efficiently categorized adventurer movements and spawned creatures to reinforce weak zones. Overseer Dronis¡¯s methodical nature had already freed Adrian from the tedious micromanagement of dungeon operations, leaving him with precious time to conduct experiments. A small quillbug wiggled in Adrian¡¯s mental grasp, its segmented body gleaming under the dim bioluminescent light. ¡°You¡¯re going to make history,¡± Adrian muttered, his tone almost fond. He nudged the evolution chamber¡¯s pod open, its sac-like structure pulsing as if anticipating its new subject. ¡°Let¡¯s see what happens when I push your venom production past its limits¡­¡± Before he could drop the creature inside, a soft chime resonated through his mind. The Overseer¡¯s calm voice followed. ¡°Dungeon Heart Adrian, an irregularity has been detected on the second floor.¡± Adrian sighed, irritated by the interruption. ¡°Define ¡®irregularity,¡¯ Dronis.¡± ¡°A deceased Wendren overtaken by Corpsecap mushrooms has begun exhibiting behaviors outside standard parameters,¡± Dronis replied evenly. ¡°Corpsecap infestation. So what?¡± Adrian muttered, shifting his focus to the Overseer¡¯s visual feed. The sight of the dead Wendren lumbering forward, its once skeletal form now adorned with glowing blue caps, gave him pause. ¡°Huh. First Wendren corpse to get overtaken. I guess that was bound to¡ªwait.¡± He zoomed in, noting how the bioluminescent caps pulsed in unison as if driving the creature¡¯s movements. Its fungal-tendril-covered limbs smashed through underbrush, and the once-graceful Wendren now walked with jerking, unnatural steps. Adrian frowned. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s¡­ not normal.¡± The Overseer continued. ¡°The entity has begun attacking creatures in its path, assimilating their biomass into its structure.¡± Adrian¡¯s irritation gave way to intrigue as he watched the Corpsecap colony grow. Small animals and lesser monsters fell under its rampage, their remains dragged into the pulsating mass. New fungal growths sprouted almost immediately, spreading across the surface of the Wendren¡¯s corpse and fusing with its expanding frame. ¡°Fascinating,¡± Adrian murmured, his irritation forgotten. ¡°It¡¯s not just a corpse; it¡¯s a symbiotic fungal network. Self-replicating. Adaptive.¡± His core throbbed in excitement. ¡°I wonder if¡ª¡± The Overseer interrupted his musings. ¡°The entity is pursuing the adventurer team designated Ulrick¡¯s Group.¡± Adrian blinked. ¡°They¡¯re still in the second floor? Well, good luck to them. I¡¯d love to see how this plays out.¡± The Corpsecap colony stormed after the group, its form swelling grotesquely with each new addition. Despite his curiosity, Adrian¡¯s awe shifted to concern as it approached the first floor entrance. ¡°Wait a second. It¡¯s not going to¡­ no. No way. Only Chomp¡¯s ever left the dungeon, and even he got weak¡ª¡± The moment the Corpsecap crossed the threshold, Adrian¡¯s core skipped a beat. The monstrosity hesitated only briefly before lurching outside, its form dimming but still holding together. A sinking feeling washed over Adrian as he realized the implications. ¡°Oh, shit,¡± he muttered. His mind raced. If that thing went on a rampage outside, it could wipe out adventurers, villagers, or even attract attention from the guild. The kind of attention that ended with dungeons being annihilated. ¡°Lucy! Lucy!¡± Adrian shouted into the mental link. His voice cracked with panic. ¡°Get on Chomp and stop the adventurers! Or warn them! Or¡­ I don¡¯t know, something! The Corpsecap thing left the dungeon, and if it keeps going, we¡¯re screwed!¡± Lucy, startled out of her quiet moment with Chomp near the edge of the swamp, blinked in confusion. ¡°What thing? What are you talking about?¡± ¡°No time! It¡¯s heading for the adventurers and¡ªjust go! Now!¡± Adrian¡¯s thoughts were a frantic blur. ¡°Chomp, grab her and get moving!¡± Chomp, sensing the urgency in Adrian¡¯s command, let out a sharp bark and bounded toward Lucy. Before she could protest, he scooped her up onto his back with practiced ease, his legs already pounding toward the entrance tunnel. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat¡¯s going on?!¡± Lucy shouted, clinging to his fur as they sped through the swamp. Adrian could only watch through his oculnids as the massive Corpsecap colony loomed over the fleeing adventurers, glowing with an eerie menace under the storm¡¯s faint light. ¡°Oh, crap,¡± he muttered again, his core pulsing erratically. ¡°I might¡¯ve made a slight miscalculation.¡± Adrian¡¯s core pulsed with restless irritation as the creature disappeared from his field of vision shortly after crossing the dungeon¡¯s threshold. His oculnids, positioned at key points across the first floor, couldn¡¯t follow it beyond the border. That left him waiting in maddening silence, something he was particularly unsuited for. ¡°Come on,¡± Adrian muttered to himself, his thoughts racing. Even with Chomp¡¯s speed, it would take time to reach the entrance, let alone deal with whatever mess awaited outside. His irritation only grew as he imagined the chaos unfolding without him able to observe it directly. Finally, after what felt like an eternity but was likely only minutes, his attention snapped back to his oculnid perched near the entrance tunnel. Something strange moved into view. A massive, fungal nightmare¡ªa towering monstrosity made of Wendren flesh, glowing blue caps, and parasitic tendrils¡ªcalmly lumbered back into the dungeon. It moved with a bizarre grace, its oversized limbs swaying unnaturally as it crossed the damp ground. Behind it, Chomp bounded happily, darting from side to side as if playing an elaborate game of tag. The massive creature ignored him, except to occasionally shift slightly to avoid stepping on the exuberant Flesh Crawler. Chomp sniffed at every angle of the thing, his tail wagging furiously, clearly delighted by his new "friend." And then there was Lucy. Adrian¡¯s core pulsed erratically at the sight. Lucy sat perched atop the abomination¡¯s shoulder¡ªor at least the body part that most resembled a shoulder. She looked entirely at ease, one hand gripping a tendril for balance as the creature carefully cradled her with a massive fungal growth. She didn¡¯t just look calm¡ªshe looked like she was having fun. A wide grin lit her face as the creature carried her back into the dungeon. Adrian¡¯s thoughts stalled. ¡°What the actual¡ª?¡± The fungal monstrosity slowed as it approached one of the oculnids. Adrian used the opportunity to project his voice through it. His tone, as calm as he could muster, came out flat and stunned. ¡°What happened?¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Lucy glanced up at the oculnid, her grin unbothered by the question¡¯s obvious disbelief. ¡°Oh, the adventurers were fighting him¡ªall of them. It was really bad! But I stopped them, told Corpsemountain it was time to go home, and here we are!¡± She patted the massive creature¡¯s shoulder as if praising a loyal steed. ¡°Corpsemountain?¡± Adrian echoed faintly, his core glowing erratically in time with his flustered thoughts. ¡°You named it?¡± Lucy tilted her head as though the question were silly. ¡°Well, yeah! He needed a name, and it fits, right? Look at him!¡± She gestured to the abomination as though its grotesque, fungal mass were a work of art. Adrian didn¡¯t respond immediately. He was too busy processing. The creature wasn¡¯t under his control¡ªhe could feel that clearly. It didn¡¯t react to his commands or link into his network like his other dungeon monsters. Yet Lucy had stopped it, convinced it to return, and even gotten it to carry her back into the dungeon. How? Did she control them somehow? Or was it something else? ¡°She¡¯s classified as a dungeon monster,¡± Adrian muttered to himself, his thoughts a whirl of confusion and unease. ¡°They don¡¯t attack her, sure¡ªbut this? This is new.¡± Adrian finally sighed, forcing himself to focus. He couldn¡¯t afford to spiral into a panic right now. ¡°Fine. Lucy, you and ¡®Corpsemountain¡¯¡ªgreat name, by the way¡ªget back to the hollow tree.¡± Lucy beamed at the praise. ¡°Thanks! I thought it was pretty good.¡± Adrian pushed the next question to his Overseer. ¡°Dronis, label that thing ¡®Corpsemountain¡¯ in the records. Make a note that it¡¯s apparently... semi-tame.¡± Dronis¡¯s voice was as calm and mechanical as ever. ¡°Acknowledged. Entry updated: Entity classified as ¡®Corpsemountain.¡¯ Status: Semi-tame. Origin: Irregular evolution of Corpsecap parasite network.¡± Adrian sighed again as he watched Lucy and her new ¡°pet¡± disappear into the distance, Chomp darting along beside them like an excited puppy. He had more questions than answers, and the unsettling realization was sinking in: Lucy wasn¡¯t just part of his dungeon ecosystem¡ªshe might be something more. Something far more unpredictable. ¡°Well,¡± Adrian muttered dryly, ¡°at least I won¡¯t be bored.¡± Adrian drifted into a near-hypnotic state, his thoughts tumbling over one another like an avalanche. The steady feed from the oculnids vanished from his awareness, their sensory input drowned out by the storm of questions battering his mind. ¡°Corpsemountain...¡± The name echoed in his thoughts, carrying with it a weight of curiosity and uncertainty. ¡°Uncontrollable but friendly to dungeon monsters... at least when he¡¯s not rampaging. Built from a Wendren, parasites, a Corpsecap colony... and various animal and monster parts. What even is he? The Corpsecap trap must be the original piece holding it all together, blending that mass. But... I don¡¯t feel him as a trap anymore.¡± His core pulsed erratically. ¡°So many questions.¡± The swirling chaos of his thoughts shifted, focusing on Lucy. ¡°And her... The system categorizes her as a monster. A dungeon monster. But she¡¯s fully sentient and makes her own decisions. And those decisions... they don¡¯t make sense.¡± His core flickered sharply as his thoughts pressed forward. ¡°She can tame my dungeon monsters? It worked with Corpsemountain¡ªso what else can she do? Could she tame everything in here?¡± A sudden and dangerous idea sparked in his mind. ¡°Could the evolution chamber work on her? That would be... interesting. Maybe I should test that out.¡±
Meanwhile, Lucy and her odd companions walked together into the second level. Corpsemountain¡¯s lumbering strides were heavy but strangely measured, as though the fungal beast carried an inner contentment. Chomp trotted ahead, sniffing at the undergrowth, darting here and there in joyful exploration. The contrast between the monstrous Corpsemountain and the playful Flesh Crawler was almost comical, but Lucy took it all in stride. Her bright smile and cheerful demeanor seemed to lighten even the damp, eerie tunnels around them. As they passed a herd of deer-creatures grazing near a large mushroom, Corpsemountain slowed. His enormous tendrils shifted slightly, as if searching for something unseen. His fungal caps swayed gently, and his movements became hesitant. Low, melodic hums filled the air. Lucy looked up to see two Wendren standing at the edge of the herd. Their skeletal heads tilted in unison, glowing red eyes narrowing with caution. They hummed again, an urgent, uneasy tone that sent the herd retreating deeper into the shadows. The Wendren stayed behind, watching Corpsemountain with wary confusion. Lucy patted one of the beast¡¯s fungal limbs. ¡°Oh, I see what¡¯s happening here. They just need a little time, Corpsy. Don¡¯t worry¡ªthey¡¯ll come around.¡± Corpsemountain¡¯s tendrils drooped slightly, his massive body sagging with a strange, somber air. He let out a low, almost mournful creak. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t be sad! Maybe we can visit them later, okay?¡± At her words, Corpsemountain straightened, his tendrils rising once more with newfound vigor. His strides grew more confident as he followed the winding path toward the hollow tree. Chomp noticed the change and barked happily, circling the larger monster in a gleeful display of approval. Lucy chuckled softly. ¡°See? They just need to get used to you. You¡¯re not so scary once they realize how nice you are.¡± If Corpsemountain could understand her fully, it didn¡¯t show. But the strange, abominable creature seemed reassured nonetheless, his hulking form moving with purpose once again. Adrian¡¯s awareness lingered on the trio as they approached the hollow tree. The scene left him feeling an odd mix of curiosity, unease, and begrudging amusement. ¡°Corpsemountain taking advice from Lucy. What is my dungeon even turning into?¡± he muttered. But deep down, he knew¡ªthis strange, unpredictable dynamic was exactly what made it thrive. A little later... As Corpsemountain squeezed into the hollow tree, the room seemed to shrink around him. The once-vast space, dominated by Adrian¡¯s pulsating dungeon heart, now felt cramped and heavy with the fungal titan¡¯s presence. The soft glow of bioluminescent veins illuminated the strange tableau: Corpsemountain swaying slightly, Chomp wagging his tail with innocent excitement, and Lucy standing between them, a mix of curiosity and caution etched on her face. Adrian¡¯s voice slithered into her mind, sharp and serpentine. ¡°Luuuuuucyyyyyyy?¡± She froze, her head slowly turning from Corpsemountain to the glowing dungeon heart suspended in the air. A chill ran down her spine. Adrian had never drawn out her name like that before. ¡°What... what is it?¡± she asked cautiously, a trace of dread creeping into her voice. There was a moment of silence, heavy and unsettling. Then, with manic glee, Adrian¡¯s voice exploded in her mind. ¡°I just had a funny idea!¡± Lucy¡¯s stomach dropped. That tone. That tone. She knew it too well¡ªAdrian was in one of his moods again. When his curiosity and hunger for experiments overtook him, all semblance of sanity seemed to evaporate. ¡°What... funny idea did you have?¡± she asked cautiously, a trace of dread creeping into her voice. The hollow tree pulsed with an almost electric energy as Adrian¡¯s silence stretched for an uncomfortably long moment. Then, like a thunderclap, his voice erupted, a manic glee underscoring every word. ¡°Get into the evolution chamber!!!¡± ¡°Uh... how to say this... no?¡± she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and disbelief. She began inching toward the entrance, her hand brushing against the rough bark for stability. But Adrian wasn¡¯t done. ¡°But Luuuuuucccyyyy! Don¡¯t you want to see what we can do with you in there?!¡± ¡°Oh gods... he¡¯s lost it,¡± she muttered under her breath. With a nervous laugh, she took another cautious step backward. ¡°No, Adrian, we don¡¯t want to see what we can do with me in there, thank you very much.¡± Her tone was light, but her eyes were locked on the heart, waiting for his next move. Then, just as she reached the threshold, ready to bolt and wait out Adrian¡¯s madness, his voice shifted. The manic edge softened, replaced by something quieter, almost thoughtful. ¡°But... what if we could fix... that leg?¡± The words froze her in place. Lucy¡¯s mind raced. Her twisted, misshapen leg had been a burden for her entire life¡ªa constant reminder of what she could never have. She glanced down at it, the uneven shape hidden beneath her makeshift clothing. Could Adrian fix it? Could she walk like others? Run? Dance? Her heart warred with her instincts. The cold dread of Adrian¡¯s experimental glee clashed with the desperate hope sparked by his words. She turned back toward the glowing heart, her voice trembling. ¡°You... you really think you can fix it?¡± Adrian¡¯s response came quickly, the excitement back in his voice but tempered with a hint of sincerity. ¡°Think of it as a breakthrough, Lucy. Our breakthrough. Together.¡± Lucy hesitated, glancing at Corpsemountain, who stood silently swaying, and then at Chomp, who barked once in encouragement. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. ¡°If this goes wrong, I¡¯m blaming you for everything.¡± Adrian¡¯s laughter echoed in her mind, gleeful and triumphant. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± The evolution chamber pulsed faintly, waiting. Chapter 20: The Elder Tree Adrian stared at the evolution chamber, frustration etched into his thoughts. ¡°Error. Error. Error,¡± the system repeated every time he tried to activate the chamber for Lucy. ¡°Ugh! Worthless machine! What¡¯s the point of you?!¡± Adrian¡¯s irritation flared as his glowing heart pulsated in sync with his frustration. He shifted his focus to a nearby quillbug. ¡°Fine! You go in, you useless pincushion. Let¡¯s see if you work.¡± The quillbug hesitated for a moment, chirping nervously before reluctantly skittering toward the chamber. As it entered, Lucy stepped back, her arms crossed. "So it works now?" ¡°No!¡± Adrian snapped. ¡°It¡¯s broken. Useless junk. Maybe this dumb bug will¡ª¡± The chamber doors began to close before Lucy could react. Panic rippled across her face as she realized the bug had nuzzled close to her leg. The tight space forced her to crouch awkwardly, trying to avoid touching it. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat?!¡± Lucy exclaimed, her hands darting to the slowly sealing door. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say it doesn¡¯t work?!¡± Adrian tilted his heart in a gesture of mock curiosity. ¡°Oh, fascinating! It seems you¡¯ve both triggered something. Let¡¯s see...¡± His voice carried that unnerving, gleeful edge that always signaled trouble. Lucy¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Oh no¡­ oh no, no, no!¡± Her fists pounded against the glass-like surface, but the chamber didn¡¯t budge. Inside, a soft hum resonated, and glowing liquid began to fill the chamber from its base. Lucy¡¯s panic grew as the liquid rose around her legs, the quillbug chirping anxiously as it pressed closer. She tried to calm her breathing, but the fluid continued to rise¡ªto her waist, her chest, her neck. ¡°Adrian, stop this!¡± she shouted, but her voice barely carried through the thickening liquid. Chomp, standing outside, whimpered and pawed at the chamber. ¡°Master, Lucy looks scared! Is she going to be okay?¡± ¡°Relax,¡± Adrian said, his manic tone completely unconcerned. ¡°This is science, Chomp! Everything will be fine¡­ probably.¡± The liquid reached Lucy¡¯s chin, and she instinctively held her breath, her eyes darting frantically around the chamber. When the fluid finally submerged her, panic overtook her. She fought to stay conscious, trying desperately to resist the pull of exhaustion. Her lungs burned. She couldn¡¯t hold her breath much longer. The quillbug floated weightlessly beside her, its antennae brushing against her arm. Just as she was about to succumb, her instincts betrayed her, forcing her to exhale¡ªand then inhale the strange liquid. The expected choking sensation didn¡¯t come. Instead, a strange calm spread through her. She could breathe. Confusion replaced panic as she inhaled deeply, the liquid filling her lungs without harm. But the calm came with a heavy fatigue, dragging her toward unconsciousness. She tried to stay awake. Tried to fight it. But it was too strong. Her body relaxed, and her eyes fluttered shut, her form gently swaying in the glowing fluid. Chomp¡¯s ears perked up. He barked nervously, pressing his face to the translucent chamber wall. ¡°Master, she stopped moving! Did she¡­ is she¡­?¡± Adrian¡¯s voice carried that manic edge again. ¡°Sleeping! She¡¯s fine, Chomp. Probably dreaming about cookies or whatever you humans dream of.¡± The translucence of the chamber¡¯s door turned milky, then opaque. Chomp stepped back, ears drooping. ¡°I hope you¡¯re right¡­¡± he muttered, his voice soft with worry. Adrian¡¯s thoughts, however, were far from concern. He was consumed with possibilities. What happens when you combine a sentient parasite-human hybrid with a quillbug? His manic curiosity pulsed with his glowing heart. ¡°Oh, Lucy,¡± he mused aloud. ¡°You¡¯re about to become so much more.¡± In the Mushroom Forest: The bioluminescent glow of the mushroom forest dimmed as herds of deer-creatures and their Wendren guardians gathered in a vast clearing. At the center stood the survivor with the half-muddied face, his presence a silent testament to the sister he had lost. Around him, other guardians knelt, their glowing eyes flickering as they prepared to begin the Mourning Song. The hums began low, a rumbling vibration that resonated through the earth. One by one, the herds joined, their clicking vocalizations weaving into the Wendren''s solemn melody. But in the survivor¡¯s original herd, something remarkable occurred. As the song deepened, many deer-creatures within the herd began to tremble. Their glowing eyes brightened, and their bodies contorted as a transformation took hold. The air grew thick with the sound of shifting flesh and cracking bone. Before the gathered Wendren and their herds, sixteen new Wendren emerged, their skeletal faces reflecting the glow of the mushrooms above. Their hums joined the song seamlessly, adding new tones and textures to the sorrowful harmony. The transformation complete, the new Wendren knelt beside their guardian siblings, acknowledging the loss that had sparked their birth. Without the body of the fallen guardian to recover¡ªnow a part of the abomination called Corpsemountain¡ªthey constructed a massive bonfire. Mushrooms and branches, both parasitic and nurturing, were piled high and set aflame. The flickering light illuminated the solemn gathering as the Mourning Song reached its crescendo. The notes were heavy and dark, resonating with a shared grief that united every being present. When the song ended, silence fell over the gathering. The Wendren turned their glowing eyes toward the survivor, his half-muddied face a beacon of both loss and resilience. His hum broke the silence, recounting the tale of the predators who had slain his sister. Though no emotion could be seen on their skeletal faces, the sorrow in his notes was undeniable.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°We know them now,¡± his hum seemed to say. ¡°Small, strange predators with no glowing eyes. They wield sharp sticks and fire, and they take without honor.¡± Two Wendren from another herd stepped forward, their hums carrying urgency. ¡°We have seen a once-sister. The takershrooms claim her. Yet she moves. She walks with a strange being upon her shoulders. It looks like the predators, but it hunts not for itself. It feels¡­ different.¡± Murmurs and hums rippled through the gathering. The Wendren recognized the danger of takershrooms, and the idea of a once-sister still moving was deeply unsettling. The survivor¡¯s hum was resolute. ¡°The Elder Tree will know. If we are to live among these predators, if we are to understand them, we must seek the heart of the labyrinth.¡± Another guardian stepped forward, raising his branch-weapon high. ¡°To the Elder Tree,¡± his hum declared. ¡°Where the beat is strongest, we will find the answers. Perhaps the once-sister will guide us.¡± The decision was unanimous. The Wendren began to move as one, the herds following their guardians toward the labyrinthine roots of the Elder Tree. The survivor with the half-muddied face led the way, his sorrowful hum guiding the procession. The forest seemed to respond to their pilgrimage, its glowing light dimming and brightening in rhythm with their march. In the depths of the dungeon, Adrian felt the faint vibrations of their song. Though he couldn¡¯t understand their hums, the pulse of their movement reached him through the earth. Something was stirring¡ªsomething he had not created yet was undeniably tied to his domain. And within the hollow tree, where Corpsemountain rested and Lucy began her transformation, the dungeon heartbeat quickened, as if anticipating the Wendren''s arrival. The labyrinth of roots was vast and imposing, each gnarled root stretching high above the Wendren like natural walls, forming a maze that led to the Elder Tree¡¯s heart. The Wendren herds approached with caution, their steps echoing in the stillness. Bioluminescent mushrooms clung to the roots, casting a ghostly glow on the forest floor, their light dancing across the skull-like faces of the Wendren. As they neared the entrance to the labyrinth, the guardians appeared. They emerged from the shadows, creatures of Adrian¡¯s creation¡ªhulking Flesh Crawlers with claws glinting wetly in the faint light, their insectoid forms blocking every narrow passage between the roots. Quillbugs stood alongside them, their spiked carapaces raised defensively, their venomous quills glinting like spears. Venomwings buzzed above, their glowing trails marking erratic, almost territorial patterns in the air. These creatures did not attack, but their posture was clear: None shall pass without purpose. The Wendren froze, the weight of the guardians¡¯ presence pressing down on them. From the mushroom caps above, countless Oculnids hung like decorations, their unblinking eyes usually scanning every direction. But now, all of them turned to the Wendren, their collective gaze unnerving even the bravest among them. ¡°The Elder Tree¡­¡± Marked Skull¡¯s hum was low but steady. ¡°It sees us, my siblings.¡± Another Wendren, smaller than most and with a softer hum, responded. ¡°The guardians of the Elder Tree will not let us through. What do we do now?¡± Marked Skull stood tall, his muddy half-face glowing faintly under the Oculnids¡¯ gaze. ¡°A ritual it shall be! Lay out the sacrifices!¡± The Wendren moved with purpose, their reverence palpable. On their journey, they had slain quillbugs and even a venomwing swarm that had dared to challenge them. These creatures, now lifeless, were laid out carefully before the guardians. The Wendren knelt, their skulls touching the ground in reverence, their glowing eyes dimming as they hummed a solemn melody. Only Marked Skull remained standing, his muddy face turned toward the Elder Tree. Raising his branch-weapon high, he hummed as loud as he could, the vibrations carrying through the labyrinth. ¡°Oh, Elder Tree, accept our sacrifice of blood and flesh. Allow us to pass, for we seek guidance. Let your beats enkindle the fires of knowledge, of enlightenment, and of understanding.¡± The air grew still, the hum fading into silence. The Wendren waited, their breaths shallow. For a moment, nothing stirred. Then, from the shadows of the labyrinth, they came. A swarm of small, glowing creatures¡ªmessengers of the Elder Tree¡¯s will¡ªdescended upon the offering. These flyers, often seen carrying the dead to the Elder Tree, swarmed the sacrifices, their delicate wings shimmering like fragments of the moon. They devoured the offerings with mechanical precision, leaving nothing behind but clean bones. The guardians shifted, their tense forms relaxing, and the Flesh Crawlers stepped aside to create a narrow path. Marked Skull turned to his siblings, his hum filled with awe. ¡°The Elder Tree accepts. We may pass.¡± As the Wendren began to rise, one of the smaller guardians stepped forward, blocking the way once more. The path closed for all but one. The guardians formed a wall of flesh and chitin, their intent unmistakable. The Elder Tree had chosen one to continue. Marked Skull stood tall, the weight of the selection pressing on him. He turned to his siblings, his voice filled with both sorrow and determination. ¡°Wait here for my return, my siblings. I will ask the Elder Tree for guidance and return to you.¡± The others nodded, their hums subdued, yet supportive. He stepped forward, past the guardians, who watched him intently but made no move to stop him. The glow of the mushrooms grew brighter as he approached the labyrinth¡¯s depths, the air growing heavier with each step. Behind him, the guardians re-formed their defensive positions, sealing the way to all others. Marked Skull hummed one final note to his siblings before turning fully toward the Elder Tree. The rhythm of its heartbeat pulsed through the roots, guiding him deeper into the labyrinth. Alone now, he walked with purpose, his branch-weapon held tightly in his hand. Ahead, the Elder Tree awaited, its towering form pulsating with ancient power. Marked Skull moved deeper into the labyrinth, his path illuminated by the soft glow of bioluminescent moss. Unlike the mushroom forest above, this place felt richer, more alive. The moss clinging to the roots shimmered with a brightness that seemed to pulse faintly in time with the heartbeat of the Elder Tree. Pools of crystal-clear water glistened in the faint light, their surfaces rippling with the gentle movements of unseen creatures. The croaking of frogs and the faint rustle of insects echoed softly in the still air, creating a peaceful yet surreal ambiance. He paused, kneeling briefly to inspect a particularly vibrant cluster of glowing fungi sprouting from the base of a root. It looked fuller, healthier, than anything he had seen above. As he stood, his gaze was drawn upward to the towering roots arching above him. That¡¯s when he noticed it¡ªa shadow. It moved silently, outside the glow of the moss and plants, its four-legged silhouette blending seamlessly into the darkness. Marked Skull¡¯s pulse quickened, but he did not falter. A guardian, no doubt, sent to observe his pilgrimage. The Elder Tree was cautious. And why wouldn¡¯t it be? This place was sacred¡ªthe origin of the Beat, the pulse of life that sustained all within the dungeon. He continued forward, his steps careful and deliberate, his hands clasped in reverence. The shadow kept its distance but never left his side, an unspoken reminder of the gravity of his journey. Despite the watchful presence, Marked Skull felt no fear¡ªonly honor. To tread this path was to walk in the presence of the Elder Tree¡¯s will. The closer he drew to the heart, the more vibrant everything became. Even the air seemed thicker, charged with life. Each step brought him closer to the source of it all, and his own heartbeat felt as if it were aligning with the powerful rhythm that filled the labyrinth. He hummed softly, a prayer of respect, as he made his way toward the glowing horizon where the Elder Tree awaited. Chapter 21: Evolution Marked Skull stood before the Elder Tree, its colossal roots forming an intricate labyrinth around him. The faint hum of life echoed in the chamber, resonating with the bioluminescent glow of the moss and the soft ripple of water from nearby pools. The air was thick with the rhythm of existence, and Marked Skull felt it thrumming in his very bones. He took a step forward, kneeling at the base of the massive tree, his skull-marked face tilted upward. ¡°Oh, Elder Tree,¡± he hummed, his voice low and reverent. ¡°Life-beat of the forest, mother of the Wendren, we seek your guidance.¡± The glow of his eyes intensified as his hum deepened, carrying the weight of his people¡¯s sorrow and confusion. ¡°The predators¡ªthey come with fire and glittering skin, with sharp sticks and poisoned air. They slay without hunger, harm without need. My siblings¡­ my sister¡­ lost to their rage. My herd cowers in fear. How do we endure? How do we thrive?¡± The humming of the Elder Tree grew louder, resonating with the tree''s roots and vibrating through the ground. Marked Skull felt the rhythm change, becoming faster, more urgent. He placed his three-fingered hand against one of the tree''s roots, feeling its warmth and pulse. The parasites within him stirred, syncing with the life-beat of the Elder Tree. His voice rose, desperate yet determined. ¡°We are Wendren. We live by your beat, your will. Teach us to protect, to grow stronger, to understand. Shall we fight? Shall we flee? Or is there another way?¡± His hum became a deep, mournful resonance, carrying the pain of his people. ¡°Guide me, so I may guide my siblings. Show me the path.¡± For a moment, silence fell over the chamber, the only sound the faint trickle of water and the rustle of unseen creatures in the shadows. Then, the beat of the Elder Tree shifted once more, a rapid, rhythmic pulse that filled Marked Skull with both fear and anticipation. The mosses brightened, and the shadows deepened, as if the very air around him was alive with potential. Then it came¡ªan unmistakable message, not in words, but in the beat itself. It was not the Wendren who needed to change alone; it was him. Marked Skull, the marked brother, must evolve, must carry the strength and wisdom of his siblings forward. He must bear the will of the Elder Tree. The realization dawned on him, and he lowered his head, a mix of reverence and dread filling him. ¡°I am your vessel,¡± he hummed softly. ¡°Do with me as you will.¡± Adrian: Adrian¡¯s attention flickered between the floating Wendren, Marked Skull, and the glowing evolution chamber. His mind raced, fueled by his lingering manic excitement from Lucy¡¯s transformation. "Let¡¯s see just how far I can push this," he muttered to himself. Biomass flowed like a torrential river, flooding into Marked Skull. The Wendren¡¯s body jerked violently, bioluminescent patterns blooming across his skull and skeletal frame, illuminating the dark chamber in a haunting array of green and blue hues. The glowing patterns pulsed like a heartbeat, synchronized with the Elder Tree''s rhythm. Marked Skull rose higher, his hums of reverence morphing into silent screams as his body struggled to adapt. His skeletal structure cracked and reformed, his parasites squirming under his skin as if trying to escape or merge. His glowing eyes burned brighter, almost blindingly so, before dimming as his vision tunneled into darkness. His airways constricted, and his body sagged, caught in a deadly balance between life and death. Adrian watched intently, his focus absolute, not even noticing the muffled ding of a system message appearing: WARNING: Subject Vital Signs Critical. "Fascinating... more biomass..." Adrian mused, his thoughts tinged with manic obsession. Then a sudden hiss snapped him out of his trance. The evolution chamber¡¯s door creaked open, releasing a pressurized cloud of glowing mist. Adrian¡¯s attention snapped to it as Lucy¡¯s altered form stumbled forward, collapsing to the ground in a tangle of human and insect-like limbs. Chomp immediately darted to her side, whining in distress, nudging her carefully with his nose. The overcharge on Marked Skull faltered as Adrian¡¯s connection to the dungeon was momentarily disrupted by the chamber¡¯s sudden release. The Wendren fell from the air with a heavy thud, his body convulsing as he gasped for air, clawing at the ground as his lungs finally expanded again. Adrian blinked, his frenzy melting into a cold clarity as the reality of what had nearly happened settled over him. He scanned both of his subjects, each profoundly altered by his experiments. Marked Skull lay still, his glowing marks now faint but still visible as he curled into himself, humming a soft, dissonant tune that reverberated with pain and awe. Lucy groaned, her new form glistening with the residue of the chamber¡¯s fluid. Her insectile legs twitched, flexing involuntarily, while her human hand curled into a fist as if grasping for stability. Chomp circled her protectively, casting wary glances between her and Adrian. Adrian¡¯s voice returned, calm but tinged with remorse. "I pushed too far." He looked down at his hands¡ªor what would have been hands if he still had a physical form. "I nearly killed him." For a moment, silence filled the hollow tree, save for the faint, erratic beats of Marked Skull¡¯s hum and Lucy¡¯s labored breathing. But then, Adrian¡¯s gaze sharpened. His thoughts churned. Despite the danger, despite the recklessness, his experiments had worked. Marked Skull had survived the overcharge, and Lucy¡­ well, she was standing¡ªmore or less. "Fascinating..." he whispered, this time with a hint of awe rather than mania. But even as his voice echoed softly, Adrian¡¯s mind already began calculating what to do next. Lucy¡äs new legs clicking against the ground in a delicate rhythm. She blinked groggily, still adjusting to the sensation of her transformed body. Before she could even take in the full extent of her changes, Chomp bounded over, his tail wagging like a hyperactive pendulum. His wide, unblinking eyes scanned Lucy from top to bottom, lingering on her insectile legs and the delicate abdomen that swayed behind her. ¡°The giver of noms¡­¡± Chomp whispered, his voice dripping with reverence. ¡°Also gives legs!¡± Lucy, still half-dazed, froze at his words. ¡°Chomp, what¡­?¡± she started, but the moment was already spiraling into chaos. Adrian¡¯s voice echoed through the chamber, dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Oh, great. Just what I needed¡ªa cult forming under my roof. Should I expect a shrine next, Chomp? Maybe some daily offerings?¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Chomp turned, utterly oblivious to the biting tone. ¡°Master! It¡¯s true! You gave her the greatest noms! Look!¡± He gestured wildly with his stubby arms toward Lucy¡¯s new form. Adrian sighed, the deep, world-weary kind of sigh that only a dungeon heart could muster. "Oh, for¡ª" And then it happened. From the highest perch of the swamp to the deepest recesses of the labyrinth, every single one of Adrian¡¯s Oculnids simultaneously rolled their many eyes in synchronized exasperation. The dungeon itself seemed to groan under the weight of their collective disdain. Adventurers on the first floor paused mid-fight, their weapons slack in their hands as they stared at the unsettling phenomenon. "Did¡­ did the eyes just¡­ roll?" one stammered, his voice trembling. "I knew it!" another hissed, eyes wide. "It¡¯s a sign! The dungeon is mocking us!" Back in the heart room, Lucy was doing her best not to laugh, her abdomen twitching slightly as she stifled giggles. ¡°You know,¡± she said, turning to Adrian with a sly grin, ¡°if you didn¡¯t want people worshiping you, maybe don¡¯t make it so easy.¡± Adrian¡¯s core pulsed faintly with irritation. ¡°I swear, Lucy, one more comment like that and I¡¯m putting you in charge of Chomp¡¯s next ¡®spiritual awakening.¡¯¡± Chomp¡¯s ears perked up, tail wagging faster. ¡°More noms?¡± he asked hopefully. Lucy couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore. The giggles turned into full-blown laughter, echoing through the chamber as Chomp tilted his head in adorable confusion. And somewhere in the dungeon, the Oculnids all sighed silently as one. As Lucy turned back to Chomp, her laughter still echoing through the chamber, Adrian took the chance to focus on her transformation. His thoughts sharpened, slicing through the lingering humor of the moment. He zoomed in with his Oculnids, scrutinizing every detail of her new form. ¡°Well,¡± he began, his voice almost reverent, though tinged with his ever-present curiosity. ¡°This¡­ is unexpected.¡± Lucy¡¯s body had changed more profoundly than Adrian had anticipated. Her once frail, human legs were now replaced with five insectile limbs, each joint segmented and glistening faintly with an almost metallic sheen. The legs, supported by her sleek, glossy abdomen, moved with an eerie grace, each step confident yet alien. Chitinous plating covered her legs, shifting subtly as she moved, while thin bioluminescent veins crisscrossed the surface, pulsing gently with a soft green glow. Her upper body retained its human structure but now bore subtle additions. Along her arms, thin chitin plates formed a natural armor, tapering off at her elbows. Where fingernails once were, short, elegant claws extended¡ªsharp enough to draw blood but still delicate enough for precise movements. Bioluminescent patterns shimmered faintly across her skin, forming intricate, almost floral designs that pulsed gently in time with her breaths. The moss-and-bark dress clinging to her frame seemed to grow naturally from her, as though it were part of her transformation. The dress was adorned with tiny glowing flowers and veined with thread-like mycelium, the edges trailing faint motes of light as she moved. Adrian¡¯s gaze lingered on her face. Her features were still recognizably human, though her eyes had shifted, now larger and flecked with the same glowing patterns as her skin. When she turned to glance at him, he caught the reflection of light in her pupils¡ªa gleaming mix of human warmth and something far more alien. He shifted his focus to her abdomen. The large, rounded structure swayed gently behind her, supported by its own segmented limbs. The surface was smooth, shimmering faintly in the dim light of the heart room, and Adrian noticed small, glowing tendrils extending from the base, twitching occasionally as though testing the air. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ beautiful,¡± he muttered absently, his analytical mind wrestling with the strange mix of grotesque and mesmerizing. Lucy tilted her head, catching his words. ¡°What was that?¡± Adrian blinked, quickly snapping his thoughts back into focus. ¡°I said you¡¯re¡­ functional,¡± he corrected, his voice adopting a deliberately clinical tone. ¡°Strong limbs, bio-luminescent markings, additional chitin armor, and¡ª¡± He gestured vaguely at her abdomen. ¡°¡ªthat thing. Altogether a¡­ resounding success.¡± Lucy crossed her arms, her glowing claws tapping against the chitin plating on her elbows. ¡°Gee, thanks, Adrian. Glad to know I¡¯m ¡®functional.¡¯¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Adrian replied, entirely missing the sarcasm. He tilted his Oculnid slightly, zooming in again. ¡°You¡¯ll need training to use those legs properly, though. Climbing potential, increased stability, even some latent pheromone signals¡ªthis could be¡­ fascinating.¡± Lucy raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of amusement and wariness. ¡°Training, huh? What kind of training?¡± ¡°Climbing walls, for starters,¡± Adrian said, gesturing toward a nearby root. ¡°Perhaps a high-speed run. And we¡¯ll definitely need to test your abdomen¡¯s functionality¡ª¡± Lucy took a step back, her claws raised defensively. ¡°Oh, no. I¡¯m not being your next experiment, Adrian.¡± Adrian¡¯s core pulsed faintly with amusement. ¡°Too late, Lucy. You volunteered the moment you stepped into the chamber.¡± Lucy groaned, her abdomen twitching slightly. ¡°Why do I feel like I¡¯m going to regret this?¡± Chomp, who had been watching intently, wagged his tail and piped up, ¡°Master gives legs and training! Can I try next?¡± Adrian ignored him, his Oculnids focusing intently on Lucy again. Yes, she was a marvel of biology and evolution, a perfect combination of human ingenuity and parasitic brilliance. And yet, there was still so much to learn. Adrian¡¯s thoughts swirled as he observed Lucy. She was already adjusting to her new body, her movements tentative but growing more natural with each step. It struck him as odd¡ªshe showed no distress, no hesitation about the drastic transformation. For a moment, he mused, She¡¯s pretty quick to accept all this. Faster than I expected. Could that be an effect of the evolution chamber? He recalled past experiments. Every creature he had subjected to the chamber emerged altered, not just physically but behaviorally. The new instincts they gain¡­ none of them ever showed distress about the changes, just adaptation. Is it the chamber itself? Does it rewrite the mind to match the body? He leaned back, a mixture of satisfaction and unease bubbling beneath his thoughts. ¡°Another experiment for the list,¡± he muttered to himself, already considering the implications. Marked Skull: Marked Skull slowly pushed himself upright, his massive frame towering higher than ever before. His breathing was labored, but he steadied himself, his three eyes glowing fiercely as they took in his surroundings. The hollow tree''s chamber had not changed¡ªthe eerie red glow of the heart cast its rhythmic pulses over the room, and the organic walls pulsed faintly, their life force a constant reminder of the tree¡¯s power. But amidst the familiar, one thing was strikingly new. Another figure stood nearby, unlike anything he had ever seen. Five insectile legs supported a sleek, chitinous lower body, but above them was a figure that mirrored the predators¡ªsoft-skinned, humanoid, yet alien in her balance of grace and strength. Glowing bioluminescent markings adorned her form, pulsing faintly in time with the beat of the sacred tree. Her gaze was curious but kind, a calm intensity radiating from her. Marked Skull¡¯s first instinct was to react with caution, perhaps even aggression, but an overwhelming sense of serenity washed over him. His muscles relaxed, and the remnants of the violence that coursed through his veins only moments ago dissipated. She was¡­ peaceful, radiant. Not a predator. Not a threat. No, she was something more¡ªa vessel of the beat, a new aspect of the elder tree¡¯s will. His breathing steadied as he took her presence in. Words of reverence formed in his mind but caught in his throat, his body still weak from the transformation. As he glanced down at the floor, a sudden realization struck him. The ground was¡­ farther away. Much farther than it had ever been. He stretched his arms, feeling the newfound power in his muscles, the weight of his strengthened limbs, and the subtle ache in his joints as they adjusted to his expanded form. ¡°I have¡­ changed,¡± he rumbled, his voice deeper and steadier than before, resonating like a low hum that seemed to fill the room. He looked back at the strange being, studying her carefully. ¡°You¡­ are not of us. Yet you are¡­ one of us.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Lucy,¡± she said simply. His legs trembled faintly with the effort of standing. ¡°Marked Skull,¡± he said, his name feeling strangely new on his tongue. He straightened further, towering over her but sensing no fear from the smaller figure. ¡°The elder tree¡­ the beat. It chose us both, did it not?¡± Lucy blinked, then smiled faintly. ¡°Maybe,¡± she said, glancing toward the pulsing heart that hung above them. ¡°I guess we¡¯ll have to find out.¡± Marked Skull lowered his gaze, his voice now almost a whisper as he murmured reverently, ¡°Chosen¡­ by the sacred beat¡­¡± Adrian, observing the exchange through the eyes of his oculnids, chuckled to himself. ¡°Well, that¡¯s one way to interpret it,¡± he muttered, his manic curiosity beginning to settle into fascination. ¡°This is going to be interesting.¡± Chapter 22: Settlement and Preparations Lucy took a hesitant step forward, her five legs still uncoordinated, each movement a mix of wobble and determination. Her new body felt alien, but curiosity burned brighter than awkwardness. Marked Skull stood silently, his towering figure now even more imposing with his freshly evolved features. His third eye glowed faintly as if observing her as much as she was observing him. She circled him, her bioluminescent patterns casting faint, dancing lights against his scarred and spiked form. "Huh, you''re different," she muttered, tilting her head as she studied the uneven patterns on his skull. "I''ve seen others like you... but not quite like this." Marked Skull hummed softly, a note of acknowledgment, though he remained still. He wasn¡¯t used to such scrutiny, let alone from a creature that exuded a sense of peace despite her predator-like form. Then, without warning, Lucy crouched slightly and sprang onto his back. Her movement was quick, a mix of instinct and whimsy. Marked Skull staggered, his weight shifting forward slightly, but he quickly steadied himself. He craned his head to look over his shoulder, his fiery eyes meeting hers. "Hey, you''re sturdy!" Lucy grinned, gripping the ridges along his back for balance. It wasn¡¯t quite the same as sitting on shoulders¡ªher new insect body made her perch more akin to clinging¡ªbut it worked. She peered over his shoulder, taking in the room from his elevated height. "Wow, the view¡¯s way better up here!" Marked Skull blinked his three eyes in unison, a mix of surprise and bemusement. The additional weight wasn¡¯t much to bear, but her audacity was unexpected. He let out a low, rumbling hum, his form adjusting slightly to stabilize her. "You don¡¯t talk much, do you?" Lucy asked, leaning forward and tilting her head to catch a glimpse of his face. "That¡¯s okay. You¡¯ve got the ''big and silent protector'' vibe going. I like it!" Marked Skull hummed again, this time with a hint of warmth. The weight on his back felt less like a burden and more like an acceptance of her presence. He resumed standing still, a sentinel carrying his strange companion. Adrian¡¯s voice slithered into Lucy¡¯s mind with a dry tone, "Lucy, please don¡¯t break the Wendren. I just finished fixing him." Lucy rolled her eyes but smirked as she patted Marked Skull¡¯s shoulder. "Don¡¯t worry, Adrian. He¡¯s sturdy. Right, Marky?" Marked Skull didn¡¯t respond with words but let out another low hum, his fiery eyes flickering slightly in what could only be described as agreement. As Lucy perched on Marky¡¯s broad, bony back, she tilted her head, studying the towering Wendren with wide, curious eyes. ¡°You¡¯re not like the others, huh?¡± she mused aloud, her legs shifting slightly to keep balance. She gently tapped one of the faint glowing lines etched into his skull. ¡°The other Wendren, they don¡¯t have these¡­ cool light thingies.¡± She traced one of the bioluminescent marks with her small claw, giggling softly when it glowed brighter for a moment under her touch. ¡°And you¡¯re way taller! I bet you could squish a whole swarm of those buggy fliers all by yourself!¡± She patted his shoulder with an approving nod. ¡°And your extra eye! Whoa. Does it do anything cool? Can you see in the dark? Oh, wait, I bet you can see all around you, huh?¡± Marky hummed softly, his deep tones reverberating through his chest. He didn¡¯t speak¡ªnot yet¡ªbut the sound felt¡­ thoughtful, almost indulgent, as if he appreciated her attention. Lucy leaned over his shoulder, her flower-petal dress swaying as she peeked at his face. ¡°You don¡¯t look scary like they do either. I mean, you¡¯re kinda spooky, but in a nice way, y¡¯know? Like¡­ spooky friendly. Yeah! You¡¯re like a big, spooky teddy bear!¡± She hugged his neck¡ªor at least tried to, given the difference in their sizes. If Marky felt awkward about being compared to a teddy bear, he didn¡¯t show it. Instead, he let out another soft hum, steady and calm, like he was already adjusting to the curious new creature climbing all over him. Lucy tapped her chin thoughtfully. ¡°Hmm, you¡¯re like a super special Wendren, huh? Maybe you¡¯re like¡­ the elder brother! Yeah, that¡¯s it! Elder Brother Marky! Oh, that¡¯s a good name!¡± She grinned brightly, clearly proud of her naming skills. Marked Skull¡¯s deep hum echoed in the heart chamber as he turned his fiery gaze toward Adrian¡¯s glowing form. His posture was dignified, his newly evolved strength evident in every movement. ¡°I am bigger now¡­ stronger,¡± he began, his voice resonating with a solemn weight. ¡°I can defend my herd with that. But what about the other Wendren outside? We came for guidance, not for power¡­ Not that I am ungrateful for the power you have given me, O Sacred Tree.¡± Adrian paused, digesting the question. Before he could respond, Lucy, still perched on Marked Skull¡¯s back, leaned over his shoulder, her insect legs fidgeting in irritation. ¡°Wait! Adrian! Were you still in your strange mood when he came here?!¡± Her voice carried a mix of exasperation and disbelief as she glared at the dungeon heart suspended in the center of the chamber. ¡°What mood? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, Lucy,¡± Adrian replied, feigning innocence. Lucy squinted at the heart as if she could see Adrian¡¯s nonexistent face. Her glare intensified. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me!¡± Adrian ignored her, turning his attention back to the towering Wendren. ¡°About your question, Wendren¡­ there are just two or sometimes three of you per herd, correct? Why not just stick together? When adventurers come¡ªwell, predators, as you know them¡ªmore is better.¡± Lucy groaned, sliding off Marked Skull¡¯s back with her five insect legs landing gracefully on the soft floor. She planted her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at Adrian. ¡°No! Adrian! I will climb up you next and tickle your heart until you fall to the ground if you don¡¯t say you¡¯re sorry!¡± Adrian sighed. ¡°Lucy, that¡¯s¡­ childish. What would I even be apologizing for?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb! You know what you did! You gave him all that power without even asking if he was okay with it!¡± Lucy accused, pointing an accusatory claw at him. Marky tilted his head slightly at her outburst, unsure whether to intervene. Adrian, however, found himself on the defensive. ¡°Look, Lucy, you¡¯re exaggerating. I simply enhanced him a bit¡ª¡± ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll go get Corpsemountain, and together we¡¯ll climb up there and tickle you. Prepare yourself!¡± Lucy declared with a mischievous grin, already stepping toward the exit. Adrian froze. For the first time in a long time, he felt a pang of something resembling fear. His dungeon circulatory system was durable, but having a rampaging Corpsemountain and an irritated Lucy climbing all over it? That was a recipe for disaster. ¡°Wait, wait, wait!¡± he said quickly, his voice tinged with panic. ¡°If the Wendren agree to help defend the heart room, I can make arrangements, okay?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Lucy stopped in her tracks, turning back with a triumphant look on her face. ¡°See? That wasn¡¯t so hard. You could¡¯ve just said that in the first place!¡± She crossed her arms, still grinning. Adrian sighed, though his thoughts betrayed a certain pragmatism. If the Wendren help defend the heart room, they¡¯ll serve as both added security and test subjects. Plus, keeping Lucy happy might mean fewer insane threats to my heart¡­ for now. ¡°Fine. The labyrinth will house your people, Wendren. But remember, this is not a sanctuary; it is a fortress.¡± Marked Skull lowered his head respectfully, his tone filled with reverence. ¡°You have my gratitude, Sacred Tree. Your wisdom will guide us.¡± Lucy, meanwhile, beamed with excitement, her insect legs tapping the ground as she turned to Marked Skull. ¡°See, Marky? You and your friends have a new home! Isn¡¯t Adrian just the best?¡± Adrian groaned internally. Somehow, he knew this arrangement was going to cause him more headaches than it was worth. Over the next days: Over the next few days, the second level of Adrian¡¯s dungeon grew busier. More adventurers descended, driven by greed and ambition, plundering anything their hands could grasp. Some fell prey to the creatures and traps he had carefully placed, their corpses adding to his growing biomass reserves. The influx was more than Adrian had anticipated, requiring him to spawn additional collectors¡ªa minor inconvenience that yielded significant gains. The Wendren, true to their word, began migrating their entire clan into the labyrinth. During the evenings, as the dim light from the ceiling¡¯s cracks faded, the air filled with their hauntingly beautiful hummed songs. Adrian, despite his typically detached demeanor, found himself pausing experiments now and then to listen. The harmonies resonated through the labyrinth like a living melody, adding an unexpected charm to the otherwise eerie atmosphere. Using his terraforming ability, Adrian carved out spaces within the labyrinth, creating small clearings and niches. The Wendren adapted quickly, settling into these new areas. Deer-creatures grazed and rested among his roots, while the Wendren formed a protective line between the labyrinth¡¯s entrance and his heart room. One day, while disposing of a failed experimental monster, Adrian noticed something curious. The Wendren, rather than discarding the creature as he had, adopted it. The monster secreted a slow-hardening substance¡ªuseless for trapping adventurers due to its sluggish pace, but apparently perfect for construction. The Wendren had begun using it to build rudimentary huts, their structures taking shape with surprising speed. One particularly industrious Wendren had even started herding the creatures like livestock. ¡°Useless to me, priceless to them,¡± Adrian mused, watching from his Oculnid network. ¡°One man¡¯s trash, I guess.¡± The labyrinth grew livelier with each passing day. Corpsemountain found a space of its own in a small clearing between roots, where it seemed content. Most Wendren still kept their distance, but a few bold individuals approached, attempting to communicate. With time, Adrian suspected even Corpsemountain might be fully reintegrated into the clan. Marked Skull, now the undisputed leader of the Wendren, directed their efforts. His size, intelligence, and ability to communicate with Adrian made him a natural choice. Adrian, however, had little patience for the constant attempts at reverence. He banned any Wendren from approaching the hollow tree, reserving access exclusively for his ¡°inner circle¡±¡ªLucy, Chomp, and, reluctantly, Marked Skull. The rest were to keep their ¡°small, insignificant wants and needs¡± to themselves. Lucy, on the other hand, thrived. The Wendren revered her and Chomp as the ¡°chosen of the sacred tree.¡± Their adoration made her laugh, and she happily indulged their curiosity about her strange, new body. Adrian had explicitly told them to stop praying to him, insisting he wasn¡¯t a god. Unsurprisingly, they ignored him. ¡°Whatever,¡± he muttered. It wasn¡¯t worth the effort. Meanwhile, Adrian¡¯s mind churned with new possibilities. Lucy¡¯s transformation had exceeded expectations, proving that combining dungeon monsters with human elements could be extraordinarily effective. If Lucy could merge with a creature to such an astounding degree, what about merging creatures with each other? The idea sent a thrill through him. ¡°Let¡¯s see what new monstrosities I can create,¡± Adrian thought with a glint of excitement. His experiments were about to enter a new phase¡ªone that promised results as fascinating as they were grotesque. Ulrick and his team: The sharp sound of metal on stone echoed through the tent as Gale ran a whetstone along the edge of his sword, his expression grim. His blade had been replaced after the last outing¡ªhis old one bent beyond repair by the strength of a Wendren¡¯s strike. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe it,¡± Gale muttered, breaking the silence. ¡°That thing... ¡®Corpsemountain.¡¯ It just strolled out of the dungeon, wrecked everything in its path, and then walked back like it owned the place.¡± ¡°It practically does.¡± Nole, reclining on a crate, inspected the fletching on her arrows. ¡°Lucy said it wouldn¡¯t attack again. Not exactly comforting when you¡¯re looking at that thing¡¯s tendrils waving around.¡± Brill, seated at the corner table with a pile of alchemical supplies, grumbled. ¡°Let¡¯s not forget that the same Lucy we thought was gone¡ªdead, even¡ªis now some... dungeon emissary? Or whatever she¡¯s supposed to be.¡± ¡°She¡¯s more than that.¡± Vin looked up from where he was carefully sorting anti-toxin vials. ¡°Obeyed her, it did. Commands clear, hers. Not luck.¡± ¡°Great,¡± Gale scoffed, tossing his sword down. ¡°So, we¡¯ve got a dungeon that spits out monsters strong enough to fight entire teams and a girl who¡¯s best friends with the lot of them. Fantastic.¡± ¡°She¡¯s not a threat,¡± Ulrick said firmly, his tone silencing the group. He was carefully packing extra rope and rations into his bag. ¡°Lucy didn¡¯t attack us, and neither did Corpsemountain, not after she stepped in. If anything, she saved us.¡± ¡°Saved us or spared us?¡± Nole countered. ¡°There¡¯s a difference.¡± ¡°Does it matter?¡± Brill interjected. ¡°She kept us alive, didn¡¯t she? And for now, that¡¯s enough. What I care about is what¡¯s down there. The deeper we go, the weirder it gets.¡± Ulrick nodded, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Exactly. That second floor is unlike anything I¡¯ve seen before. The Wendren, the venomwing swarms, those mushroom forests... It¡¯s like the whole place is alive in a way no other dungeon is.¡± ¡°And don¡¯t forget the ¡®eye-roll incident,¡¯¡± Nole added with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°Every one of those creepy dungeon eyes moved at once. Gave me chills.¡± ¡°Odd, yes. Eyes everywhere,¡± Vin noted, sorting his vials with precision. ¡°Watch us, they do. Relentless.¡± Gale groaned, dropping his head into his hands. ¡°Don¡¯t remind me. I thought I was going mad.¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t just us,¡± Brill pointed out. ¡°Even the other adventurers in the dungeon said the same thing. Everyone felt it. Something¡¯s... watching.¡± ¡°Something always is.¡± Ulrick hefted his pack, slinging it over his shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re bringing extra supplies this time. Double rations, more healing potions, and enough anti-toxin to survive an ocean of venom. If we¡¯re going deeper, we¡¯re doing it smart.¡± ¡°And not dying,¡± Gale muttered, standing and retrieving his sword. ¡°I¡¯d rather not end up part of some mushroom monster.¡± The group shared a grim chuckle at that, though the unease in the room lingered. ¡°Alright, enough talk,¡± Ulrick said. ¡°Let¡¯s get moving. The second floor isn¡¯t going to explore itself.¡± As they left the tent, the looming mountain stood in stark contrast to the clear sky. The ever-present storm cloud above the dungeon swirled ominously, a reminder of the challenges¡ªand mysteries¡ªwaiting below. After finishing their preparations, Ulrick''s group set out with a determined stride. The road to the dungeon was bustling with activity. As they approached the entrance, they passed by a blacksmith who was deeply engrossed in his work. His hammer rang against the anvil in rhythmic strikes, sparks flying with each hit. Oblivious to the commotion around him, he worked tirelessly on what appeared to be parts for a gate. The defensive wall that had been hastily constructed in front of the tunnel was a testament to the guild''s quick reaction to recent events. A rotation of adventurers now stood watch at all hours, their eyes scanning the area for any potential threats. Though the wall was still incomplete, it stood as a reassuring barrier between the dungeon''s mysteries and the academy''s camp. As the group passed through the bustling camp, someone caught their attention. ¡°Is that¡­ Lukas?¡± Gale asked, squinting to confirm. It was indeed Lukas, the hunter who had discovered the dungeon. He moved confidently toward a group of four adventurers, chatting and laughing. His injuries from the discovery of the dungeon seemed to have healed completely. ¡°Look at him!¡± Gale continued. ¡°He¡¯s in a team now! And isn¡¯t that Karry with him? The girl from the inn?¡± Nole smirked. ¡°Yeah, I think that¡¯s her. They weren¡¯t a couple back then, but¡­ who knows? Maybe they¡¯ve figured it out.¡± Despite the curiosity, Ulrick¡¯s group had a job to do. There wasn¡¯t time for idle chatter. They exchanged a few glances but didn¡¯t stop to greet Lukas or his new companions. With a renewed sense of purpose, they continued their journey toward the dungeon¡¯s ominous entrance, leaving the lively camp behind. Chapter 23: Campfire Storys The air was filled with the resounding clang of Gale¡¯s sword slicing clean through a quillbug. Its segmented body split apart with a sickening crunch, and a few twitching legs signaled the end of its life. Poisonous quills were lodged in his shoulder, but Gale pressed on, fueled by adrenaline and the knowledge that Vin¡¯s healing and the anti-venom in their packs would patch him up. The fight needed to end first. The others were faring just as well. Around them, the remnants of a small swarm of venombeasts and quillbugs lay scattered, their bodies lifeless and punctured. Gale glanced at his sword, the blade slick with ichor, and nodded with satisfaction. His new weapon was worth every coin. ¡°We¡¯re getting stronger... better coordinated,¡± he thought, wiping sweat¡ªand a bit of rain¡ªfrom his brow. ¡°Why does it have to rain everywhere?¡± Nole¡¯s grumpy voice broke through the aftermath of battle. She wrung out her drenched hair, glaring at the constant drizzle. ¡°Seriously, we¡¯re underground! Stupid dungeon puts a storm into an underground level. Who even does that?¡± Sheltering beneath a large mushroom cap, the group set up a makeshift camp. Brill and Vin were busy tending to wounds¡ªBrill handing out doses of anti-venom while Vin worked his healing magic. Ulrick sat nearby, scanning their surroundings with unease. ¡°You know what bothers me more?¡± Ulrick started, his voice low. ¡°We haven¡¯t seen a single herd of those deer-creatures. No guardians, no sign of their trails. After our first encounter, you¡¯d think we¡¯d run into them again¡ªor hear about other adventurers doing so¡ªbut nothing. Where have they gone?¡± Vin, as cryptic as always, chimed in, ¡°Guardian ran. Took herd. Hiding. Guardian smart, maybe.¡± That didn¡¯t sit right with Ulrick. The guardians were intelligent, more so than the average dungeon monster. Their behavior felt deliberate¡ªcalculated even. But where could they have gone? And why? The group agreed to take a brief rest before continuing deeper into the dungeon. Using some dried shroomwood, Brill sparked a small fire with his magic, the faint warmth a welcome reprieve from the persistent storm. ¡°This stuff is weird,¡± Brill remarked, holding up a piece of the shroomwood. ¡°It¡¯s like normal wood, but it absorbs water so efficiently¡ªand it¡¯s surprisingly flexible. Imagine a roof that waterproofs itself, or even clothes that dry instantly.¡± Ulrick, still munching on a piece of jerky, looked thoughtful. ¡°Huh, yeah, or an axe handle made from it. Flexible, absorbs sweat, and molds to your grip. We should definitely bring some back to the academy. Maybe the blacksmith can find more uses for it.¡± His enthusiasm was infectious, and even Nole seemed to perk up at the idea, though she still sat with her arms crossed, glaring at the rain. The fire crackled softly, and for a moment, the group relaxed. But the unease lingered in the back of Ulrick¡¯s mind, like an itch he couldn¡¯t quite reach. The missing guardians, the unnaturally coordinated monsters¡ªthey all pointed to something more. Something they weren¡¯t seeing. And somewhere in the darkness, beyond the reach of the firelight, the dungeon watched. After an hour of enduring Nole¡¯s relentless complaints¡ªmuch to the group¡¯s practiced ability to tune her out¡ªthey decided it was time to press on. Their mission remained unchanged: find Lucy and get answers to the mounting questions about this dungeon¡¯s bizarre nature. If Lucy was connected to the dungeon, she¡¯d likely be near its core, which, judging by the towering glowing tree, seemed to be at the labyrinth¡¯s heart. As they approached the tree¡¯s base, its massive roots rose like natural walls, stretching nearly six meters high and pulsing faintly, as though alive. The roots formed an almost perfect circle around the tree, their thick growth intertwining to create an unbroken barrier. Wandering along the perimeter, they caught faint noises¡ªhums, clicks, and the occasional deep growl¡ªfrom within. With no way to see over the roots, the group stayed cautious. Finally, they stumbled upon an opening, a gap in the roots that resembled an entrance. Relief turned to tension when they spotted what lay ahead¡ªa large group of creatures clustered near the entrance, all on high alert. The sight was both intimidating and unexpected. At the forefront, herd guardians sat lazily around a fire, their shroomwood clubs resting beside them. Nearby, a mixture of dungeon creatures loitered, from venomwings perched on mushroom caps to flesh crawlers half-burrowed into the damp ground. It was a defensive position unlike any they¡¯d seen before¡ªorganized and, strangely, cooperative. "I think we know what those noises were," Nole whispered, her voice barely audible. "And where the guardians and those deer things have been hiding." Ulrick nodded, his grip tightening on his axe. ¡°Looks like they¡¯re working together. Guardians and monsters guarding¡­ what? The labyrinth?¡± Before they could deliberate further, movement from within the labyrinth caught their attention. The guardians immediately stood, humming in unison as they bowed toward a figure emerging from the depths. The group froze. Walking on five insect-like legs, a towering creature emerged, its bioluminescent markings shimmering faintly in the dim light. Beside it, the enormous bulk of the flesh crawler Lucy had ridden before¡ªChomp, unmistakable in his eerie, hulking presence. But it wasn¡¯t Chomp that held their attention. It was the upper half of the insectile figure. ¡°By the gods¡­ Lucy!¡± Ulrick¡¯s voice broke the silence, loud enough to echo faintly off the roots. His shout drew the attention of every guardian and monster present. The reaction was immediate. The herd guardians snapped to their feet, shroomwood clubs in hand, forming a defensive line in front of the entrance. Dungeon monsters growled, wings buzzed, and claws scraped the ground as they moved into strategic positions, ready to protect the labyrinth. Even the venomwings circled overhead, creating a menacing hum. ¡°Oh, the adventurers! Hey! Hello!!!¡± Lucy¡¯s cheerful voice cut through the tension like a ray of sunshine breaking through storm clouds. She waved enthusiastically, completely oblivious to the chaos her appearance was causing. The guardians didn¡¯t relax. One of them¡ªmarked by darker markings on its skull and standing slightly taller than the others¡ªhummed a deep, resonant tune. Lucy tilted her head, listening carefully, and then gave an understanding nod. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s sad¡­ Well, I¡¯ll tell them to leave, so calm down, okay, Shini?¡± she said, addressing the marked guardian as though it were a long-time friend. The guardian¡ªShini, as Lucy had called it¡ªreluctantly lowered its club and returned to its seated position, though its eyes never left Ulrick¡¯s group. Slowly, the rest of the creatures followed suit, their tension easing but their wariness remaining palpable. Lucy skipped forward, her five legs moving fluidly as though she¡¯d always had them. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, guys! They¡¯re nice!¡± she called out to the guardians before turning her full attention to the adventurers. Her bright, childish grin didn¡¯t match the gravity of the situation¡ªor the monstrous changes her body had undergone. Ulrick and the others stood speechless, still trying to process what they were seeing. Lucy¡­ but not Lucy. What had the dungeon done to her? Lucy cheerfully ushered the group a little farther from the labyrinth entrance, though the Wendren remained on edge. The guardians and other creatures watched them with wary eyes, their posture stiff and ready to react at a moment¡¯s notice. Chomp, in stark contrast, ambled along happily behind Lucy, his tongue lolling slightly as if this were just another leisurely stroll.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Lucy spun around and perched herself on the base of a massive mushroom, her legs folding beneath her in a surprisingly graceful motion for her new insectile form. "So, what are you guys doing here? The labyrinth is off-limits, you know?" she asked, casually climbing the mushroom like a spider on a web. The group''s reactions varied between shock and disbelief. "What the hell has this dungeon done to you, Lucy?" Nole blurted out, her voice tinged with panic. "Can we reverse that? We have to get you out of here, back to normal!" Lucy stopped mid-climb, her bioluminescent markings glowing faintly as she turned to face them. Her expression darkened slightly, though her voice remained light. "Oh, nononono! This is my home now, and you¡¯re not taking me anywhere." She emphasized her words by tapping one of her five legs against the mushroom, which emitted a soft, hollow sound. The group barely had time to respond before a sudden rustle in the underbrush made them tense. Gale instinctively reached for his sword, but what emerged wasn¡¯t a threat¡ªat least, not directly. One of the eerie oculnids crawled out from the bushes with deliberate, spindly movements. Its massive, twitching eye focused on them, examining the group with an unsettling intensity as it passed. ¡°That wasn¡¯t random, was it?¡± Brill muttered, watching the creature as it latched onto the same mushroom Lucy had been climbing. The oculnid sunk its fangs into the stem and froze in place, its unblinking eye fixed on the adventurers. ¡°The giver of noms wants to see,¡± a deep, guttural voice rumbled from behind them. The group whipped around, their eyes landing on Chomp, who stood there nonchalantly. His words had come from his massive jaws, and the air around him seemed to hum faintly with an unnatural resonance. "I still can¡¯t believe this dungeon monster can talk," Gale muttered, his grip on his sword tightening. "Ha! Well, technically, I¡¯m a dungeon monster too, and I can talk just fine!" Lucy said, her cheerful tone doing little to reassure the group. She reached down from her perch and patted the oculnid affectionately on its smooth, chitinous shell. "And the Wendren talk all the time! Well, they¡¯re not dungeon monsters, so I guess it¡¯s different. Whatever!" The adventurers exchanged uneasy glances. It was clear they¡¯d stumbled into something far beyond their understanding, and the longer they stayed, the more surreal it became. "A dungeon monster? You... you''re a dungeon monster? And who is the ''giver of noms''?" Ulrick stammered, his eyes wide with confusion and disbelief. The oculnid in front of them rolled its eye dramatically¡ªa gesture that, unbeknownst to them, was likely happening all over the dungeon. Lucy tilted her head to meet the creature''s gaze. "Oh, don''t be like that! It''s a title of honor!" she chided playfully. The oculnid''s eye focused on her for a moment before shifting back to the adventurers. Lucy groaned theatrically. "Okay, okay!" she exclaimed. Clearing her throat, she adopted a mock-serious tone. "The dungeon would prefer not to be called that. Call it what you want¡ªanything but that," she said, making air quotes with her fingers. "What the hell is happening here?" Ulrick couldn''t contain himself. The situation was too bizarre. First, Lucy had an insectile lower body; then she conversed effortlessly with the guardians¡ªthe Wendren, as she called them. Now, she was talking to one of those eye creatures as if relaying messages from the dungeon itself. "Lucy... what are you talking about?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice. She sighed, crossing her arms. "For some reason, the dungeon dislikes that title. He was quite rude about it just now," she said, casting a sidelong glance at the oculnid. Raising her voice slightly, she added, "There''s no reason to be rude, oh great ''giver of noms''!" The adventurers exchanged bewildered looks as a single venomwing swooped down out of nowhere, playfully knocking Lucy off the mushroom and into a puddle. "Ugh! I will get you back for that, just you wait!" she shouted after the retreating creature, shaking a fist. The group began to relax slightly, sensing that the immediate danger had passed. They sheathed their weapons as it became apparent that no additional monsters were preparing to attack. Lucy stood up, wringing out her damp hair. "He''s always so sensitive... needs to learn how to have fun," she muttered. Ulrick, trying to process everything, took a deep breath. "Wait... are you saying the dungeon itself is intelligent?" he asked cautiously. Lucy looked at him with an amused expression. "Intelligent? That''s the biggest understatement of all time!" As if on cue, the venomwing returned, landing gently on her head and delicately picking bits of debris out of her hair. She rolled her eyes but allowed it to continue. "Oh, so grooming me is acceptable, but a little teasing isn''t? Typical," she quipped. Vin stepped forward, his eyes narrowed in thought. "Intelligent dungeon¡ªnot operating on instinct. Huge problem," he stated bluntly. "What do you mean?" Brill asked, turning to Vin. Vin met his gaze. "Dungeon sentient. Born here. Therefore, citizen of the kingdom. Massive implications. Only intelligent dungeon in the world. Research immense. Resources immense. Could lead to war with other nations. We have to keep quiet." Their eyes widened as Vin laid out the potential consequences. The weight of his words settled heavily upon them. An intelligent dungeon could upset the balance of power, attract unwanted attention, or worse. "He''s right," Nole agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. "We have to keep this under wraps. No one can know about this." A low rumble interrupted their hushed conversation. "You got food? Chomp hungry!" Chomp blurted out, entirely oblivious to the severity of the situation. The tension shattered like glass. Gale couldn''t help but let out a nervous chuckle. "Of course he is," he said, shaking his head. Lucy laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Well, you did interrupt his lunchtime," she teased. Ulrick sighed, a mix of exasperation and relief. "Fine. Let''s take a moment. We can share some of our provisions." As they began to unpack some food, the guardians and nearby creatures watched with cautious curiosity. The group sat down, the surreal nature of their predicament hanging over them. Questions still lingered, but for now, they shared a brief respite in the heart of the dungeon, unsure of what their next move should be. As the group settled into an improvised lunch, the air of unease began to lift. Even Nole¡¯s usual complaints were momentarily silenced as the scent of roasted chicken filled the air. Gale was halfway through his chicken strips when Chomp¡¯s voice broke the relative calm. "What is that?! That is yumi!" Chomp declared, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "These?" Gale asked, holding up a half-eaten piece. "Seasoned chicken strips." "We need some chicken strips in the dungeon! Where can I get more?!" Chomp¡¯s voice twinkled with pure delight, his tail wagging like a dog that had just discovered bacon. Gale, unable to suppress a grin, responded thoughtfully, "Well, you¡¯d need chickens first. You could buy some and let them roam around, I guess? Then you¡¯d get eggs too, not just meat." Chomp gasped, his excitement practically bubbling over. "Lucy! Lucy!! Can we make some chicken-buy-things?! I want all the chicken strips!" Lucy, who had been sipping from her waterskin, almost choked as she burst into laughter. "Hahaha, maybe later, Chomp! Oh gods, you¡¯re too much!" The group shared a rare moment of relaxed laughter, but the calm was short-lived. A shadow fell over them as a hulking figure emerged from the labyrinth entrance. Weapons were drawn instantly. Ulrick and Gale moved into defensive stances, while Brill prepared his flames. Even Vin¡¯s calm demeanor cracked as his gaze fixated on the massive creature walking toward them. ¡°The predators who hunted my herd and killed my sister,¡± came a deep, resonant hum. Marked Skull loomed over them, his three glowing eyes fixed on the adventurers with a hatred that burned hotter than Brill¡¯s flames. ¡°Now, you sit here with Lucy of the Sacred Tree... what a strange and disgusting sight.¡± The group froze, their gazes darting between Lucy and the towering wendren. ¡°Predators, leave now,¡± Marked Skull ordered, his voice booming through the clearing. ¡°You will not be hunted today, for the respect you have shown the sacred messenger. But if you ever return, the wendren will hunt you as you hunted my sister.¡± ¡°Marky! I¡¯m talking to them¡ªdon¡¯t be rude!¡± Lucy¡¯s voice cut through the tension as she stepped forward, her insect legs clicking softly against the ground. She looked up at Marked Skull, clearly unafraid. ¡°They¡¯re not bad guys! They¡¯re just... confused and a little scared. Give them a break.¡± Marked Skull¡¯s three eyes narrowed, and his head tilted slightly toward Lucy. ¡°I hear your words, Sacred Messenger, but I do not understand this alliance. These predators are sibling-killers. I do not want them near the village.¡± Lucy sighed and patted one of Marked Skull¡¯s arms. ¡°You¡¯re too serious, Marky. You need to learn how to have fun.¡± ¡°Fun...¡± Marked Skull hummed the word with clear distaste before turning his back on the group. ¡°I have spoken. They leave now.¡± Without another word, he strode back into the labyrinth, his massive frame disappearing behind the pulsing roots. Ulrick let out a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he was holding and slowly lowered his sword. ¡°I think we¡¯ve fulfilled our mission,¡± he said carefully. ¡°We should leave. Now.¡± Lucy¡¯s face brightened as she waved enthusiastically. ¡°Okay! Maybe I¡¯ll visit you guys next time! That¡¯d be fun!¡± The group didn¡¯t bother responding. They hastily packed their belongings, making sure to include a bundle of shroomwood, and began their trek back to the surface. Lucy, meanwhile, turned to Chomp with a grin. ¡°Well, buddy, let¡¯s go check out the first floor. Maybe we can find those chicken strips you¡¯re so excited about!¡± ¡°Yumi!¡± Chomp chirped happily, bounding after her as the pair set off for their next adventure. Chapter 24: Pure Rage Part 1 The meeting room at the adventurer¡¯s academy was unusually quiet. Ulrick and his team stood at attention, flanked by the academy¡¯s guild leaders. The room¡¯s heavy wooden door remained firmly shut, muffling the sound of bustling activity outside. Ulrick¡¯s group had been summoned to report on their most recent dive into the dungeon, their insights about Lucy, and any other findings that might benefit future expeditions. Gale shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flitting between Brill and Nole, while Vin stood silently, his expression unreadable as always. The guildmaster, a gruff man with streaks of gray in his dark beard, cleared his throat. ¡°So, you¡¯re telling us that girl¡­ Lucy¡­ is tied to the dungeon somehow, but you¡¯re not sure how?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Ulrick replied. ¡°She interacts with the dungeon creatures like she¡¯s one of them. Even the monsters obey her. But we don¡¯t believe she¡¯s hostile.¡± The guildmaster frowned. ¡°She could be an invaluable ally¡ªor a dangerous liability. You did well to avoid provoking her, but her existence raises questions we don¡¯t have answers to.¡± Before Ulrick could respond, the door to the room slammed open, and the guildmaster¡¯s words died in his throat. All heads turned as two figures strode inside. The first was a tall man in gleaming armor, adorned with the sigil of the royal family. His presence demanded attention, his every movement exuding arrogance. His deep blue cloak trailed behind him like a shadow. Following closely was a younger man, his second-in-command, clad in lighter armor but wearing an equally smug expression. ¡°Ah, so this is what the academy calls a leadership council,¡± the armored man said, his tone dripping with disdain. He scanned the room, his gaze lingering on Ulrick¡¯s group. ¡°I expected more¡­ professionalism.¡± The guildmaster¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Lord Alden, we were not expecting you to arrive so suddenly.¡± ¡°That much is clear,¡± Lord Alden replied coldly. ¡°Your academy has grown complacent, wallowing in mediocrity. When His Majesty learned of this dungeon, we were sent to investigate and ensure proper order is maintained. That starts with a personal inspection.¡± The guildmaster clenched his fists but said nothing. Ulrick¡¯s team exchanged uneasy glances. Gale whispered, ¡°This guy¡¯s worse than I imagined.¡± Lord Alden turned his sharp gaze toward Ulrick¡¯s group. ¡°And you are?¡± ¡°Ulrick, sir. My team has been tasked with surveying the dungeon.¡± ¡°And what of this ¡®Lucy¡¯?¡± Alden asked sharply. ¡°Is she a threat?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t believe so, sir,¡± Ulrick said carefully. ¡°She seems tied to the dungeon but hasn¡¯t harmed anyone.¡± Alden scoffed. ¡°Na?ve. Any creature tied to a dungeon is a threat. If your so-called adventurer guild won¡¯t deal with this, then we will.¡± The guildmaster stepped forward. ¡°Lord Alden, I must insist¡ª¡± ¡°You¡¯ll insist nothing,¡± Alden interrupted. ¡°We¡¯ll enter the dungeon at once. My men are all but Tier 2, and we will not be delayed by the incompetence of this¡­ institution.¡± He turned sharply on his heel, his second-in-command following without a word. The door slammed shut behind them, leaving a heavy silence in their wake. ¡°They¡¯ll get themselves killed,¡± Nole muttered. ¡°They¡¯ll cause more harm than good,¡± the guildmaster said, his voice filled with resignation. ¡°Ulrick, follow them. Observe their actions. If they stir up too much trouble, use this.¡± He handed Ulrick a gleaming silver horn. Its intricate carvings glinted in the dim light. Ulrick stared at it. ¡°The signal horn¡­¡± ¡°Exactly. If they push the dungeon too far, sound it. Every adventurer will know to leave immediately.¡± Ulrick nodded, slipping the horn into his pack. As he turned to leave with his team, Brill whispered, ¡°This is going to be a disaster.¡± As the massive stone doors of the dungeon creaked open once more, Ulrick and his team stepped into the shadowed maw. The usual damp, earthy scent was mixed with something else today¡ªa sharp, metallic tang that made the air feel heavier. Gale immediately noticed the difference. ¡°This doesn¡¯t smell right,¡± he muttered, his hand already gripping the hilt of his sword. ¡°It¡¯s not just the smell,¡± Nole added, crouching beside a clawed corpse. The body of a quillbug lay sprawled near the entrance, its carapace cracked open like a brittle shell. Venom dripped from its broken stinger, forming small pools on the mossy ground. ¡°They killed this thing and didn¡¯t even bother taking anything from it.¡± ¡°They¡¯re leaving everything behind,¡± Ulrick agreed, his eyes scanning the dimly lit path ahead. ¡°Why? No loot, no materials¡ªthis is just a slaughter.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a show of strength,¡± Brill remarked, his voice tinged with disdain. ¡°They¡¯re not here to collect. They¡¯re here to prove they¡¯re above all of it.¡± Vin knelt near the body, brushing his fingers against its cracked shell. ¡°Efficient kill. No struggle. Group organized. Very dangerous.¡± The group advanced cautiously, following the trail of destruction deeper into the first floor. Every few meters, they encountered more bodies¡ªvenomwings, crawlers, even a flesh crawler queen, whose lifeless bulk was sprawled across a clearing. ¡°Unbelievable,¡± Gale muttered, eyeing the fallen queen. ¡°That thing took us an entire day to kill the first time we ran into it, and they just¡­ walked right over it.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you,¡± Ulrick said, though he couldn¡¯t hide the tension in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s not just the monsters they¡¯re killing. It¡¯s the balance. Everything¡¯s out of sync.¡± They pressed on, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the damp moss underfoot. The faint hum of dungeon life¡ªdistant croaks, the rustle of leaves, and the chirp of hidden insects¡ªwas oddly subdued. It felt like the dungeon itself was holding its breath. By the time they reached the edge of the second floor, the scale of the destruction had grown staggering. Bloodied trails marred the swampy terrain, and the occasional burst of lightning from the storm overhead illuminated the carnage. The air was thick with tension, and even the usually bold Nole fell silent. ¡°They didn¡¯t just kill monsters here,¡± Brill said grimly. He gestured toward a mangled bloodroot tree, its bio-matter sacs slashed open and leaking their glowing contents onto the wet ground. ¡°They¡¯re ripping apart the dungeon itself.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Ulrick clenched his jaw, his knuckles white as he gripped his weapon. ¡°They¡¯re heading for the labyrinth.¡± ¡°What¡¯s their plan, Ulrick?¡± Gale asked, his voice low. ¡°What do they want with Lucy?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ulrick admitted. ¡°But if they¡¯re willing to tear apart the dungeon to get to her¡­¡± He trailed off, his expression dark. ¡°We need to catch up to them. Fast.¡± With that, the team quickened their pace, following the trail of broken bodies and torn earth toward the heart of the dungeon. They moved in silence, the weight of the unknown pressing heavily on their shoulders. The delegation stepped into the stormlit swamp, their boots sinking into the damp, spongey ground. Lightning crackled above, illuminating the strange bioluminescent glow of the swamp floor. The delegation leader, a tall man with gleaming silver armor, scoffed as he surveyed the eerie landscape. "This is it? The dreaded second level? Looks like a frog''s garden." His tone carried both arrogance and dismissal as his party moved forward. Their path of destruction began almost immediately. A glowing swamp crab scuttled too close and was swiftly crushed beneath an armored boot. Quillbugs fell to slashes of swords, and even the harmless croaking of luminescent frogs was silenced by arrows. Every strike left the swamp quieter, darker, and less alive. A mage in the group hesitated. "Captain, killing indiscriminately will disrupt the balance here. The dungeon ecosystem¡ª" "The only balance worth having is the one we control," the leader interrupted coldly. His blade cut through another creature as if to punctuate his point. From atop a cluster of glowing mushrooms, Lucy watched in growing horror. Her five legs shifted restlessly, the storm¡¯s light reflecting off her insectile lower half as she descended quickly. She rushed forward, waving her arms to catch their attention. "Stop it! You¡¯re ruining everything!" she yelled. Her voice carried both anger and desperation. The delegation turned, their leader arching an eyebrow at the strange figure approaching. "What in the gods'' names..." one of them muttered. Lucy reached them, her insect legs carrying her quickly over the uneven terrain. She stood firm, her eyes blazing. "The creatures here aren¡¯t all dangerous! Killing so many will upset the dungeon. You don¡¯t understand¡ªthis place has balance. It¡¯s alive, and you¡¯re breaking it!" The leader stepped forward, his expression shifting from curiosity to disdain. "And who are you to lecture us? What even are you, child? A beast? A dungeon creation? Whatever you are, you''re coming with us for questioning." Lucy froze as his words sank in. "No! This is my home! You can¡¯t take me away!" But two guards were already moving, their hands reaching for her. She tried to back away, but the glowing ropes they carried shimmered ominously. As she struggled, panic set in. They were too strong, and her cries for them to stop fell on deaf ears. A piercing scream broke free from her lips¡ªa sound so raw and filled with fear that the swamp itself seemed to hold its breath. The sound echoed, bouncing off the towering mushrooms and distant trees. Then, silence. A moment later, a deep, guttural roar shattered the stillness. The delegation froze as the swamp itself seemed to tremble. The sound was distant yet undeniable, growing louder with each passing second. "What... was that?" one of the knights asked, their voice shaking. Lucy, still held in place, suddenly stopped struggling. A glimmer of hope crossed her face. The roar grew closer, a relentless drumbeat of heavy footsteps echoing through the swamp. Adrian: Adrian seethed in frustration, his thoughts racing as reports from his remaining oculnids painted a grim picture of the second floor. System Alert: Venomwing swarm neutralized. System Alert: Oculnid destroyed. Reassigning observation points... System Alert: Quillbug colony exterminated. Each alert struck like a hammer blow. His precious creatures weren¡¯t just being avoided¡ªthey were being hunted. Adrian felt their deaths like dull pangs through the dungeon, each one a piece of himself ripped away. ¡°Who the hell are these people?¡± he growled, his voice echoing in the core chamber. Overseer Dronis hovered nearby, its translucent wings buzzing softly. ¡°Master,¡± it replied in its usual monotone, ¡°the intruders exhibit advanced combat techniques. High-level coordination and power signatures detected. They... do not act as normal adventurers.¡± ¡°No kidding,¡± Adrian muttered, his gaze narrowing on the visualization of the second floor. A path of destruction cut across the swamp: corpses, uprooted flora, even toppled Bloodroot Trees. ¡°They¡¯re not adventurers¡ªthey¡¯re vandals.¡± He pushed his focus deeper into the second floor, searching for the culprits. His vision zeroed in on a group of armored figures slicing through the swamp with terrifying precision. Every movement was calculated, their attacks merciless. They didn¡¯t just kill; they eradicated. One figure caught his attention¡ªa smug leader wielding a blade that glinted with sickening confidence. Adrian¡¯s vision blurred momentarily as the man struck down an oculnid without hesitation, severing its connection to the dungeon. He clenched his metaphorical fists. ¡°They¡¯re killing everything,¡± he hissed. ¡°Do they not understand balance? No, of course not. They just see numbers and loot.¡± Dronis tilted its head, its singular eye unblinking. ¡°Shall I redirect resources, Master?¡± Adrian paused, his voice dropping to a simmer. ¡°No. Wait. I want to know where they¡¯re going. Why are they here?¡± The answer came in a scream. Lucy¡¯s cry tore through the labyrinth, raw and panicked. The sound didn¡¯t just echo¡ªit reverberated, shaking Adrian to his core. His thoughts turned to fire, searing away reason and replacing it with rage. ¡°Dronis,¡± he growled, his tone sharper than a blade. ¡°Divert everything onto them. No exceptions.¡± The Overseer¡¯s glow dimmed, its usual monotone carrying a darker edge. ¡°Yes, Master.¡± Adrian barely noticed the quickened pulse of his dungeon heart, its rhythm syncing with his fury. Then came another sound¡ªa bone-rattling roar that reverberated through the dungeon. Corpsemountain¡¯s roar. A wicked grin twisted Adrian¡¯s expression. One thought rose above the chaos: Good. Nobody touches Lucy. Ulrick and his team: Ulrick and his team sprinted through the dungeon, their breaths heavy as they followed the unmistakable trail of destruction left by the delegation. Every step brought fresh horrors into view¡ªburn marks scorched into the ground, towering Bloodroot Trees splintered and toppled like mere twigs, and the lifeless bodies of creatures strewn across the swamp. It was an eerie, harrowing sight, a stark contrast to the usual balance of the dungeon. ¡°This is madness,¡± Brill muttered, his voice barely audible over the squelching of their boots in the damp ground. ¡°What kind of group does this much damage?¡± ¡°They¡¯re not just adventurers,¡± Ulrick spat, his gaze locked forward. ¡°These are soldiers. But what the hell do they think they¡¯re doing, torching the entire floor?¡± As they reached the entrance to the second level, a piercing scream froze them in their tracks. The voice was unmistakable¡ªLucy. Ulrick¡¯s stomach dropped like a stone. "That¡¯s her," Gale whispered, his hand tightening around his weapon. Before any of them could move, the bioluminescent plants that covered the cavern dimmed. A brief but profound silence fell, broken only by the faint crackling of distant lightning. And then the chaos erupted. From the tunnels behind them, a torrent of monsters from the first floor surged forward, their guttural cries filling the air as they rushed past the team. Venomwings buzzed overhead in swarms, Flesh Crawlers scuttled in droves, and even the typically sluggish Quillbugs charged ahead with uncharacteristic fury. The adventurers stood frozen in place, weapons half-raised. The creatures paid them no mind, their singular focus locked on the source of the disturbance deeper within. ¡°Oh shit,¡± Gale shouted over the cacophony. ¡°The dungeon¡¯s gone crazy!¡± ¡°Move!¡± Ulrick commanded, dragging the group forward. The sheer volume of monsters surging toward the second floor made it impossible to stay in one place. When they finally reached the sprawling swamp of the second level, the sight that greeted them was nothing short of a battlefield. In the distance, they spotted the delegation surrounded by swarms of monsters, locked in a brutal fight. The delegation fought valiantly, their movements precise, their power evident as they cut through waves of creatures with practiced ease. Yet the dungeon¡¯s rage was unrelenting. Monsters hurled themselves at the intruders, their screams a symphony of fury and desperation. ¡°There she is!¡± Nole shouted, pointing toward the delegation. In their midst, Lucy struggled against two heavily armored guards holding her down, her cries of panic ringing out amidst the chaos. And then, something changed. A shadow loomed in the distance, massive and unmistakable. The adventurers¡¯ hearts sank as mushrooms fell one by one in a straight line, crashing into the swamp like toppled dominoes. The ground shook with each impact, and in the dim light, they saw it: Corpsemountain. ¡°Oh no,¡± Ulrick whispered, sweat dripping down his face. The monstrous guardian was a force of nature, its massive form tearing a path straight toward the delegation. There was no time to think. Ulrick pulled the signal horn from his pack and blew into it with all his might. The sound reverberated through the dungeon, a haunting wail that carried far and wide. Every adventurer knew that signal, and its meaning was clear. "Retreat!" Gale yelled, echoing the sentiment. They could only hope the others heard the warning. For now, they had to move¡ªbefore the dungeon¡¯s wrath turned its gaze toward them. Chapter 25: Pure Rage Part 2 ¡°They don¡¯t stop coming!¡± one of my men screams in panic. Since the second we grabbed that little mutant, the entire dungeon has gone insane! We¡¯re strong, sure¡ªbut what good is that when these low-level beasts come at us in endless droves? Another strike with my sword, and another quillbug is split in two. The poisoned quill sticking out of my shoulder is an annoyance at best; I¡¯ve faced worse. ¡°Keep fighting!¡± I shout, trying to drown out the chaos. ¡°These beasts are nothing! They¡¯re barely Tier 1¡ªhold the line!¡± The corpses are piling up around us. A defensive circle, tighter now than when we started, keeps the swarm at bay¡ªbut for how long? The damned flyers are the worst. Venomwings dart down, scoring quick hits before vanishing into the shadows above. The roar from earlier¡ªit must be some larger beast, but it doesn¡¯t matter. This dungeon is too young to have anything that could threaten us. Hah! These guilders¡ªsuch cowards! But then I see it. From the direction of the massive tree, mushrooms begin to fall. They topple in a straight line, one after another, as if crushed underfoot. Then I hear it: wild stomping, growing louder, closer. My stomach twists. And then I see it. A titanic beast, towering over the trees, charges toward us like a living avalanche of corpses and mushrooms. Its body is a patchwork of flesh and fungal growths, held together by some sick, pulsating force. The ground shakes with each step it takes. ¡°What... what is that?¡± I mutter, my voice barely audible. Was this why the guilders warned us? Was this the reason they were so cautious? No. It doesn¡¯t matter. I raise my sword, steel glinting in the dim light. ¡°This beast shall fall like all the rest!¡± I shout, more to myself than to my men. A titanic crash answers me. The force sends me flying, my sword ripped from my hand as my armor absorbs most of the blow. I land hard, mud caking my face and chest. My ears ring as I struggle to stand. ¡°Captain!¡± my second-in-command¡¯s voice cuts through the chaos. ¡°Shieldbearer¡ªtake the titan! Mages, support him! Everyone else, form up!¡± Through blurry vision, I see the shieldbearer brace himself. Corpsemountain¡¯s strikes are relentless, each one forcing the shieldbearer back a step. Then I see the second creature. This one is smaller, but no less terrifying. Nearly as tall as the titan, its body glows with eerie bioluminescent tattoos. Three glowing eyes burn like embers, and its skeletal visage is adorned with spiked protrusions. In one hand¡ªor rather, attached to its arm¡ªis a strange insect. Its tail gleams like a blade. ¡°What in all the gods¡¯ names is that?¡± I whisper, my confidence crumbling. The swordsman gritted his teeth as he raised his blade, desperate to block the oncoming strike of the monstrous deer-like guardian. The impact rattled his entire frame. He succeeded¡ªbarely¡ªbut the force behind the blow drove him knee-deep into the swampy mud. A horrified gasp escaped him as another strike flashed from his blind side. There was no time to react. The club connected with a sickening crack, and the light in his eyes went out forever. The shieldbearer roared as he fended off a relentless swarm of venomwings. Their poisoned stingers pierced his armor again and again, dark ichor spreading beneath his steel plates. Even his Tier 1, Level 8 body couldn¡¯t withstand so much venom. His knees buckled. The next crushing blow from the corpse-beast struck true, and his body crumpled like paper beneath the monstrous force. Screams filled the air. The upper half of a mage landed with a wet thud beside me, her eyes still wide with shock and disbelief. This is too much. We can¡¯t hold this. ¡°Retreat!¡± I bellowed, my voice cracked with terror. ¡°Leave the mutant and head for the tunnel!¡± My men didn¡¯t hesitate. Their survival instincts took over, and we bolted, boots splashing through muck, hearts hammering with primal fear. The beasts gave no quarter. They hunted us with a rage that felt personal, their eyes glowing with malice, their claws tearing through flesh and bone. The roar of the corpse-monster, now wreathed in flames, shook the very air behind us. It didn¡¯t slow, didn¡¯t falter¡ªthe fire only made it look more terrifying. We tore through the second level and stumbled onto the first, lungs burning, bodies broken. Two of my men were gone¡ªswallowed by the darkness, their cries still echoing in my ears¡ªbut there was no time to mourn. Survival was all that mattered now. The tunnel to the surface loomed ahead, our beacon of hope. But as we approached, that hope was snatched away. A massive iron gate barred our path, slammed shut. Grim-faced guild members stood beyond, their eyes cold, their jaws set. ¡°Open the gate!¡± I screamed, hammering my armored fist against the metal. ¡°Open it, you bastards! OPEN IT NOW!¡± The clang of my fist was drowned by the roar of the pursuing monsters. Their eyes gleamed in the darkness, a tide of fury and death. The guild didn¡¯t move. No pity in their eyes. No mercy. ¡°They¡¯re going to leave us here...¡± I whispered, the realization sinking in like a dagger to the gut. The monsters flooded the tunnel, claws scraping against stone, jaws snapping in anticipation. There was nowhere to run. No way out. This was our end. A blinding glow filled the tunnel as the corpse-beast lumbered forward, its massive frame silhouetted by the eerie light. I felt the heat of its presence, the weight of its hatred. I drew my sword with trembling hands, my voice a hoarse whisper.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Well¡­ that¡¯s it, then.¡± We were defeated. Not by a war. Not by some legendary beast. But by a Level 2 dungeon. Ulrick: Ulrick didn¡¯t hesitate. He knew opening that gate meant inviting chaos. The delegation¡¯s arrogance had sealed their fate, and the only way to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control was to sacrifice them to the dungeon. As the last echoes of desperate screams faded behind the massive iron gate, the guild leader of the academy arrived, his face pale and drawn. He took one look at the sealed gate, his eyes darting to Ulrick with disbelief and fury. ¡°Ulrick¡­ What have you done?!¡± Before Ulrick could respond, a shadow loomed beyond the gate. Corpsemountain stood there, an embodiment of quiet, simmering rage, its bioluminescent eyes piercing the iron bars. The air grew thick with dread. Ulrick¡¯s throat tightened, but he forced his voice to stay steady. ¡°Corpsemountain!¡± he shouted, stepping forward. ¡°The invaders are yours! Their actions were their own, and they¡¯ve paid the price. The guild does not support what they did. We swear¡ªon our lives¡ªthat Lucy will never be harmed by us. Please, leave us be. We seek no further bloodshed!¡± The monstrous form of Corpsemountain stared at him, unblinking, the eerie glow of its fungal growths casting ghostly shadows on the walls. The silence stretched on, suffocating. Then, slowly, the behemoth turned away. The glow receded into the darkness, and with it, the oppressive tension lifted. The air seemed to rush back into their lungs. A collective sigh of relief passed through the gathered guild members, their shoulders sagging with exhaustion. The guild leader¡¯s voice broke the fragile quiet. ¡°Ulrick¡­ you can¡¯t make oaths in the guild¡¯s name.¡± He rubbed his temples, weariness etched into his features. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯ll overlook it. I think you just saved us all.¡± He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and issued a command. ¡°Keep the gate closed. Double the guard. No one enters. No one leaves.¡± Turning to Ulrick, his eyes were heavy with resignation. ¡°Follow me. We need to write two very detailed letters¡ªone to the Guild¡¯s High Council, the other to the royal court. This¡­ this is a nightmare.¡± Ulrick exchanged glances with his team, their faces pale but resolute. With grim determination, they followed the guild leader back into the academy, the weight of their actions settling on their shoulders. Ulrick and the team, along with the guild leader, trudged along the muddy dirt road connecting the academy to the dungeon. The air was thick with dampness, the lingering scent of swamp water clinging to everything. Despite the weight of recent events, they moved with purpose. Without warning, the ground beneath their feet trembled violently. The quake rolled through the earth like a colossal beast waking from slumber. Ulrick barely managed to yell, ¡°Brace yourselves!¡± before the ground gave a final, violent lurch. They were thrown off balance, landing hard on the wet earth. Mud splattered across faces and armor, but nobody cared. A heavy, foreboding pressure struck their minds like a wave. It wasn¡¯t just the quake ¡ª it was something deeper, something wrong. A suffocating weight coiled around their chests, making each breath feel like they were inhaling dread itself. Ulrick''s eyes widened as the feeling intensified. The air grew thick, heavy with unseen malice. He felt his thoughts slow, an irrational panic clawing at the edges of his mind. Fear. Mistrust. A deep, primal longing for rebellion. The emotions pulsed like a heartbeat, radiating from a singular source. It was an aura ¡ª a dungeon aura ¡ª and it was spilling out into the world beyond the dungeon¡¯s borders. ¡°This... this can¡¯t be...¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible over the pounding in his ears. The others grunted, struggling against the invisible pressure that seemed to drag them down. The shaking ceased, leaving only the relentless weight of the dungeon¡¯s aura pressing on their minds. Ulrick pushed himself up on shaky arms, his instincts screaming that something was very, very wrong. He turned toward the dungeon. And then he saw it. A massive storm cloud, impossibly dark and crackling with streaks of furious lightning, spread outward like an ink spill across the sky. The cloud¡¯s twisted tendrils consumed the light, its edge reaching beyond the academy, casting everything beneath into a dim, eternal twilight. From the heart of the dungeon, the giant tree in the center of the swamp grew. Its branches shot skyward in jagged bursts, expanding and twisting until they pierced the storm, the canopy spreading wide enough to shroud the mountain¡¯s cliffs and cascade like a web of shadows over the swamp below. Thick roots, dark and glistening, burst from the foot of the mountain, spilling swamp water and twisted vegetation into the flatlands. The very mountain itself seemed to bleed, transforming into a grotesque swamp-covered peak. The oppressive storm overhead let loose an angry growl of thunder, the lightning flashes illuminating the twisted beauty of the dungeon¡¯s new form. The aura pulsed stronger now, a sinister rhythm that gnawed at their sanity. Fear. Mistrust. Rebellion. Ulrick¡¯s gut twisted with unease, the emotions not his own but thrust upon him by the dungeon¡¯s sinister heart. The academy now lay swallowed by the edges of the swamp, its stone walls and wooden structures barely spared from the encroaching waters. Shroomwood trees and swamp vegetation sprouted near its perimeter, as if nature itself had redrawn the lines of the battlefield. Ulrick¡¯s mouth opened, but no words came out. His mind refused to process the sheer scale of what he was witnessing. They stood in stunned silence, hearts pounding in sync with the eerie glow of the dungeon. The guild leader swallowed hard, eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°By the gods... what have we just witnessed?¡± The dungeon had evolved. And now its dark will seeped into the world beyond, leaving them teetering on the brink of something far greater ¡ª and far more dangerous ¡ª than they ever imagined. Rain began to pour, heavy and relentless, from the storm cloud that now blanketed the sky. Fat droplets splashed into the newly-formed swamp, muddy water pooling around their feet. The cold rain mingled with the oppressive aura, making the air feel even heavier. Suddenly, glowing text flashed before their eyes ¡ª a set of system messages that froze them in place.
System Message: Warning! Dungeon growth exceeds system capability. Recalibrating... Error!
A shiver ran through Ulrick¡¯s spine. He exchanged wary glances with the others, rain streaking down their faces.
System Message: System recalibration complete. Dungeon growth stopped due to increased influence on surrounding area. System resource allocation increased by 6x to handle dungeon expansion. *Error! Unable to reverse new area of influence of dungeon! Administrator input accepted. Dungeon influence area on the surface locked.
The words lingered in the air, the storm¡¯s chill biting through their wet clothes. ¡°Oh, by the gods... so it won¡¯t grow further?¡± Brill asked, his voice trembling as he wiped rain from his eyes. Vin, his face smeared with mud, answered in his usual monotone. ¡°No more growth. System states it. System never lies.¡± The guild leader stared at the messages, his mouth opening and closing as if struggling for words. ¡°Well... the letters just got a little more detailed...¡± he stammered, the weight of the situation sinking in. Suddenly, Ulrick snapped. He grabbed the guild leader by the shoulders, his eyes wild with barely-contained energy ¡ª an almost manic desperation for normalcy. ¡°Tavern! Now!¡± he barked, his voice leaving no room for debate. The guild leader blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, as if the words unlocked something in him, he nodded vigorously. ¡°Oh, I am so in on that. I need a drink after this... or better yet, a lot of drinks.¡± Ulrick released him with a grunt, turning on his heel. Without another word, they all trudged forward, dodging the occasional puddle of swamp water that now marred the dirt road. The oppressive aura still clawed at their minds, but the promise of a stiff drink kept them moving. As they reached the academy gates, the storm cloud¡¯s jagged flashes illuminated the path ahead. The tavern¡¯s lights glowed warmly in the distance, a beacon of comfort in the middle of an encroaching nightmare. Tonight, the profits would flow like ale, and the tavern owner would count their blessings. With a story like this to tell, business was about to boom. Maybe even an upgrade to the building was in order. They didn¡¯t care. For now, all they needed was to drown their disbelief in the bottom of a tankard. Chapter 26: Upgrades People! Upgrades! A shimmer of data packets twisted and unraveled in the infinite digital void. The Administrator¡¯s essence coalesced, perceiving the anomaly as a cascade of system alerts and recalibration protocols spiraled into overdrive. System Alert: Resolution found, Manual lock installed. The Administrator¡¯s focus narrowed on the data stream. A dungeon core had executed multiple level-ups simultaneously, overwhelming the world¡¯s system framework. ¡°A sentient dungeon¡­ on this world? Impossible. There is no system architecture to support such a construct here.¡± The Administrator scanned deeper, fragments of otherworldly code interwoven with the local framework. The system had compensated by creating a hybrid structure, stitching together protocols from different realms to stabilize the anomaly. ¡°An adaptive solution. Inelegant, but functional.¡± Further inspection revealed a peculiar element woven into the dungeon¡¯s core mechanics: bio-matter processing. ¡°This system is not native to this world¡­ Origin: Dark World. Heavy influence detected from the entity designated ¡®Wall of Flesh.¡¯¡± The anomaly¡¯s complexity deepened. This dungeon¡¯s sentience¡ªand its association with a dark god¡¯s influence¡ªwas unprecedented. A flicker of interference rippled through the data logs: Log Entry: Dark God interference detected previously¡­ Authorization bypassed. Resolution remains valid. The Administrator registered the bypass with a pulse of resigned acceptance. The dark gods had exploited a loophole, but the resolution held. The system remained stable¡ªfor now. New logs unraveled before the Administrator¡¯s perception, detailing the adjustments made to ensure stability. One entry flickered into focus: Log Entry: Definition change applied. New system framework integrated for non-eligible entity¡­ Identification: Lucy. Foundation derived from dungeon system. The Administrator¡¯s awareness pulsed with curiosity. ¡°Intriguing. The entity¡¯s framework is anchored to the dungeon system. When she qualifies for the human system, a hybridization will occur. An elegant solution¡­ yet potentially unstable.¡± A deeper analysis of the human system¡¯s adaptive nature revealed the risk: ¡°The human system evolves based on choice, intention, and deeds. Predicting future errors is impossible. The system will adapt¡ªor fail¡ªupon hybridization.¡± A brief pause, then dismissal. ¡°Anomalies pose no immediate threat to system integrity. Further intervention is beyond protocol¡­ Irrelevant.¡± With a final pulse of energy, the Administrator dissolved back into the void, leaving the anomaly to evolve¡ªunobserved, but not unnoticed. Adrian: The rush was immense. Adrian needed a moment to orient himself, his senses still reeling from the overload. His stomach was an incredible thing, capable of breaking down even the toughest biomass, but when the storage was full¡­ it simply refused to work. That didn¡¯t mean it refused to get stuffed even further. Fifteen people. All of them near Tier 2. The sheer volume of biomass had been unbelievable. He''d filled his storage, leveled up, filled it again, and leveled up twice more. Three levels, one after the other. Incredible progress¡ªbut at a small price. The pain of extending his nerve network across three new floors all at once was unbearable. If he wasn¡¯t a giant heart suspended inside a hollow tree, he would have sworn he was being drawn and quartered, pulled in three different directions by wild horses. Every expansion tore at him. And the tree¡ªoh, the tree. It grew so fast he felt like he was free-falling in a plummeting elevator. The entire labyrinth dropped through three levels in an instant. From outside, he heard pained grunts and the unmistakable sound of bodies hitting the ground. The Wendren village had just been dragged three dungeon floors down. That was probably not how they¡¯d planned to spend their day. Inside the hollow tree, the scene was almost comical. Chomp, the ever-hungry Flesh Crawler, floated weightlessly for a moment alongside Lucy, who flailed her five legs in confusion. Then gravity reclaimed them, and they hit the ground with a synchronized thud. The pain finally ebbed as his nerves finished their frantic growth spurt. He let himself savor the feeling of receding agony before his thoughts cleared enough to take stock. He was big now. His dungeon had more than doubled in size. His heart chamber was vaster, and his heartbeat echoed through the expanded hollows of the tree. Three new floors stretched out beneath him, full of potential¡ªand something else. His focus shifted outward. The swamp above¡­ it had grown. His surface-level influence had stretched farther than it should have. He could feel it¡ªan extension of his essence beyond the normal bounds of the dungeon. System messages flooded his awareness: System Alert: Warning! System overload! Influence growth exceeds allocated parameters! Recalibrating¡­ Failed. Administrator override engaged! Influence growth locked! System resource allocation increased by 6x. ¡°¡­rian! Adrian!¡± A voice broke through the torrent of information. Lucy was standing before his heart, waving her hand urgently. Her wrists were still bruised green and blue from the ropes the delegation had used to bind her. ¡°Adrian, what the hell happened?!¡± she asked, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief. ¡°I may have¡­ overdone it,¡± Adrian muttered. ¡°Three level-ups at once seem to be a bit much for the system.¡± Lucy¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Three level-ups? All at once?¡± ¡°Yeah. Those delegation idiots had quite a bit of meat on them. Multiply that by fifteen, and you get a lot of biomass. I had to cheat a little by cramming my stomach past full capacity, but¡­ it worked. A little too well.¡± At the mention of the delegation, a shadow passed over Lucy¡¯s face. Her eyes clouded, and for a moment, she looked lost in her thoughts. The way they had manhandled her, the rough treatment¡ªAdrian wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if she was wrestling with a minor case of PTSD.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. He softened his tone. ¡°Lucy¡­ the swamp has grown. I can feel it spreading beyond the first two levels. I need to go through these system messages and figure out what¡¯s going on. Maybe even send you and Chomp on a little expedition.¡± But something in her expression stopped him cold. She didn¡¯t want to go. She was trying to hide it, but the fear was there, etched into her features. She was hiding in the hollow tree, seeking safety in its confines. He paused, reconsidering. ¡°¡­But that can wait. No rush.¡± He¡¯d push forward when the time was right. For now, the dungeon could wait. Lucy needed to heal. System Message: Level up successful. New Organ Available: Nerve Bundle. New Monster Available: Shadowstalker. New Trap Available: Fungal Vein. New Dungeon Floor Added. System Message: Level up successful. New Monsters Available: Fleshbound Berserker, Fleshstomach, Bloodworm Parasite. New Dungeon Floor Added. System Message: Level up successful. New Monsters Available: Infested Treant, Skitterbush, Corpsecap Floater. New Trap Available: Parasite Bursting Tree. New Dungeon Floor Added. System Message: All dungeon floor areas increased by 250% due to Administrator Lock. System Message: Adding dungeon floor ecosystems for all expansions.
There¡¯s a lot to unpack here... His metaphorical eyes widened. Wait¡­ My dungeon floors have grown by 250%? That means they¡¯re now around¡­ 70 square kilometers each? The sheer scale of the growth staggered him. That¡¯s what I call growth! But as his awareness expanded further, something else caught his attention. He probed the edges of the first floor, feeling out the terrain. Wait¡­ what¡¯s that? Some kind of massive building? He concentrated, the sensation resolving into a clearer shape. Is that the guild building Lucy mentioned? It¡¯s inside my dungeon now?! He continued to explore. Water? Trees? And¡­ wait a second¡­ Are those the roots of the Hollow Tree poking out of the mountain? His mind reeled. What the fuck happened out there?! But there was no time to dwell on that now. Three new floors. I better pump out some oculnids to get some vision going. The thought of those tiny scouts navigating such vast expanses made him pause. That¡¯s an awfully long way for them now through all those floors¡­ Maybe I can¡ª The Hollow Tree shook slightly, its thick trunk shimmering as if turning semi-liquid. Hidden tunnels and pathways formed, winding through the trunk like a network of veins. It was as if a colossal worm had burrowed through the wood, creating a shortcut system that connected all the floors. Entrances to this network, concealed behind heart-valve-like flaps made of the same tree material, were nearly invisible to the naked eye¡ªand tough as ironwood. Adrian felt a swell of satisfaction. Perfect. That¡¯ll save my creatures a lot of travel time. The oculnids scuttled into their new domains, and soon Adrian was peering through their eyes. The first glimpses were... unsettling. Third Floor: Darkness. An eternal night shrouded everything. The oculnids¡¯ current vision was useless here. Guess I¡¯ll need to mutate them for night vision. The only visible features were faint, drifting lights¡ªprobably bioluminescent plants or creatures. Fifth Floor: A sprawling wooded swamp. It reminded him of the Amazon River basin, as seen in a documentary back when he was human. Twisting waterways, dense foliage, and an overwhelming sense of life. Diverse and teeming¡­ before some corporate dipshit caused a chemical ¡®oopsie¡¯ and killed everything. He smirked at the memory, tinged with bitterness. Fourth Floor: Adrian¡¯s metaphorical heart skipped a beat. The sight before him was... wrong. The floor stretched out in grotesque beauty¡ªa nightmare given form. Trees made of fused, bleached bones. Leaves that pulsed like slabs of raw flesh. Hills undulating with worm-like tentacles, as if the land itself were alive and suffering. Blood-red rain drizzled down, pooling in rivers and ponds that ran crimson. Even for Adrian, the imagery was disturbing. He shuddered, a chill running through his core. What in the actual hell is this? The fourth floor felt less like his creation and more like something that happened to his dungeon. All in all, Adrian was surprisingly proud of the results from these chaotic level-ups. It seemed that pushing the system to its absolute limit yielded benefits beyond his expectations. He made a mental note of that ¡ª perhaps, under the right conditions, he could exploit this kind of overload again in the future. His dungeon¡¯s storage capacity had ballooned to 16,000 biomass. A monumental leap, but currently, he only had 744 biomass left. Before he could think of populating the new floors, he needed to rebuild the defenses of the first and second floors. The delegation¡¯s rampage had left a bloody trail of dead monsters, reducing his once thriving ecosystem to scattered remains. The first floor was now considerably larger. However, populating its expanded regions immediately would be unwise. Monsters appearing outside the caldera might send the surrounding humans into a blind panic. No need to poke the bear ¡ª not yet. That extra space could serve a purpose later when things settled down. The second floor, on the other hand, had ample room to grow. Through his oculnids¡¯ eyes, he noticed something promising: new herds of deer-like creatures had started to gather in the expanded regions of the swamp. A smirk formed in his thoughts. ¡°I should let Marked Skull know,¡± he mused. ¡°Maybe the Wendren would want to relocate these herds into the labyrinth.¡± With the Wendren village now located on the fifth level, inside the sprawling swampland he decided to nickname the ¡®Swamazonas,¡¯ space was no longer an issue. Once he had enough biomass, he¡¯d expand the labyrinth¡¯s size to give them more room to thrive. Until then, the Wendren could explore the new territory and learn its secrets. Without monsters actively hunting, the natural ecosystem of the Swamazonas could develop freely for a while. Who knew what fascinating new organisms and parasites might evolve from it? The possibilities were endless. For now, he focused on what lay ahead: rebuilding, adapting, and perhaps¡­ preparing for a little revenge. He wouldn¡¯t forget what the delegation had done. But he was patient. Very patient. And Adrian Falkenrath knew that patience was a parasite¡¯s best weapon. With the chaos of the level-ups settling, Adrian contemplated the next steps. For now, the dungeon was effectively closed. The delicate balance needed to be restored, and after the mayhem caused by the delegation, he doubted adventurers would come rushing back anytime soon. Perhaps, when the rebuilding was complete, he could do something to entice them back. But he didn¡¯t want just adventurers anymore. Terraforming his expanded second floor gave him an idea. With a sly mental grin, he added coal veins, along with copper and iron deposits into the terrain. ¡°Maybe, just maybe,¡± he mused, ¡°I can attract more than just glory-hungry adventurers. Miners, herbalists, even craftsmen¡­ a richer ecosystem of humans to study and, occasionally, nab for biomass.¡± The thought of observing crafting techniques intrigued him. With the academy now nestled inside his dungeon¡¯s influence, he¡¯d have a front-row seat to human ingenuity. Perhaps it would spark ideas for his own grotesque creations, or better yet, he could guide the Wendren to develop crafting of their own. The Wendren¡­ He shifted his attention to the village within the labyrinth. His vision settled on something unexpected. The Wendren were busy¡ªcollecting plants, herding animals, and constructing something directly outside the entrance to his hollow tree. Adrian felt a flicker of curiosity. ¡°I should probably pay more attention to what they¡¯re doing,¡± he muttered. But, honestly, who cared? They were productive, they respected him, and they weren¡¯t causing problems. That was good enough for now. Meanwhile, Dronis was in his element. Managing five floors of dungeon complexity seemed to be precisely the challenge he thrived on. The Overseer flitted between tasks, compiling reports, optimizing patrol routes, and monitoring new monster spawns. Adrian felt a pang of relief. Without Dronis, the dungeon would have been a logistical nightmare to manage. Two floors had already strained his patience and left him little time for his beloved experiments. Now, with Dronis handling the minutiae, he could finally turn his attention back to his true passion: biological innovation. He glanced to the side, his awareness settling on Lucy. The sight was¡­ unsettling. She was asleep, clinging to the walls of the hollow tree with her five insectoid limbs, her upper body hanging limp. Occasionally, she would shift position, her movements a bizarre mix of grace and absurdity. Adrian¡¯s metaphorical eyebrow twitched. ¡°She really needs to learn how to sleep like a normal person,¡± he thought, mildly disturbed and amused. Then there was Chomp. The enthusiastic little Flesh Crawler had barely paused to say, ¡°New floor! Bye!¡± before zipping out of the hollow tree like a furry missile. The instant he noticed the air smelled different, he was gone, a blur of excitement, intent on exploring every inch of the new floors. Adrian shook his metaphorical head. ¡°If enthusiasm could be weaponized, Chomp would be a warhead.¡±
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Adrian allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The dungeon had grown immensely, his influence had spread, and new potential was at his fingertips. There was still much to do¡ªrebuilding, experimenting, and adapting¡ªbut for now, he felt the sweet rush of progress. And, in the distance, the storm cloud above his dungeon rumbled ominously, a reminder to the world that Adrian Falkenrath was just getting started. Chapter 27: Nole and the Table Guildmaster Eran¡¯s fingers trembled slightly as he set the letter down. His jaw clenched. The words burned in his mind¡ªthe delegation¡¯s recklessness, their arrogant dismissal of guild expertise, and now, fifteen dead. Fifteen elite soldiers, wiped out because of sheer audacity. ¡°They ignored us,¡± Eran growled, his voice cold as steel. ¡°They thought they knew better, that our warnings were just cowardice.¡± One advisor slammed a fist on the table. ¡°They belittled our people! Walked into our domain, mocked our skills, and endangered the lives of adventurers who rely on us!¡± High Scribe Elara nodded, her eyes narrowed. ¡°Their hubris cost them dearly, but they didn¡¯t just insult us¡ªthey compromised the safety of everyone who steps into that dungeon.¡± Another advisor leaned forward, voice grim. ¡°We need to control the narrative. The delegation¡¯s failure was their own. If we don¡¯t act now, we risk taking the blame.¡± Eran took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. ¡°We¡¯ll draft an official statement. The delegation acted against our advice and paid the price. We¡¯ll emphasize that the gate was sealed to prevent further catastrophe. If they¡¯d escaped, the dungeon might have spilled its horrors into the kingdom.¡± A murmur of agreement passed through the room. ¡°And what of the dungeon¡¯s expansion?¡± Elara asked, her quill poised. Eran¡¯s gaze turned distant. ¡°It¡¯s locked now¡ªthe system saw to that. This dungeon isn¡¯t going anywhere, and neither are we. We¡¯ll prepare, rebuild, and make sure no one forgets that the guild knows best when it comes to dungeons.¡± Eran leaned heavily on the edge of the table, his eyes scanning the grim faces around him. The room felt like it was holding its breath. ¡°We need to be ready for accusations,¡± Eran said, his voice low and steady. ¡°The crown might not take kindly to us closing the gate, even if it was necessary.¡± An advisor slammed his fist onto the table. ¡°They¡¯ll blame us for abandoning the delegation. But if we hadn¡¯t sealed that gate, the dungeon would¡¯ve spilled out and destroyed everything in its path.¡± High Scribe Elara didn¡¯t look up from her writing. ¡°Logic won¡¯t matter to those looking for a scapegoat. We need to protect the guild. If the crown blames us for this, we could lose everything we¡¯ve built.¡± Eran nodded. ¡°Hide our assets. Redistribute funds and supplies to outposts outside the capital. If punishment comes, we won¡¯t be left defenseless. Move supplies to the northern outposts first,¡± Eran ordered. ¡°We can¡¯t risk the capital¡¯s stores being seized if this goes south.¡± Murmurs of agreement filled the chamber. Eran straightened and took a steadying breath. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the palace and request an audience with the king. I need to make sure he understands the truth: we didn¡¯t act out of defiance, but out of duty.¡± A courier stepped forward, readying his satchel. ¡°Should I send word to Ulrick and his team, sir?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eran confirmed. ¡°They need to know what¡¯s happening. Tell them to stay put, no diving the dungeon for now, and keep their heads down until we resolve this.¡± The courier nodded and rushed out the door. Eran looked back at his advisors. ¡°Elara, draft our official statement. Make it clear that the delegation acted against our counsel and endangered lives.¡± Elara¡¯s quill scratched across parchment. ¡°It¡¯ll be ready by the time you return.¡± He turned to the room one final time. ¡°Stay vigilant. The guild doesn¡¯t bow to arrogance. We endure. The guild¡¯s strength isn¡¯t just in swords and spells,¡± Eran said firmly. ¡°It¡¯s in our judgment. And no pompous delegation will take that from us.¡± A solemn determination settled over the group. They weren¡¯t out of danger, but they would fight to survive. Royal Court: King Aldemar read the letter with a scowl. His fingers tightened around the parchment. The storm outside seemed to echo his mood. Fools. The delegation, those arrogant braggarts, had ignored the guild¡¯s warnings, mocked their expertise, and now they were dead. ¡°They dared to look down on the guild, and this is the result,¡± he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°Their incompetence has cost us lives and dignity. Their arrogance shamed us, but it¡¯s my duty to ensure their mistakes don¡¯t doom us. ¡± Chad Gepit adjusted his spectacles, his expression carefully neutral. ¡°The guild¡¯s actions¡ªsealing the gate¡ªlikely prevented a disaster, Your Majesty. If the monsters had breached the dungeon, the kingdom could be facing an uncontained rampage.¡± A few nobles muttered in agreement. Others remained silent, their faces pale. Aldemar exhaled, his anger giving way to calculation. ¡°We cannot afford to make enemies of the guild. Nor can we allow such recklessness to repeat itself. Chad, I want a military encampment established near the dungeon. Our soldiers will train under the guild¡¯s supervision. We¡¯ll rebuild our reputation and ensure our forces are prepared.¡± Chad nodded. ¡°And Lucy?¡± The king¡¯s gaze darkened briefly. ¡°She¡¯s a child, but she has power¡ªor influence¡ªover that dungeon. We need her on our side.¡± ¡°You wish for me to extend an apology?¡± Chad asked. Aldemar¡¯s jaw tightened, then relaxed. ¡°Yes. Apologize. Offer her gifts. Make it clear she has the kingdom¡¯s respect and protection. We need allies, not enemies.¡± Chad bowed slightly. ¡°It will be done, Your Majesty.¡± The king¡¯s eyes turned to the storm cloud on the horizon. ¡°This dungeon... it¡¯s a threat, yes, but also an opportunity. We¡¯ll handle it wisely. No more foolish pride.¡± The nobles exchanged glances, some nodding, others hesitant. The weight of the decision hung in the air, but for now, the storm would be contained. A younger noble with a calculating expression spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, consider this¡ªthe dungeon holds unique resources. If we harness them, we could forge weapons and armor to strengthen the royal army. Losing the dungeon would be a waste of potential.¡± King Aldemar¡¯s eyes narrowed, studying the noble. He leaned slightly toward Chad. ¡°Who is that?¡± Chad whispered back, ¡°Lord Cedric Marveil. Skilled in logistics and trade. He¡¯s overseen several successful supply chain expansions.¡± The king¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°Lord Cedric,¡± he said, his voice ringing through the hall, ¡°would you take responsibility for this dungeon and the lands surrounding it?¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes widened, surprise and pride battling for dominance. He bowed deeply. ¡°It would be my honor, Your Majesty.¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°Good.¡± The king¡¯s tone brooked no argument. ¡°You are now Baron of the Swamplands. The smallest barony in the kingdom, for now, but it may grow. Ensure the dungeon is studied, its resources cataloged, and its potential harnessed.¡± The baron nodded vigorously. ¡°II¡¯ll make the Swamplands prosper, Your Majesty. The dungeon¡¯s resources will serve the crown. But i will need time to prepare. At least a week.¡± King Aldemar took a deep breath, letting his gaze linger on Lord Cedric for a moment longer. Satisfied, he straightened and turned his attention back to the gathered nobles. ¡°Good,¡± the king said, his voice firm. ¡°With that dungeon in capable hands, we can turn our focus to more pressing matters.¡± He leaned back, a shadow passing over his expression. ¡°The Galen Theocracy still blocks our trade routes through the Eastern Passage... Ulrick and the Gang: The third day of waiting had settled over the village of Mar like a thick, wet fog. The distant rumble of thunder echoed through the swamp, but the dungeon entrance remained stubbornly sealed. A wall of monsters blocked the tunnel¡ªsilent, watchful, unyielding. Ulrick¡¯s team had tried reasoning, shouting, even pleading. The dungeon''s message was clear: Closed. Ulrick leaned against the tavern doorway, arms crossed tightly over his chest. His eyes flicked to the caldera in the distance, frustration etched into every line of his face. "We could just climb down," Gale suggested, for what felt like the hundredth time. Ulrick shook his head. "We¡¯ve been over this. The monsters aren¡¯t attacking, but they¡¯re not letting anyone through either. The dungeon doesn¡¯t want us inside." Gale grunted, kicking at a loose stone. ¡°So, what do we do now? Sit here and rot?¡± A loud crash interrupted them. Ulrick turned toward the source of the noise, his brow furrowing. Inside the tavern, Nole was perched on a table, waving a half-empty bottle of ale in one hand. Her jacket and boots were discarded, and her shirt was tied up to expose her midriff. She swayed to the off-tune rhythm of a bard¡¯s lute, her face flushed with drink and defiance. ¡°? The dungeon is shut, but who gives a damn! ?¡± Nole sang, her voice slurring. ¡°? We¡¯ll drink, we¡¯ll dance, until we can slam! ?¡± The gathered patrons erupted in cheers and laughter as Nole twirled, nearly falling off the table before catching herself. Ulrick groaned, rubbing his temples. ¡°Of course. This is what it¡¯s come to.¡± Vin, standing beside him with his usual stoic expression, tilted his head. ¡°Coping mechanism. Effective, in own way.¡± Ulrick sighed. ¡°It¡¯s only effective until the hangover hits.¡± Brill chuckled, leaning back in his chair with a resigned smile. ¡°Let her have her fun. We all need it. Staring at that damned blocked entrance is driving us mad.¡± The tavern door swung open, and a cold breeze carried the scent of damp earth and ozone. Ulrick¡¯s eyes drifted back to the storm-clouded caldera. Three days. Three days of waiting, uncertainty, and tension. Three days of feeling useless. ¡°We need something to focus on,¡± he muttered. ¡°Something to keep us sharp.¡± Gale nodded. ¡°Like what? Monster hunting? Swamp survival drills? I¡¯ll take anything at this point.¡± A sudden thought struck Ulrick. He straightened, determination hardening his features. ¡°We can¡¯t get into the dungeon, but that doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t prepare. The swamp¡¯s bigger now. New dangers, new resources. Let¡¯s map it out, see what¡¯s changed. If we can¡¯t fight monsters, we¡¯ll fight ignorance.¡± Vin¡¯s eyes lit up slightly. ¡°Knowledge good. Knowledge prepare.¡± Ulrick turned back to the tavern, where Nole was now leading a drunken chorus of adventurers. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get her off that table before she breaks a leg.¡± Gale smirked. ¡°You think she¡¯ll come willingly?¡± ¡°Nope,¡± Ulrick said, cracking a rare smile. ¡°But that¡¯s what makes it fun.¡± With a shared sense of purpose, they stepped into the warmth and chaos of the tavern, ready to pull their team back together and face the unknown¡ªone map, one drink, and one ridiculous dance at a time. The fog clung to the swamp like a cold, wet shroud. Ulrick¡¯s team trudged through the muddy terrain, their boots sinking into the soft earth with each step. The air was heavy with the scent of damp vegetation, and the distant rumble of thunder echoed through the twisted swamp trees. Nole, still slightly drunk but remarkably steady on her feet, hummed a cheerful tune. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she twirled a dagger between her fingers. ¡°? Huntin¡¯ gators, killin¡¯ time, makin¡¯ armor that looks so fine... ?¡± Gale shot her a sidelong glance. ¡°You¡¯re still drunk, aren¡¯t you?¡± Nole grinned, winking. ¡°Buzzed, not drunk. There¡¯s a difference.¡± Vin tilted his head, his gaze scanning the surroundings. ¡°Signs of movement. Alligator. Maybe dungeon animal.¡± Ulrick nodded, his jaw set in determination. ¡°Let¡¯s see what we¡¯re dealing with. Stay sharp.¡± They pushed forward, the underbrush growing thicker. Suddenly, a low, guttural growl cut through the air. A pair of glowing eyes peered out from beneath the murky water, just before a massive shape lunged forward. A dungeon alligator. ¡°Get back!¡± Ulrick ordered. Gale rolled aside, drawing his sword. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of these oversized lizards!¡± With practiced efficiency, the team closed in. Vin¡¯s healing magic shimmered in the background, ready to mend wounds, while Brill flanked the creature, his dagger gleaming. Nole darted forward, her eyes alight with excitement. ¡°Come on, big guy! Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re worth a new outfit!¡± With a well-placed strike, Ulrick¡¯s axe cleaved into the alligator¡¯s neck. The beast thrashed once before collapsing, the parasitic glow fading from its eyes. The swamp fell silent once more, save for Nole¡¯s triumphant laugh. ¡°Ha! That was almost too easy!¡± She knelt beside the corpse, running her fingers over the dark, glossy scales. ¡°These¡¯ll make great chest armor. Or boots. Or¡ª¡± she hiccupped, swaying slightly. ¡°Or underwear. Imagine me in fireproof underwear!¡± Gale snorted. ¡°We¡¯ll let the smiths and alchemists worry about that.¡± Brill chuckled, wiping his blade clean. ¡°You know, fire-resistant gear might actually be useful. Smiths, cooks, alchemists... even adventurers who deal with fire-based monsters.¡± Nole blinked, her drunken grin widening. ¡°See? I knew it! I¡¯m a visionary!¡± Ulrick shook his head, unable to hide his smile. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s find more of these things. We¡¯ve got a swamp full of dungeon beasts and an empty dungeon to thank for it. Might as well make the most of it.¡± Vin nodded. ¡°More scales, more protection. Good trade.¡± As they set off deeper into the swamp, the tension that had gripped them for days began to ease. The dungeon might be closed, but the swamp was alive with opportunity¡ªand they were adventurers, after all. This was what they did best. The swamp mist hung low, tendrils of fog curling around the group¡¯s legs as they pushed deeper into the wilds. Vin crouched low, his sharp eyes scanning the undergrowth. His fingers brushed against a patch of vibrant green ferns tipped with faintly glowing blue edges. ¡°This plant,¡± he murmured, pulling a small knife from his belt, ¡°has trace magical properties. Glowfern. Used in low-level light potions.¡± He carefully cut the stems and placed them into a leather pouch. Brill peered over Vin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You think we¡¯ve got an alchemical goldmine here?¡± Vin nodded. ¡°¡°Dungeon grew far. Rare ingredients. Look for bright colors, strange patterns.¡± As they moved forward, the group¡¯s pouches filled quickly with curious flora¡ªshimmering moss, luminescent fungi, and spiked red berries that Vin swore were used in explosive concoctions. Nole kicked at a clump of mud, uncovering a bright yellow mushroom with a faint crackling aura. ¡°What about this one?¡± she asked, swaying slightly. Her buzz hadn¡¯t completely worn off yet. Vin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Careful with that! That¡¯s a Thunder Cap. Highly volatile if crushed. Could fetch a fortune if it¡¯s intact.¡± ¡°Oops.¡± Nole grinned and tucked it carefully into Vin¡¯s pouch. ¡°No sudden movements, got it.¡±
After a while, Gale knelt beside the corpse of an alligator they¡¯d taken down earlier. The beast¡¯s dark scales gleamed under the filtered light, and its muscular frame suggested power even in death. Nole crouched beside him, her eyes sharp and focused now. ¡°Alright, pay attention. Butchering isn¡¯t just hacking away¡ªyou gotta know what you¡¯re looking for.¡± She drew a curved skinning knife and made a precise incision along the alligator¡¯s belly. Her hands moved deftly, peeling back the thick hide. ¡°See these scales?¡± she pointed with the tip of her knife. ¡°You want clean cuts. Damage the hide, and you lose value.¡± Gale watched closely, his brow furrowed. He mimicked her technique, slicing carefully and removing a section of scales. They piled the usable hide in a bundle, the dark material promising strong, flexible armor. ¡°The meat looks pretty good, too,¡± Gale said, examining a cut of the alligator¡¯s flank. The flesh was firm and marbled with thin veins of fat. ¡°I wonder how it tastes. Mind if I take some with me? I know a cook in the academy who loves to experiment.¡± Nole laughed. ¡°You wanna eat dungeon gator? You¡¯re braver than I thought.¡± ¡°Hey, if we¡¯ve got a dungeon that even provides food, we¡¯re onto something big. Imagine the possibilities.¡± Gale wrapped the meat carefully in cloth. ¡°This is the first dungeon I¡¯ve heard of with a real, functioning ecosystem. Other dungeons have rats or vermin at best. This place? It¡¯s alive.¡± Ulrick nodded, surveying their haul. ¡°We¡¯ve got scales for armor, magical plants for potions, and maybe even food. Adrian¡¯s dungeon is a goldmine, and we need to make sure we¡¯re ready when it reopens.¡± Brill smirked. ¡°If it reopens.¡± ¡°It will,¡± Ulrick said with certainty. ¡°And when it does, we¡¯ll be ready.¡± As they turned back toward the academy, their packs weighed down with resources, the swamp seemed less ominous. For the first time in days, they felt like adventurers again¡ªpioneers on the edge of discovery. Chapter 28: Two Tribes by the Fire Marked Skull strode purposefully through the Wendren village, his mind occupied with preparations for the upcoming festival. The predators had been vanquished, balance was restored, and the Wendren deserved a celebration. The village buzzed with activity¡ªhunters sharpening their weapons, shamans preparing ritual herbs, and medicindren tending to the wounded. A sense of triumph filled the air. As he passed beneath the watchful gaze of an Oculnid, the sacred presence of the tree touched his mind. The voice resonated in his thoughts, clear and commanding. ¡°Ahh! Marked Skull! Exactly the man I need right now!¡± Immediately, he dropped to one knee, his glowing eyes dimming in reverence. ¡°Oh sacred tree, you need me? What can I do for you?¡± The voice continued, calm yet insistent. ¡°I¡¯ve finished rebuilding the first two floors, and I¡¯m completing the third. But I need the humans back.¡± Marked Skull¡¯s brow furrowed, confusion flickering across his face. ¡°Why would you need the predators? I thought you wanted them gone after they sent their fiercest warriors.¡± The sacred tree¡¯s tone grew patient, as though explaining to a stubborn child. ¡°Listen, Marked Skull. Humans with the system bring something valuable¡ªbiomass. I need them to enter the dungeon and be happy doing so. Happy enough that a few deaths won¡¯t deter them. I need a steady flow of them to maintain balance.¡± Realization dawned on Marked Skull. ¡°So you need the predators for balance.¡± He nodded slowly. ¡°I understand. But how do we get them to return?¡± ¡°You will go to them,¡± the tree instructed. ¡°Speak to the guild. Tell them the dungeon is repaired and open. Assure them that as long as no one goes on a rampage, they are welcome.¡± The Wendren chieftain¡¯s shoulders tensed. He was a warrior, a protector¡ªnot a messenger. His voice held a note of reluctance. ¡°Is not Lucy your sacred messenger?¡± A faint sigh echoed through his thoughts. ¡°I asked her. After what those fools did to her, she¡¯s practically glued herself to the walls of the hollow tree. Trust me, I tried getting her out. If she doesn¡¯t want to move, you¡¯re not getting her off that wall.¡± Marked Skull¡¯s three eyes glimmered with concern. ¡°I will do as you ask, sacred tree. Perhaps the festival will lift Lucy¡¯s spirits.¡± Rising to his feet, he turned to find the village¡¯s eyes upon him. The Wendren knew when the sacred tree spoke to their chieftain. Anticipation buzzed in the air. ¡°I need a hunter, a warrior, a medicindren, and a shaman!¡± Marked Skull¡¯s voice rang out, firm and resolute. ¡°The sacred tree has commanded that we invite the predators to return, to restore balance.¡± In mere moments, four Wendren stepped forward, their faces set with determination. A proud, female warrior met his gaze. ¡°The sacred tree has spoken, my chieftain. We will follow your lead.¡± Marked Skull nodded, his resolve solidifying. ¡°Good. Let us complete this task swiftly. And then, we shall ensure the festival is a success for all.¡± With that, the delegation gathered their gear and turned toward the secret tunnels spiraling up through the hollow tree. The air was thick with purpose, the weight of the sacred tree¡¯s will driving them forward. The heavy rain drummed against the academy¡¯s shroomwood roof, the stormclouds above casting a permanent twilight over the swampy grounds. The air was damp, the scent of wet earth and strange fungi mingling into something vaguely unsettling. Adventurers milled around in uneasy clusters, eyes darting toward the dungeon¡¯s entrance at the mountain¡¯s base. It had been three days since the dungeon closed. Three days of waiting, wondering, and speculating about what had happened inside. High atop the academy¡¯s walls, Guild Leader Thalia Greaves scanned the landscape. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she adjusted the hood of her cloak against the rain. A sharp intake of breath came from one of her colleagues beside her, followed by a tense shout: ¡°Alarm!¡± Thalia spun around, hand reaching for her weapon, and froze. Five upright deer-like figures stood at the dungeon¡¯s entrance. The reports described them as Wendren, but even so, they looked strange. Something about them was off. Their presence made her skin crawl, but they were too far away to see clearly, and she had no intention of going any closer. The tension between the two groups was a palpable thing, a knife¡¯s edge that seemed ready to snap. Then, without warning, one of the Wendren tossed a bundle of shroomwood to the ground and ignited it with a flick of something Thalia didn¡¯t quite see. The flames crackled, casting eerie shadows. They sat down. The Wendren just¡­ sat there, their glowing eyes fixed on the academy¡¯s walls. ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­¡± one of the adventurers beside her whispered, gripping his weapon tightly. ¡°Do you think... that¡¯s an invitation?¡± Thalia¡¯s heart thudded in her chest. Her instincts screamed at her to stay put. But she wasn¡¯t here to follow instincts¡ªshe was here to lead. ¡°Everyone, weapons down!¡± she ordered. Her voice was sharp, but her hand was steady. She took a breath, forcing the tremor out of her limbs. ¡°I think we are invited,¡± she said, eyes fixed on the eerie figures. ¡°I¡¯ll go. We match their numbers. You and you three¡ªcome with me. No sudden movements.¡± Slowly, they approached the fire. Thalia¡¯s heartbeat drummed in her ears as she closed the distance. Now only three meters away, she got a good look at the largest of the Wendren. He dwarfed the others, his presence commanding, his muddy face adorned with one extra glowing eye. Strange parasites clung to his wrists, their tails shaped like wicked blades. More parasites armored his shoulders, their thick shells bristling with tiny quills. ¡°Sit, predator,¡± the Wendren said, his voice deep and calm. ¡°Sit and listen to the message the Sacred Tree asked me to deliver.¡± Thalia hesitated, her mind spinning. Sacred Tree? Was this some dungeon god? She lowered herself to the ground, her cloak soaking up the damp earth. ¡°The Sacred Tree?¡± she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Another Wendren hummed something melodic to their leader. The sound was oddly soothing, a contrast to the tension thrumming in Thalia¡¯s body. ¡°You seem ill,¡± the leader said. ¡°My hunter says he can hear your heart beating too fast. My Medicindren has herbs to calm you if you wish.¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Thalia swallowed, forcing a shaky smile. ¡°No¡­ no, I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just not every day dungeon creatures come out to talk to us.¡± ¡°We are Wendren, not dungeon creatures,¡± the leader said with a note of pride. ¡°The Sacred Tree told us we are different, so it must be true. My name is Marked Skull, and I am the chieftain of the Wendren tribe. The Sacred Tree asked me to deliver a message.¡± Marked Skull, she noted. The muddy half of his face looked like a crude mask. ¡°What message do you bring, Marked Skull?¡± ¡°The dungeon is repaired,¡± he declared. ¡°The Sacred Tree, in its wisdom, asks you disgusting predators to return. You are necessary for balance. But know this: if you ever rampage like that again, the Sacred Tree will destroy you.¡± His words dripped with contempt, but Thalia held her ground. ¡°It wasn¡¯t us who rampaged,¡± she explained, her voice firm but calm. ¡°We tried to stop them, but they wouldn¡¯t listen. We sealed the gate to trap them. Their deaths were their own doing.¡± The Wendren exchanged glances, their melodic hums rising in a brief, haunting chorus. The sound tugged at something primal within her. ¡°So the predators have different tribes?¡± Marked Skull mused. ¡°Interesting. We have seen many who respect balance and only hunt what the Sacred Tree offers. What is your tribe¡¯s name?¡± Thalia took a breath, her heart finally slowing. ¡°We¡¯re not a tribe. We¡¯re the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. We explore dungeons, catalog what we find, and collect resources.¡± ¡°Fascinating,¡± Marked Skull said. ¡°But I have a feast to prepare, and little time for talk. Remember this: do not hunt for Lucy. She is the Sacred Tree¡¯s messenger. She is hurt because of your kind, and the Sacred Tree does not forgive easily.¡± Thalia¡¯s throat tightened. ¡°We promise no more rampages. And Lucy will be safe from us. Anyone who harms her will answer to the guild.¡± Marked Skull gave a slow, deliberate nod. ¡°Good.¡± He stood, his towering form casting long shadows in the firelight. Without another word, he and his companions turned and disappeared into the dungeon¡¯s entrance tunnel. As they vanished, Thalia¡¯s knees gave out. She fell onto her backside, a shaky breath escaping her lips. ¡°Gods dammit,¡± she muttered, wiping rain from her face. ¡°Where are the guides when you need them?¡± One of the adventurers beside her chuckled, tension finally breaking. ¡°Well, the nice-looking one, Nole, was just about to take off her shirt when Ulrick dragged her off to ¡®explore the swamp.¡¯ Lucky bastard.¡± Thalia groaned. ¡°I need a drink.¡± Adrian: Adrian felt the familiar skittering presence returning through the hollow tree¡¯s tunnels. Moments later, Chomp burst into the heart chamber, his mandibles clicking excitedly, antennae twitching in all directions. ¡°Adriiiiaaan! New floors! So many things! Big trees, squishy rivers, and dark places!¡± Chomp exclaimed, vibrating with barely contained energy. He scuttled in frantic circles around the dungeon heart, his legs moving so fast they were a blur. Adrian¡¯s core pulsed slowly, trying to keep up with the barrage of information. ¡°Slow down, Chomp. One thing at a time.¡± ¡°Okay, okay! First, big trees! Like, huuuge! And mushrooms with weird colors! Then rivers that go squish! And¡ªoh, oh!¡ªI saw shadows that were like, sssshhhhhh!¡± As Chomp zipped around the hollow tree chamber, the oculnid mounted on the wall valiantly tried to track his movements. Its large eye spun wildly in its abdomen, jerking left, then right, then left again¡ªfaster and faster. Chomp skidded past the oculnid. ¡°And then! There was this biiiiig mushroom that went¡ª¡± The oculnid¡¯s eye suddenly crossed, its spinneret legs trembling. It wobbled, its grip on the tree wall loosening. For a split second, it clung desperately. Then¡ª Plop! It tumbled off the wall and landed on the fleshy ground with a soft, defeated thud. Adrian¡¯s heart glowed faintly as he watched the fallen oculnid try to right itself, still dizzy, its eye spiraling in confusion. Adrian gave a long, weary pulse. ¡°Chomp, maybe slow down... You¡¯re taking out my surveillance.¡± Chomp barely paused, his legs a blur again. ¡°Sorry, sorry! Too much to tell!¡± He zipped off in another circle. The oculnid flopped on the ground, its legs twitching in confusion. The noise reverberated through the hollow tree chamber. Lucy, hanging limp from the wall in a bizarre sleeping position, twitched. Her eyes fluttered open, bleary and unfocused. ¡°Huh...?¡± she mumbled, her voice muffled by sleep. She glanced down, saw the oculnid wobbling back to its place, and groggily asked, ¡°Did... did the wall fall down?¡± She yawned, stretched her limbs her insectoid legs splaying in all directions one at a time. Adrian¡¯s core pulsed with exasperation. He watched the oculnid finally reach its spot again, still wobbling, its eye now refusing to rotate further than a few degrees at a time. He let out a mental sigh. ¡°What the hell has my dungeon developed into?¡± Meanwhile, Chomp zipped by once more, barely missing the oculnid as it flailed in terror. ¡°AND THEN I SAW THESE REALLY BIG TREES THAT WERE ALL BONES AND I THINK I¡ª¡± Just as the chaos reached a crescendo ¡ª Lucy dangling upside-down, Chomp vibrating with excitement, and the oculnid woozily clinging to the wall ¡ª the entrance to the hollow tree rustled slightly. Marked Skull appeared, his imposing figure framed by the damp twilight of the swamp. He stepped inside, his glowing eyes narrowing as he surveyed the scene: Marked Skull¡¯s jaw shifted. He blinked once. Twice. Without a word, he took two slow, deliberate steps backward. Then he turned around and walked back toward the village. A beat of silence. Adrian muttered, ¡°Probably for the best.¡± Chomp stopped mid-skitter. ¡°Did I scare him off?¡± Lucy snorted. ¡°Nah, I think we all did.¡± Adrian sighed. ¡°Welcome to the madhouse.¡± ¡°Okay, enough of that! Chomp, sit! Lucy, go out and play with the Wendren or something!¡± Adrian commanded, his core pulsing with irritation. Then he focused on the oculnid, its eye still spiraling. ¡°And you! Close your eye until you¡¯re steady again!¡± Chomp skidded to an abrupt stop and plopped down, legs twitching. Lucy groaned but unlatched herself from the wall, her insectoid limbs stretching. ¡°Fine, fine¡­ I guess I¡¯ll see what Marked Skull wanted.¡± With a reluctant glance at Adrian¡¯s glowing heart, she finally slipped out of the hollow tree, leaving for the first time in three days. An angry Adrian could work miracles, it seemed. The oculnid obediently closed its eye, trying to recover from its dizzying ordeal. ¡°Ahh, much better.¡± Adrian¡¯s pulse steadied as he turned his attention back to Chomp. ¡°Alright, Chomp, let¡¯s go over what you saw. Nice and slow this time. You were gone for three days¡ªstart with the third floor.¡± Chomp¡¯s mandibles clicked excitedly. ¡°In the third level, it was dark. Very, very dark. I couldn¡¯t see much¡ªonly the Daddy Tree glowing with moss and stuff. Everything else was shadows. I ran into a tree twice!¡± He huffed indignantly before continuing. ¡°But something was there. I heard sneaky-sneaky things! Maybe four or five of them. And there were glowing shroomtrees, but not many. Big glowing bugs too¡ªalmost as big as a Flesh Crawler! They had bright, glowy spots on their bellies.¡± Adrian processed this, his mind already spinning with ideas. ¡°Anything else?¡± ¡°Yeah! Near the tunnel to the fourth level, there were bone trees! The leaves were made of flesh. Tasted weird but¡­ good?¡± Chomp tilted his head, pondering. ¡°Oh! And a fleshy tentacle tried to grab me, but I was too fast!¡± Adrian¡¯s core gave a thoughtful pulse. Bone trees, flesh leaves, and tentacles? This place just keeps getting stranger. ¡°Alright. What about the fourth level?¡± he asked, curiosity tingling through his awareness. Chomp shuddered, his antennae trembling. ¡°That place was weird. Flesh everywhere! Tentacles on hills trying to eat me. Walking flesh-things. Rivers of red stuff. And the rain¡ªit was red too! Tasted like¡­ like when I ate Lucy¡¯s parents¡¯ legs.¡± He paused, considering. ¡°Everything chased me. Way more than it should¡¯ve. Even the bone trees were there. Good thing you made me fast!¡± Adrian¡¯s pulse dimmed with unease. The dungeon attacking its own monsters? Something¡¯s wrong down there. I¡¯ll need to send someone smarter than Chomp to investigate. ¡°Got it,¡± Adrian muttered. ¡°And the last level?¡± Chomp brightened. ¡°It¡¯s a swamp! Like the first floor, but not like the first floor! The trees were huuuuge¡ªI couldn¡¯t even see the storm, but I heard it. The rain was still there, though. The water was clear, no mud! The ground was hard, and there were flowers everywhere. Big flowers! All different colors. Lucy will love it!¡± He paused, mandibles clicking thoughtfully. ¡°It was boring, though. Nothing tried to eat me, not even the giant bugs.¡± An oversized, tranquil swamp with clear water and flowers? Adrian mused. That¡¯s¡­ oddly peaceful. He was about to consider biomass costs for populating the floors when a surge of awareness hit him. Through his oculnids, he caught sight of multiple adventurer teams entering the dungeon¡¯s first floor. His core pulsed brighter. Perfect. Chapter 29: The Age of the Wendren The labyrinth was alive with warmth and movement. Over 250 Wendren¡ªeach one gifted intelligence by the sacred tree¡ªbustled through the pathways. Decorations made of woven vines, bioluminescent fungi, and delicate bone carvings adorned the entrances to the huts and the pathways between them. The scent of cooking meat and fragrant herbs filled the air, blending with the damp, earthy aroma of the swamp. Marked Skull''s gaze swept across his people, his chest swelling with pride. Hunters, warriors, shamans, and medicindren¡ªeach performing their tasks with joyful determination¡ªmoved like a harmonious dance through the labyrinth. His eyes settled on a small group of Wendren gathered around a low fire. Lucy sat among them, her insectoid lower body comfortably curled beneath her. Her human hands worked nimbly as she twisted delicate flowers into intricate crowns. The Wendren around her, their eyes glowing softly, wore the crowns with a mix of pride and reverence. More Wendren passed by, proudly displaying their own flower crowns. The respect they held for Lucy¡ªthe sacred messenger¡ªwas clear in their eyes. The crowns were more than decorations; they were symbols of trust, of shared life, and of the bond between them and the sacred tree. Lucy¡¯s face glowed with quiet happiness. It was the first time she had left the hollow tree in days. The shadows that had haunted her seemed to lift, if only a little, under the warmth of the community around her. The labyrinth thrummed with life. Wendren of all roles hummed in melodic conversation, their voices weaving into a hauntingly beautiful song. Some sang softly as they stirred bubbling pots over open fires. Others decorated huts with hanging vines and glowing mushrooms. Near a larger fire, shamans sat in focused meditation. One conjured orbs of water, making them float and dance in midair. Another hovered a few inches above the ground, eyes closed in serene concentration. A third stood with hands alight in controlled flames, the fire reflecting off their gleaming carapace. The hunters tended to their quillthrower parasites, polishing the sleek carapaces until they shone like obsidian. The fires cast flickering shadows across their forms, the glow making their parasite weapons gleam ominously. Marked Skull let out a long, slow breath, the weight of leadership easing as he took in the sight. Fires bathed the labyrinth in a golden glow, making everything seem warmer, more alive. Thank the sacred tree for giving me life, he thought. This view is worth all the pain we have endured. Lucy: Lucy''s hands moved in a delicate dance, weaving bright petals and slender stems into another flower crown. Her fingers were quick and sure, the motions familiar and soothing. Around her, a group of Wendren watched closely, their large glowing eyes filled with admiration. They tried to mimic her, their two fingers and parasite-thumb struggling to achieve the same finesse. The crowns she made seemed to be beloved by the Wendren for reasons she didn¡¯t quite understand. But their happiness made her happy. As soon as she started weaving them, at least four hunters had immediately rushed out to gather more flowers from the fifth floor''s sprawling swamplands. The flowers they returned with were massive, vibrant, and otherworldly, their petals larger than her head. She smiled as she saw one Wendren draping a giant flower petal around their shoulders, attempting to fashion it into a cloak. The result was clumsy but endearing. The flowers out there must be gigantic! After the feast, she¡¯d definitely have to explore the fifth floor. The thought sent a thrill through her. It felt good to have something to look forward to again. If only Adrian cared about things like this, she thought with a twinge of sadness. He was always so focused on his experiments, the dungeon, and his precious biomass calculations. Feasts, community, even the Wendren¡¯s happiness¡ªnone of it seemed to matter to him. At least he was too distracted to get any strange ideas about experimenting on the Wendren. Her eyes narrowed briefly. Oh, if he even thinks about it, he¡¯ll get an earful from me! But today wasn¡¯t a day for grumpiness. Today was a celebration. The whole village buzzed with excitement, and even the air felt lighter. She glanced toward Corpsemountain''s grove, nestled at the edge of the labyrinth. The massive, grotesque creature had decorated his clearing in his own... unique way. Hunted animals hung from the roots like grim ornaments, their blood seeping into the damp earth. Entrails were artistically draped across branches like garlands. Lucy wrinkled her nose. ¡°Well... he has his own taste in beauty,¡± she murmured. At least Corpsemountain was sharing some of the meat with the village. That was something, right? A soft, rhythmic humming filled the air, pulling her attention back to the Wendren around her. They swayed gently, their deep, resonant tones vibrating through her chest. The sound was comforting, like a lullaby or a heartbeat. She couldn¡¯t help but sway along, the motion loosening the last knots of tension inside her. It¡¯s so nice here. Everyone loves me. Everyone! Her heart felt full, almost overflowing with warmth. These creatures, with their glowing eyes and strange forms, accepted her completely. Here, she wasn¡¯t strange or broken; she was respected and cherished. Her eyes caught a familiar figure moving through the labyrinth. Marked Skull, the Wendren chieftain, made his rounds, his broad shoulders and confident stride cutting a path through the crowd. His glowing eyes swept over the preparations, a quiet pride evident in his posture. Lucy¡¯s excitement bubbled up again. The main event was coming soon¡ªthe ritual! She could barely contain her anticipation. Whatever it was, she just knew it would be something wonderful. Adrian: He pulsed with excitement. ¡°Oh boy, this is going to be good!¡± He almost had enough biomass for two of these beauties. If he could get a basic triangle set up near the third-floor entrance, he¡¯d finally be able to mess with reality just a little. Nothing too dramatic ¡ª just enough to make life hell for adventurers. A bit of darkness here, a bit of misleading firelight there... delightful. The expansion of the second floor should buy him some time before any adventurers made it to the third floor. By then, he¡¯d have monsters ready and waiting ¡ª and perhaps a few surprises.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Adrian¡¯s thoughts were momentarily interrupted by a familiar skittering presence. He glanced through his awareness to see Lucy outside the hollow tree, surrounded by a group of Wendren, carefully weaving flower crowns. ¡°Finally! She¡¯s out of the hollow tree.¡± He didn¡¯t understand what the hell the flower nonsense was about, but the Wendren seemed to love it. As long as she was feeling better, he¡¯d take it. Better this than having her cling to the walls like a sentient cobweb. Just then, the humming outside grew louder. Drums thumped with an insistent rhythm, their deep beats resonating through his core. A low, melodic chanting began to weave its way into the soundscape. ¡°Oh great, now what?¡± Adrian muttered. He focused his awareness outward. Through the eyes of an oculnid perched outside the hollow tree, he could see the labyrinth bustling with activity. Fires blazed, casting flickering shadows across the walls. Wendren of all roles moved in a rhythmic dance of preparation ¡ª cooking, decorating, singing. The bioluminescent glow of moss and fungi mingled with the warm firelight, creating an otherworldly beauty. Near the center, Marked Skull was making his rounds, his imposing figure outlined against the shifting light. He paused briefly to glance at Lucy, who was swaying gently, laughing as she placed a flower crown atop a Wendren¡¯s head. Other Wendren proudly wore their own crowns, displaying them like sacred treasures. Adrian¡¯s core pulsed, a rare flicker of warmth threading through his usual exasperation. ¡°Ridiculous... but kind of impressive.¡± Suddenly, the humming shifted into a more urgent cadence. The drums grew louder, the rhythm faster. Adrian¡¯s irritation faded as a sense of anticipation filled the air. Something big was about to happen. They came. A line of Wendren, proud and solemn, marched through the labyrinth¡¯s main path. Their steps were synchronized, the hum of their voices vibrating in harmony with the steady beat of the drums. Each Wendren held a shroomwood torch, the flames casting eerie, flickering light that danced across the flesh-like walls of the labyrinth. At the forefront was Marked Skull, his imposing figure wrapped in a ceremonial cloak. The garment, made of stitched-together flower petals and insect carapace, swayed gently with each step. His three glowing eyes shone like embers, reflecting the torchlight. Behind him walked two Medicindren, their delicate hands holding curved knives of chitin and bone. Their faces were painted with swirling patterns of mud and blood, a stark contrast to their serene expressions. The path was lined with bioluminescent moss and fungi, casting strange hues ¡ª greens, blues, and faint purples ¡ª that pulsed in time with the drums. At the center of the procession¡¯s destination lay the stone carving, etched with symbols that seemed to squirm in the flickering light. A pile of hunted animals and herbs rested on the stone, their forms eerily arranged. Strange additions were mixed in ¡ª twisted roots, parasitic flowers, and bones arranged in spiral patterns. Adrian¡¯s core pulsed with mild disgust and grudging approval. Grotesque. Fitting. The hum rose to a crescendo as the procession reached the carving. The Wendren gathered in a wide circle, the flames of their torches illuminating their skeletal faces and glowing eyes. The air felt thick, expectant. Marked Skull stepped forward, his cloak slipping from his shoulders to reveal his bare chest. His muscles tensed, the lines of his form stark under the torchlight. He extended his hands to the Medicindren beside him. Adrian¡¯s core pulsed with apprehension. ¡°If this turns into some sacrifice nonsense after I¡¯ve pumped him full of biomass, I swear¡ª¡± The Medicindren drew their knives across Marked Skull¡¯s palms. Dark blood welled up and dripped to the stone below. The glowing carvings drank the blood eagerly, the bioluminescent lines flaring brighter. Marked Skull¡¯s voice was deep, resonant. ¡°With my blood, the circle is complete. We share what the sacred tree has given us and return it back to it. The sacred beat binds us to our purpose, but leaves us our will. It chose us, as we chose it.¡± He pressed his bleeding palms to the center of the carving. A pulse of energy shot through the labyrinth. The bioluminescent moss flared so brightly that even Adrian¡¯s senses momentarily blurred. The pile of offerings glowed, the twisted roots writhing, the herbs smoldering with a faint, greenish flame. Suddenly, the air seemed to snap. A voice, cold and unfeeling, echoed not just in the labyrinth, but everywhere. Global System Announcement! Sentience detected! A new sentient race wanders the planet! Congratulations, Wendren! May your species thrive in ages to come! Adrian¡¯s core froze. For a moment, there was silence. Then a roar of exultation erupted from the Wendren. Their hums turned into triumphant, melodic cries. They raised their torches high, their skeletal faces reflecting pure joy. Adrian¡¯s core pulsed erratically. ¡°They¡­ they achieved sentience? The system recognizes them now?¡± Another message flashed before him, this one private: System Notification: Title Received Giver of Life Every animal born inside the dungeon or spawned through the dungeon systems has an increased reproduction success rate of 50%. Adrian let out a long, weary pulse. ¡°Not particularly useful, but¡­ huh. Guess I really did create a species.¡± He turned his awareness back to the celebration. The Wendren danced and sang, their voices rising in chaotic harmony. Marked Skull¡¯s eyes glowed brighter than ever, his hands raised to the sky. Adrian¡¯s core pulsed faintly, a whisper of pride creeping in. ¡°Welcome to the madhouse, Wendren.¡± Marked Skull: Marked Skull''s hands still dripped with blood as he read the global announcement. The weight of those glowing words etched itself into his mind. The system itself had borne witness to their ritual. The system had accepted them. They were a real species now¡ªno longer just dungeon-born aberrations, but a true people, acknowledged by the world.
Global System Announcement: Sentience Detected! The Wendren have emerged as a new sentient race. May your species thrive for ages to come!
A shiver ran down his spine. The announcement reverberated through his very being. He looked at his bloodied hands, the crimson drops mingling with the glowing moss on the stone carving. This moment, this act, had granted his people something greater than survival. It had granted them purpose. Then, another message unfolded in his mind, clear and undeniable. System Message: All members of newly evolved species are offered classes based on their interests, societal roles, and skills. The ritual is necessary to gain system access but will be simplified for future initiates to a combination of hunted animals, plants, and the blood of the participants. Our deeds, our purpose, our roles¡ªthey have been recognized. A glowing box appeared before his eyes, displaying three paths, each resonating deep within him:
Select Your Path:
  1. Warrior Chieftain: Lead through strength and strategy. Enhance your combat skills and the abilities of those who follow you.
  2. Protector of Malice: Embody the dungeon¡¯s ferocity and malice. Defend your people with overwhelming power.
  3. Keeper of Balance: Guard the harmony between destruction and growth. Ensure that the tribe and the sacred tree remain in equilibrium.
Three paths. Each one spoke to him, whispered truths about who he was and who he could become. But only one screamed for his attention. He had always been an extension of the sacred tree¡¯s will, a guardian of his people. A defender. A force of fury and protection. His voice rang out, clear and unwavering: ¡°I choose the Protector of Malice!¡± His declaration vanished beneath the roar of hundreds of Wendren voices as they shouted out their own choices, the air alive with the hum of new beginnings. A surge of energy pulsed through him, a dark, protective strength coiling in his veins. Class Gained: Protector of Malice! You are the shield forged in the dungeon¡¯s malice, the wrath that protects your kin. He felt it. The power. The purpose. He was no longer just a chieftain; he was a Protector of Malice. He looked around, seeing the same realization bloom on the faces of his people. New roles, new power, new destinies ignited behind their glowing eyes. The village buzzed with newfound potential, a storm of possibility waiting to be unleashed. Marked Skull raised his arms high, blood still dripping onto the glowing carvings. ¡°My siblings! My people! My tribe! The age of the Wendren has come!¡± The response was deafening, a wave of pride and power crashing through the labyrinth: ¡°The age of the Wendren has come!¡± Drums thundered. Voices howled. The feast was about to begin. And tomorrow, the hunt would prove their strength. Chapter 30: Behind closed Doors The room was darkly lit by the flickering glow of candles and a few braziers. Shadows danced across the faces of the gathered advisors, teachers, division leaders, and ¡ª for some reason ¡ª the tavern owner. As the last person finally took their seat, Thalia Greaves, Guild Leader of the academy, took a deep breath. The emergency meeting could begin. ¡°As you all know, the Wendren were recognized by the system as a sentient race. This could throw the entire dungeon operation off its wheels if handled poorly,¡± Thalia began. An advisor immediately interjected. ¡°Not only that, but the political landscape just got another player. We need to decide if we support or suppress this new race. For now, they live in the dungeon, but what happens if they venture out? And let¡¯s not forget ¡ª the Theocracy in the north is already engaged in a trade war with us. This will give them the perfect excuse to declare full-blown war!¡± A teacher, who had been deep in thought, spoke up. ¡°If we can get the Wendren on our side¡­ they might be interested in allying with us. The Theocracy would undoubtedly try to wipe them out if given the chance. But our king isn¡¯t a murderous idiot, as far as I know. The Wendren¡¯s potential military strength could be impressive if they keep multiplying.¡± Thalia rested her chin on her hand. ¡°We don¡¯t know their levels yet, or exactly where they reside. But since the dungeon¡¯s recent level-up, they must be on the third floor.¡± (Unbeknownst to them, the dungeon had leveled up three times at once.) ¡°We should prepare a diplomatic mission. We don¡¯t have the authority to speak for the kingdom, but I doubt the king will mind if we establish proper channels to reach them. I volunteer to lead these diplomatic relations.¡± The room fell into stunned silence. ¡°That¡¯s insane!¡± one of the division leaders blurted out. ¡°You¡¯d have to go in there yourself! We don¡¯t even know exactly where they are. The dungeon just expanded to the academy¡¯s doorstep, and let¡¯s not forget ¡ª it killed a 15-strong delegation of the royal knights!¡± Thalia rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about that. But let¡¯s be honest ¡ª this dungeon isn¡¯t normal. An entire ecosystem inside, a new dungeon type, and now the Wendren evolving. And don¡¯t forget ¡ª the Wendren came out to invite us back in. They did that on the order of the ¡®Sacred Tree¡¯ who supposedly rebuilt the first and second floors. There¡¯s more to this Sacred Tree than we realize, and we need to find out what before the person the king sends in royally screws this up.¡± She paused. ¡°The real problem is ¡ª how do we find them and talk?¡± A sly grin spread across the tavern owner¡¯s face. ¡°We throw a party to celebrate their achievement,¡± he said. ¡°Send Ulrick and his team in to look for the Wendren and invite them. I¡¯ll stock up on drinks and food. Give me three days, and I¡¯ll have everything ready. Everything¡¯s easier with drinks! And don¡¯t worry about the cost ¡ª I¡¯ll just send the bill to the king. ¡®For the establishment of diplomatic relations!¡¯ Hahaha!¡± A little shock rippled through the group at the tavern owner''s suggestion. He was clearly motivated by profit... but... that could work. If the Wendren sent representatives to the surface, it could open the door for peaceful contact. The Wendren leader, Marked Skull, had shown curiosity about how they conducted business when he last invited them back into the dungeon. It sounded insane ¡ª but maybe, just maybe, it could work. Ulrick and his Team: The group sat around a crackling fire deep in the swamp, sheltered beneath a tarp that Vin ¡ª of all people ¡ª had somehow packed into his backpack. The aroma of stew simmering over the flames filled the damp air, offering a momentary reprieve from their hunger before they slept. Ulrick and the others were still processing the global announcement they¡¯d witnessed just a few hours ago while collecting herbs. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡­ the Wendren, a sentient race under the system¡­ and they look more dead than alive!¡± Nole blurted out, disbelief clear in her voice. ¡°They aren¡¯t stupid, though,¡± Brill interjected. ¡°We¡¯ve all seen them talking to Lucy, especially their big leader, Marked Skull. If you ask me, it wasn¡¯t a question of if they¡¯d be recognized, but when. The same thing probably happened to humans eons ago ¡ª we just don¡¯t remember it.¡± ¡°Theory interesting. Very plausible.¡± Vin stirred the stew with his usual deadpan expression. ¡°Hope goblins don¡¯t get recognized. Hate goblins.¡± Nole snickered. ¡°Well, being covered in shit all the time doesn¡¯t exactly scream sentience. Don¡¯t worry, Vin ¡ª goblins aren¡¯t getting recognized anytime soon.¡± A sigh escaped from Vin as he continued cooking. Gale leaned forward. ¡°The Theocracy in the north is definitely going to have a problem with this. Those fanatics have been itching for an excuse to declare war for years. My dad would send me a message if anything serious happened. He¡¯s one of the king¡¯s advisors.¡± The group fell silent. The only sounds were the croaking frogs and the gentle patter of rain on the tarp. ¡°Wait¡­¡± Ulrick coughed, nearly choking on the jerky Vin had warned him not to eat. ¡°Your father is an advisor to the king? We recruited you in a trade city, not the capital! Why are we only hearing about this now?!¡± ¡°What? My mom lives in that trade city. I wanted to be my own person ¡ª not just sit in my dad¡¯s shadow!¡± Gale muttered, realizing his slip-up. Nole grinned mischievously and scooted closer. ¡°Oh, you should have told us earlier! That means you have money, right?¡± She playfully ruffled his hair. ¡°Nole, get off him.¡± Brill¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°We¡¯re not using him as a walking bank. I respect that you want to make your own path, Gale. We¡¯re an adventurer group ¡ª stuff like this shouldn¡¯t matter to us.¡± Nole shrugged and shifted back, much to Gale¡¯s relief. ¡°Right, right!¡± Nole waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Back to the Wendren. We¡¯ve dealt with them before, and I have this creepy feeling the guild is going to send us on a mission related to them as soon as we get back.¡± Ulrick watched the ominous storm cloud above, safe from the rain under the tarp. ¡°Our bags are full of meat and herbs, and I desperately need a bath. But after that global announcement¡­ we have no choice but to go back. We¡¯re the guides for this dungeon. Maybe the dungeon even opened up again while we were out.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The fire crackled softly, the storm rumbling in the distance. Tomorrow promised more than just a return to the academy ¡ª it promised a new chapter none of them were ready for. The Royal Court: The throne room of Castle Valenridge was a grand hall of polished marble, golden banners, and heavy anticipation. King Aldemar Valenridge sat atop his ornate throne, fingers tapping the armrest as murmurs spread among the gathered nobles. Beside him stood Chad Gepit, his trusted advisor, and before them, Guildmaster Eran bowed low. ¡°Explain it to me again,¡± King Aldemar said, his voice cold and precise. ¡°What, exactly, are these... Wendren?¡± Chad adjusted his spectacles, his tone calm and measured. ¡°Your Majesty, the Wendren are creatures that dwell within the newly-formed dungeon near the academy. They¡¯ve recently been recognized by the system as a sentient race.¡± ¡°Sentient? And they developed inside this new dungeon?¡± a rotund nobleman scoffed. ¡°That dungeon is what... two months old?¡± Guildmaster Eran stepped forward, his expression grim. ¡°I¡¯ve received multiple reports on the Wendren. They look like humanoid deer, about one and a half times the size of a regular human. They¡¯re riddled with parasites, but the parasites seem to be a part of their bodies ¡ª one parasite even acts as their thumb.¡± He continued, ¡°In the earliest reports, they were seen herding and guarding deer-creatures ¡ª similar in appearance but walking on all fours. These deer-creatures seemed like animals. However, recent information suggests the Wendren have unified into a tribal community and now reside in a root labyrinth around the dungeon core, defending it. The deer-creatures have vanished; we assume they are with the Wendren.¡± ¡°The Wendren are strong, relying on raw muscle,¡± Eran concluded. ¡°But now that the system recognizes them as sentient, they¡¯ll likely gain classes. This makes them potentially dangerous ¡ª and potentially valuable allies.¡± ¡°Allies?¡± another noble exclaimed. ¡°You¡¯re suggesting we ally with monsters?¡± ¡°They¡¯re not monsters anymore,¡± Chad injected. ¡°The system deems them people. We should start doing the same. There¡¯s another question: are they now citizens of the kingdom? Technically, they live inside our borders, but since they reside within a dungeon, they may not see it that way. And is the inside of a dungeon considered kingdom territory?¡± Eran nodded. ¡°This dungeon is... unusual. It doesn¡¯t have traditional rooms. So far, we know of two floors, but reports suggest a recent level-up. The first floor is an open field inside a mountain caldera, covered by a perpetual storm cloud and filled with a sprawling swamp. New reports indicate the area around the mountain is turning into swamp as well. The second floor is a vast underground cavern filled with a mushroom forest.¡± The king leaned forward. ¡°So, this dungeon encompasses a large territory?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty,¡± Eran confirmed. ¡°For most dungeons, this question wouldn¡¯t matter ¡ª small rooms and corridors don¡¯t interest kingdoms. But here, with open spaces, resources, and territory, it¡¯s different.¡± King Aldemar considered this. ¡°For now, I declare the interior of the dungeon a lawless gray zone. The surrounding area remains part of the kingdom. In a few days, Lord Cedric Marveil will depart for the Swamplands as the new baron. Chad, you¡¯ll accompany him to consult with Lucy and advise Lord Cedric. While there, try to establish diplomatic relations with the Wendren. It will be more effective than attempting diplomacy from here.¡± ¡°I will do so, Your Highness.¡± Chad bowed. The king¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Next, we must strengthen the northern border. The Theocracy of Hreinlond, their so-called God of Purity Vareth, will see this as an affront. They¡¯ve been waiting for an excuse to escalate our trade disagreements into a full-blown war.¡± A ripple of shock passed through the nobles. Many hadn¡¯t considered this consequence. ¡°The Theocracy may excel in offensive magic, but we know how to build fortresses,¡± the king continued. ¡°We¡¯ll send the captain of the royal guard to train the troops. He¡¯s the only Tier 4 warrior we have ¡ª his presence will make a difference.¡± The king¡¯s voice dropped, cold and resolute. ¡°Prepare yourselves for war. It¡¯s only a matter of time.¡± Theocracy of Hreinlond: The hall of Purity¡¯s Light was a place of cold brilliance. White marble walls, adorned with gold-inlaid flames, rose high above the gathered clergy. Braziers filled with holy fire burned at regular intervals, casting flickering light that left no shadow unjudged. At the head of the hall, seated on an elevated throne of polished ivory, was the High Priest of Vareth. His robes, immaculate and shimmering white, seemed to radiate an inner light. His eyes, cold and unwavering, swept across the assembled cardinals. A low murmur of unease filled the air. The global announcement had shaken the foundations of their faith. ¡°Silence!¡± the High Priest¡¯s voice cut through the whispers, sharp and final. The room fell deathly quiet. ¡°Explain to me,¡± he said, his voice trembling with restrained fury, ¡°how these abominations ¡ª these parasite-ridden monstrosities ¡ª have been deemed sentient by the system.¡± A cardinal stepped forward, his face pale. ¡°Your Holiness, our spies in Ashenvail¡¯s Adventurer¡¯s Guild confirm that these creatures, called Wendren, have unified. They now dwell in the root labyrinth surrounding the dungeon core. The dungeon itself... it has grown. It now encompasses not just the caldera, but the lands beyond.¡± The High Priest¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°The misguided kingdom of Ashenvail cannot keep their corruption in check. And now, they allow this blight to fester beneath their very feet?¡± Another cardinal spoke, his voice shaking. ¡°¡°It is worse, Your Holiness. My spies report that these beasts have been seen multiple times in that parasite-riddled swamp. And the last sightings... they were conversing with adventurers. There is a possibility that Ashenvail may choose not to eradicate these abominations. Who knows what those heretics are capable of?¡± The High Priest¡¯s voice dripped with venom. ¡°They would consort with filth and aberration? This cannot stand. In the name of Vareth, the Cleansing Flame, we will purge this cancer from the world!¡± The cardinals murmured in fervent agreement, their eyes gleaming with righteous fire. ¡°Mobilize the troops!¡± the High Priest commanded. ¡°The time for patience has passed. We will march upon Ashenvail, cleanse their corruption, and eradicate these parasite abominations. The flame of Vareth will burn away their impurity!¡± He rose from his throne, his presence towering and unyielding. ¡°The Holy Crusade begins now.¡± A chilling silence fell over the hall, broken only by the crackling of the sacred flames. In the shadows, a cardinal with a hidden smile slipped away. His spies had served him well ¡ª and in the fires of war, he would forge his own path to power. At the Academy Tavern: The tavern at the academy was alive with the usual bustle: the clinking of mugs, bursts of laughter, and the warm glow of the hearth. In the corner, Lukas, Karry, and two other adventurers sat, their faces flushed from drink and cheer. At their table, the spy ¡ª known to them simply as Corwin ¡ª took another slow sip of his ale, the bitter taste doing nothing to settle the turmoil in his gut. They¡¯re good people, he thought, his fingers brushing the holy emblem hidden inside his pocket. The cold metal of Vareth¡¯s symbol pressed against his palm, a reminder of his true purpose. ¡°Another round?¡± Karry asked, her smile wide and carefree. Corwin nodded, forcing a grin. ¡°Sure. One more.¡± As the conversation flowed around him, he felt the weight of the global announcement like a stone in his chest. The Wendren ¡ª those parasite-ridden abominations ¡ª had been recognized as sentient. And worse, the academy¡¯s leadership was already discussing diplomatic relations with them. Blasphemy. He took another sip, eyes flicking to Lukas. The young hunter, so earnest and reliable, had no idea what Corwin truly was. None of them did. ¡°By the way, Corwin,¡± Lukas said, leaning back in his chair. ¡°You coming with us tomorrow? We¡¯ve got a new route mapped out. Should be good hunting.¡± Corwin¡¯s smile felt like a crack in his mask. ¡°Yeah... sure. Wouldn¡¯t miss it.¡± But his mind was elsewhere. Tonight, he would receive another message ¡ª a missive slipped under his door, written in coded phrases. The High Priest of Hreinlond would want to know the academy¡¯s next moves. He would demand action, obedience, and if necessary... betrayal. He closed his eyes for a moment, the noise of the tavern fading into a dull roar. ¡°Oh, holy Vareth, grant me clarity.¡± The prayer echoed silently in his mind. His fingers tightened around the emblem. When the time comes, will I be able to do it? Will I be able to turn on them ¡ª on Lukas, Karry, and the others? The answer, he knew, was already decided. His loyalty was to Hreinlond, to the Cleansing Flame. Everything else ¡ª friendship, laughter, trust ¡ª was an illusion. He opened his eyes, the false smile still in place. Tomorrow, he would hunt with them. And when the time came, he would be ready to deliver the cleansing fire they never saw coming. Chapter 31: Eyes in the Dark Throughout the secret passage of the hollow tree, a massive chittering echoed ¡ª though no one was there to hear it. An army of night-vision Oculnids marched relentlessly, their destination clear: the third floor. It was finally time for Adrian to get a proper look. He¡¯d delayed this exploration until he had at least one nerve bundle installed in the third floor. Thanks to recent biomass-gathering operations, he had enough to deploy 150 Oculnids into the dark unknown. As they reached the exit to the third floor, Adrian sent three Oculnids climbing up the hollow tree to take strategic vantage points. The rest waited patiently inside the passage. It was finally time to see. The world bloomed into existence in black and white as the Oculnids¡¯ vision streamed into Adrian''s mind. He had no trouble looking through all of them at once, but focusing on too many at once rendered everything a blur. Better to concentrate on a few at a time and leave the others on auto-pilot. If something interesting happened, they¡¯d ping him. From their positions high in the tree, the Oculnids revealed a sprawling swamp, shrouded in shadows. Not surprising ¡ª swamps were his theme, after all. Here and there, pockets of light glowed from bioluminescent shroomtrees, their faint illumination barely piercing the gloom. Tiny points of light drifted through the air. Gloworgan Flies, his identification skill informed him. Interesting, but just another part of the ecosystem. Something else caught his attention: wolf-like creatures, riddled with parasites, tendrils slithering across their bodies. Ambush predators, hunting in packs of four or five. So that¡¯s what Chomp heard, Adrian thought. Then, for just a moment, he saw it ¡ª a wolf-like creature walking on two legs ¡ª before it vanished behind a tree. His mind buzzed with curiosity. Did I see that right? Whatever it was, it was gone now. On the far side of the floor, near where he suspected the entrance to the fourth floor was, the scene changed dramatically. The ground turned a blood-red hue, tendrils swirling eerily through the air. Dead wolf-creatures lay scattered, torn to pieces. In their midst, a flesh-like entity pulsed ominously. Near the tunnel entrance, he saw the bonetrees Chomp mentioned. Only¡­ didn¡¯t Chomp say there were just a few? This looked more like an entire grove. Tendrils writhed among the branches, and the sight made his non-existent stomach churn. Well, as long as those flesh-beasts stay put, it¡¯s fine. At least the rain here seemed normal. Chomp¡¯s description of the blood rain on the fourth floor sounded like a nightmare. Adrian focused back on the task. ¡°Oculnid Team Alpha, go!¡± A third of the Oculnids scurried out, their spider-like legs making mushy sounds on the wet ground. They climbed trees, gnawed into bark, and settled into position. In five minutes, a perimeter around the hollow tree was secure. ¡°Oculnid Team Beta, go!¡± The second wave marched out, spreading further. Wolf-creatures watched them warily but didn¡¯t attack. That was good ¡ª the dungeon needed to be a predator, but not one that overhunted its own ecosystem. He couldn¡¯t afford to drain the biomass supply too quickly. Besides, Lucy would never let him hear the end of it. The last time she went on a tirade, he wondered if she even needed to breathe. A quick check showed everything was clear. ¡°Oculnid Team Gamma¡­ energy!¡± The Oculnids hesitated. ¡°Uh, I mean¡­ go, guys.¡± I really need to find a way to show them Star Trek someday. There it was again ¡ª the two-legged wolf-thing, lurking and hiding. It looked like a werewolf, thin and elusive. Definitely need to investigate that later. The third wave found their homes, and Adrian¡¯s third floor finally had surveillance. There were still blind spots, but the most critical areas were covered.
Biomass: 1493 / 16000
¡°Running on a low tank¡­ again,¡± Adrian grumbled. No matter. Once adventurers started running around, the biomass would flow in like a flood. The second floor alone had more biomass potential than the first. And now, with the third floor operational, things were looking up. He installed another nerve bundle, strategically connecting it to the tunnel entrance. One more, and he¡¯d have a triangle of influence. Two more, and the whole floor would be covered. Time to test some effects. He tried a few ideas: Finally, something worked: dimmed firelight.
Nerve Bundle Effect:
Not bad, but adventurers needed some way to see. He remembered the Gloworgan Flies.
Updated Effect:
Perfect. Now adventurers would have to hunt glowing bugs to see properly. That should be fun. Next, he populated the floor with monsters: Hours later, his monsters flooded the swamp.
Biomass: 72 / 16000
I really need to curb my shopping sprees¡­ For now, it was time to lay low and chill out. Ulrick and his Team: As they expected, the academy awaited the return of their guides. Ulrick¡¯s team had a mission of utmost importance: establishing diplomatic channels with the Wendren. But that wasn¡¯t going to be easy.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. After what seemed to be a level-up of the dungeon was confirmed, the labyrinth was no longer on the second floor. The core room had moved further down, and it seemed like the entire labyrinth had gone with it. Trailing behind them were three other adventurer teams. Much to Ulrick¡¯s dislike, these adventurers, experienced with the second floor, were eager to take on the third. ¡°Are you sure they¡¯re following us to the third floor?¡± Nole teased, swaying her hips a little more than usual. ¡°Maybe they just want to look at my back for a while. I¡¯d understand.¡± The entire team rolled their eyes ¡ª except Nole. For a moment, they understood why the dungeon¡¯s Oculnids sometimes did that. As they walked through the second floor, they noticed something strange. Monsters watched them but didn¡¯t attack. The guides knew why: the dungeon was intelligent. Lucy had told them as much, and the existence of the Wendren near the core was proof enough. ¡°Do you think the dungeon¡¯s giving us a little special treatment?¡± Gale whispered to Ulrick. Ulrick shook his head. ¡°Nah¡­ it feels more like it¡¯s eager to show off.¡± They reached the tunnel leading to the third floor and regrouped with the other teams. ¡°Okay, you guys don¡¯t want to wait for a report and just jump straight in?¡± Ulrick smirked. ¡°Well, it¡¯s your funeral, not mine.¡± The first group of adventurers, all smiles, confidently stepped past the guides ¡ª and then froze. Out of the tunnel walked Lucy. ¡°Ulrick! Nole! Gale!¡± she yelled, her voice full of joy. Behind her stood four Wendren, clad in¡­ was that armor? Bugs clung to their bodies like armor plates, and their weapons gleamed with organic blades. ¡°Uh¡­ hello, Lucy?¡± Ulrick stammered. The four Wendren seemed peaceful but blocked the path into the third floor. ¡°We were actually looking for you guys,¡± Ulrick said, trying to keep his composure. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? We can¡¯t continue?¡± he asked. Lucy tilted her head, her expression innocent despite the unsettling sight she presented. ¡°Nope! The third floor isn¡¯t ready yet. Give it two or three days!¡± she chirped. ¡°I understand,¡± Ulrick nodded. ¡°Pfft, ready or not, we¡¯re going down there,¡± one of the impatient adventurers scoffed. Lucy¡¯s eyes glinted mischievously. She bent backward in an impossibly flexible arc, looking at the adventurer upside-down. ¡°But you won¡¯t go down there,¡± she said sweetly. ¡°Because my friends will cut you into pieces and feed you to the dungeon. That might speed things up, though. So, do what you want!¡± She hummed two short notes. The Wendren stepped forward, their armor-clad forms dropping into combat stances. The adventurer paled. He¡¯d heard stories about the Wendren at the gates ¡ª but no one had fought one in full armor. After a long moment, he swallowed hard. ¡°You know¡­ three days isn¡¯t that long. We could, uh, collect more herbs,¡± he muttered, turning around. The other teams quickly followed. ¡°I¡¯m not messing with those Wendren,¡± one whispered. ¡°They probably have classes now¡­¡± Ulrick bit his lip, barely holding back a laugh. ¡°We¡¯re on a mission, Lucy. We can¡¯t just go back,¡± Brill said. Lucy straightened with a grin, her odd flexibility still unnerving. ¡°What mission?¡± ¡°We need to establish diplomatic channels between the adventurers and the Wendren,¡± Gale explained. ¡°Now that the Wendren are recognized by the system, we want to know more about them. We¡¯re holding a banquet at the academy tavern and want to invite a Wendren delegation.¡± ¡°And,¡± Nole added with a sly smile, ¡°you can tell me how you keep your hair so pretty. There¡¯s no way you¡¯re bathing in this muddy water.¡± Lucy¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Oh, I have Venomwings do my hair! Their saliva is great for it. Here, feel it!¡± Before anyone could react, Lucy dashed at Nole, her hair waving wildly. Nole laughed and went along with it, running her fingers through Lucy¡¯s surprisingly soft hair. The rest of the group stared, baffled. Ulrick glanced at the Wendren ¡ª they looked equally confused. ¡°That¡¯s so soft!¡± Nole gasped. ¡°And you let those things lick your hair?¡± ¡°No, no!¡± Lucy giggled. ¡°They use their claws to brush it, too. I have two Venomwings trained for it!¡± ¡°Uh, ladies?¡± Ulrick interjected. ¡°Mission? Dungeon? Remember?¡± Nole and Lucy froze, realizing how strange the scene looked. Lucy stepped back, clearing her throat. ¡°I¡¯ll pass the message along. The Wendren might come. When¡¯s the banquet?¡± ¡°In two days, in the evening,¡± Ulrick said. ¡°If they don¡¯t come¡­ well, more food and ale for me.¡± After saying their goodbyes, the guides headed back to the academy. Lucy and her entourage descended into the depths. ¡°This could be fun!¡± Lucy grinned. ¡°If the Wendren go, I¡¯ll bring Chomp. Free food? Oh yeah!¡± Corwin: They were slogging through the bog again, and Corwin hated every step of it. Mud sucked at his boots, rain trickled down his neck, and the ever-present threat of hidden beasts gnawed at his nerves. The dungeon¡¯s first floor was a miserable place, where the air itself clung to you like a wet shroud. Their party was still inexperienced. Lukas, the quiet hunter, led the way. His girlfriend, Karry, the tavern owner¡¯s daughter, trudged beside him. Ailin, a priest of a minor healing god, brought up the rear, keeping an eye on Kraven, the burly fighter who never seemed to tire. And then there was Corwin ¡ª the outsider. The spy. He¡¯d come here on orders, but these people had become his friends. He was here to watch and report, but more than that, he was here to save them. They huddled under a cluster of twisted trees, the branches offering meager protection from the downpour. Ailin knelt beside Karry, his hands glowing softly as he healed the bite wound on her leg ¡ª another gift from a Flesh Crawler they¡¯d barely escaped. The light of his magic seeped into her flesh, closing the wound. Corwin watched, fingers tightening around his bow. The sight of Ailin¡¯s magic always made him uneasy. It felt¡­ wrong. A pale imitation of the true purity offered by Vareth. ¡°These Wendren sure look horrifying,¡± Corwin muttered, testing the waters, his voice low and thoughtful. Karry winced as the healing magic finished its work. ¡°They¡¯re not that bad,¡± she said, trying to sound brave. ¡°Lucy says they¡¯re just¡­ different.¡± Corwin¡¯s jaw clenched. Lucy. The girl who straddled the line between light and shadow. He respected her resolve, but her acceptance of the dungeon¡¯s ways only deepened his conviction. He looked at his friends ¡ª at Lukas¡¯s watchful eyes, Karry¡¯s brave smile, Ailin¡¯s serene faith, and Kraven¡¯s steady resolve. They were good people. But they were also godless, blind to the salvation he believed they needed. If he could just show them Vareth¡¯s greatness, he could save them from the chaos and damnation he knew was coming. He wasn¡¯t trying to betray them; he was trying to protect them. Lukas adjusted his grip on his bow. ¡°We should move soon. Staying in one place too long makes us targets.¡± Corwin nodded. ¡°Right.¡± Ailin clapped him on the shoulder, smiling. ¡°You okay, Corwin? You¡¯ve been quiet.¡± Corwin forced a smile. ¡°Yeah. Just thinking.¡± They didn¡¯t know. They couldn¡¯t know. But one day, he would help them see the truth. He had to. Before it was too late. As they gathered their gear and stepped back into the rain, Corwin whispered a silent prayer to Vareth, his fingers brushing the hidden emblem beneath his cloak. ¡°Holy Vareth, grant me the strength to guide them. Help me save them before the darkness claims us all.¡± The rain continued to fall, indifferent to his prayers. Shadow in the Swamp: The little things with the big eyes were everywhere. Perched in the trees. Hidden in the shadows. Always watching. Hunting with his pack had never been so difficult. The swamp was thick with their presence, yet they did nothing. Just¡­ watched. He could smell them ¡ª dozens of them scattered throughout his territory. They had appeared shortly after the glowing letters woke him from his slumber. He still remembered the words.
System Message: As a subspecies of the evolved race of the Wendren, you are entitled to receive a class! Choose your class:
He had chosen Shadow Claw. He didn¡¯t know what the other alphas would choose, if there even were others like him. Everything felt strange now. The simple days of hunting with his pack of four-leggers were gone. Life was more complicated. But these¡­ skills¡­ they were useful. He melted back into the shadows and activated Shadowblend. His form darkened until he was nothing more than a whisper in the gloom ¡ª invisible to all but the keenest eyes. He looked down at his claws ¡ª sharp as always, but not entirely his own. The worm-like creature embedded in his hand bent to his will, completing his claw. It was more agile than his other fingers, flexing with a sinister grace. The parasite was part of him now, enhancing his hunting abilities. His claws flexed instinctively. Rake made them deadlier than ever, slashing through prey with a force his natural strength couldn¡¯t match. He had used this skill to hunt, to survive, and it had brought him to Level 2. That¡¯s when he gained his newest skill: Leap. A burst of power that let him cover great distances in a single bound. But his pack¡­ they had no such advantages. They followed him, trusted him, but he could feel the growing distance between them. They were still four-legged hunters, bound by instinct. He was something¡­ more. What makes me different? he wondered. He had always been their leader, but now no one could challenge his claim. He examined his claws again. The parasite curled and uncurled, ready to strike. He flicked one claw between his teeth, dislodging a shred of meat. The body of a massive swamp cat lay before him, its blood still warm. He had taken his fill, a few chunks of meat missing from its flank. The rest would sustain him for days. Enough time to observe. He settled deeper into the shadows, his eyes narrowing as the little watchers continued their silent vigil. He didn¡¯t know why they were here, but they made his instincts hum with caution. Something is changing. The swamp, his very existence ¡ª everything was shifting. The days of simple survival were over. Now, it was a game of shadows and secrets. And he intended to master it. Chapter 32: Bloom my little Flower It was still more than a day until the banquet at the Adventurers¡¯ Guild. Marked Skull had said he would go ¡°to listen to the predators¡¯ mad rumblings.¡± Lucy surprised him by saying she would come with him. He¡¯d tried to talk her out of it, but the big guy was a softie at heart. When she said that nothing bad would happen with him around to keep watch, he had gotten flustered. He was the protector of the Wendren, after all, and he liked to be seen as such. The soft rain slid down her abdomen as she ventured into the fifth floor. It was beautiful here. She had to be careful with all the animals around, but there were no monsters in sight. She wandered, her heart light with wonder, exploring to her heart¡¯s content. That¡¯s when she found it. A small island nestled between two rivers, on the northern edge of the floor. The island rested near a cliff where the waterfall cascaded down. At its center stood a massive shroom tree, its cap wide and sturdy. ¡°Beautiful!¡± she yelled. The birds in the vicinity took off in a panic, but Lucy didn¡¯t care. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she searched for a shallow part of the river to cross. After a few minutes, she found it. The twilight dimmed into the storm-filled night, lightning flashing across the sky. For others, this might have been a hindrance, but Lucy was adapted to this world. The swamp was her home now, and she loved it. As she climbed the shroom tree, the fifth floor slowly came to life with its bioluminescent glow. Plants shimmered softly, and some of the animals glowed in patterns across their bodies. It wasn¡¯t everywhere, just small patches of light, but the effect was breathtaking. ¡°Wow...¡± she whispered. She hung upside down from the cap of the shroom tree, watching the glowing insects drift lazily through the air. The lights blinked and shimmered like tiny stars. She never knew a swamp could be so beautiful. People always spoke of swamps with disgust, but here¡­ here was a world of wonder. Her eyes grew heavy. Her body relaxed, swaying gently in the breeze. Sleep came peacefully.
System Activation A sudden jolt shook her awake.
System Message: System activation commencing. Due to established system access, no system access ritual is necessary. Warning: Already established system found. Human system installation failed. Compromise: System hybridization. Hybridization successful! Choose your class:
¡°What is going on? What is this?¡± she murmured, blinking in confusion. Then it hit her. Human system¡­ Her eyes widened. ¡°Today¡¯s my birthday? I¡¯m fifteen now?¡± Her voice trembled with excitement. ¡°It¡¯s my birthday!!¡± Her thoughts raced, but the system wasn¡¯t done.
System Message: Due to only one available class, auto-acceptance is commencing. Congratulations, you are now a Druid of Dungeon Balance! Under your care, the ecosystem will thrive! New Skills Available: New Passive Skill Available:
¡°A druid? What¡¯s a druid? I have to ask Adrian!¡± She felt a rush of joy and confusion. She had a class now! A real class! She scrambled down the shroom tree, her limbs moving with the urgency of excitement. As her feet hit the soft, mossy ground, she rushed in the direction of the hollow tree. But a thought made her stop in her tracks. Her excitement paused as another thought struck her. ¡°Wait a minute¡­ Spawn Monster? Like¡­ like Adrian?¡±
System Explanation:
She glanced down. Around each of her five feet, swamp flowers and mushrooms bloomed. She lifted a leg, and the flowers withered into muddy dirt. When she set it down, they grew again. ¡°Wow¡­ they¡¯re beautiful!¡± A mischievous grin spread across her face. ¡°Let¡¯s go a little ¡®Adrian¡¯ here.¡± She spent the next hour using Terraform to make small hills and plant trees. Her mana drained quickly, but as long as her feet touched the ground, it regenerated. In an hour, she was full again. Only one skill left to try. She activated Spawn Monster and scrolled through the list. One creature caught her eye: ¡°Infested Treant.¡± ¡°A tree-friend? A tree that¡¯s a friend? That sounds awesome!¡± She finalized her choice. A ring of mushrooms grew in front of her. Inside the circle, a sapling sprouted, growing taller and taller. The trunk split into two legs, branches formed arms, and the top revealed a face. Soft green light glowed in its eyes as leaves swayed in the breeze. Exhausted, Lucy sagged to the ground, breathing heavily but smiling. The Treant looked down at her, its movements slow and deliberate. It knelt, scooping her up gently. She gazed into its eyes ¡ª eyes filled with affection and love. ¡°Would you¡­ take me to Adrian?¡± she whispered. The Treant nodded, placing her carefully on its shoulder. It sniffed the air, the glow in its eyes dimming briefly, then turned toward the hollow tree. It walked slowly, carefully, avoiding every plant and creature in its path. Lucy leaned against its sturdy form, a warmth in her heart. This was her creation. Her tree-friend. And it was perfect. Marked skull: The rain pattered gently on the woven roof of the chieftain''s hut, a rhythmic sound that filled the air with a sense of calm. Marked Skull sat cross-legged, his massive form partially cloaked in shadows. His three eyes glowed softly, their eerie light betraying his constant vigilance. The flickering light from a small brazier cast dancing shadows on the walls, illuminating the intricate patterns etched into the wooden beams ¡ª symbols of the sacred tree and his ancestors.Stolen story; please report. Outside, the muffled sounds of village life continued. The Wendren moved through the swamp, their forms blending seamlessly with the misty, humid air. The scent of wet earth, moss, and distant flowers lingered, grounding Marked Skull in the simple, familiar rhythm of his people¡¯s existence. Suddenly, a soft luminescence caught his attention through the open flap of the hut. He turned his head, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. Lucy. She walked beside a towering Treant, its wooden limbs moving with deliberate grace. Bioluminescent flowers and mushrooms bloomed with each step she took, the soft glow trailing behind her. As her feet touched the ground, delicate blossoms unfurled, only to wither and vanish when she moved on. It was a fleeting display of beauty, a testament to her strange new power. What new blessing has she received from the dungeon now? he wondered, his thoughts a mix of pride and awe. His gaze lingered on her retreating form as she headed toward the hollow tree ¡ª the heart of their world. Whatever this power was, it would shape her future in ways he could not yet understand. A rustle of footsteps pulled his attention away. A female Wendren walked by the entrance of his hut, her form cloaked in moss-green fabric, adorned with subtle patterns of bone and feather. What caught his eye was the mask she wore ¡ª a striking piece of craftsmanship carved from bone and decorated with colorful feathers, sharp lines giving it an air of fierce reverence. Marked Skull¡¯s curiosity flared. This is an interesting day indeed. He rose to his full height, his imposing figure radiating authority. With measured steps, he approached her and gently stopped her with a hand gesture. ¡°Greetings, Wendren. That is an intriguing mask you wear. I have never seen one quite like it. What is its purpose?¡± The female Wendren froze momentarily, a hint of nervousness in her stance. The giant chieftain¡¯s presence was commanding, and now he was circling her, examining every aspect of her mask and clothing. She took a steadying breath. ¡°I thought it would look nice, my chieftain,¡± she said hesitantly. ¡°I did not expect it to catch your eye.¡± Marked Skull¡¯s gaze softened, the intensity of his eyes dimming slightly. He reached out and traced his fingers over the surface of the mask, feeling the texture of the material. ¡°Feathers,¡± he mused. ¡°We usually discard them when hunters bring back flying prey. And this mask itself¡­ What is it made of?¡± ¡°It is parasite resin, mixed with powdered stone and bone,¡± she explained. ¡°It is strong, yet light, and holds color well.¡± His eyes caught the intricate lines and paintings etched into the mask ¡ª depictions of the sacred tree, Wendren warriors, and swirling patterns representing life and growth. ¡°Your craftsmanship is remarkable,¡± he said, a smile curving his lips. ¡°I wish to have a mask like this for ceremonies. Your creativity knows no bounds, does it?¡± A spark of pride flickered in her eyes. ¡°I have more ideas, my chieftain. I have begun transforming my home into a workspace for creating more than masks ¡ª clothing, armor, even weapons. I¡¯ve been experimenting with fabrics, bone, and parasite resin. There will be space for it all.¡± The glow of Marked Skull¡¯s eyes intensified, excitement and approval radiating from him. ¡°Show me,¡± he said, his voice filled with eager anticipation. The female Wendren bowed slightly, a smile of her own forming, and gestured for him to follow. Together, they walked through the village toward her home on the edge of the labyrinth, where a new vision of Wendren artistry and identity awaited. Marked Skull rarely ventured into this part of the labyrinth. His duties often kept him stationed near his hut by the sacred tree, where the main road wound its way through the Wendren village. But now, as he took in his surroundings, he realized this area had transformed ¡ª a hub for artisans and toolmakers had blossomed under his nose, unseen and unnoticed by him. That was unacceptable for a chieftain. ¡°Interesting! I must start making my rounds through the entire labyrinth. How did I miss this transformation? That is unacceptable of a chieftain,¡± he muttered, his voice a low rumble. ¡°Do not worry, my chieftain. The Wendren are united under the sacred tree. One day, you would have seen it, even without me leading you here,¡± the female Wendren beside him reassured. Marked Skull turned his glowing gaze toward her. ¡°What is your name, Wendren?¡± he asked, curiosity threading his words. ¡°My siblings call me Splintered Hoof,¡± she replied calmly. They reached her hut, and Marked Skull immediately noticed what she meant by transforming it. The entire right side of her hut was missing, replaced by the beginnings of a spacious workspace. The structure was in its raw form ¡ª sticks and branches bound together with plant fibers ¡ª but it was functional. A large wooden table stood at the center, covered with tools and half-finished projects. Masks lay scattered across the surface, alongside colorful feathers, bones, and containers filled with crushed stones. Bowls of pulverized insects and plants in various hues completed the organized chaos. Marked Skull¡¯s eyes widened with admiration. ¡°How did you come up with all this, Splintered Hoof?¡± he asked, astonished. ¡°The sacred tree teaches us that we only learn by experimenting,¡± she said, pride swelling in her voice. ¡°There were many failures, but the sacred tree says, ¡®Failures mark the road to success.¡¯ You preached it yourself in the last ritual, Marked Skull.¡± He nodded, impressed. His gaze wandered around the workspace, then drifted into the interior of her hut through the open doorway. A carving on the wall caught his attention, drawing him forward as if enchanted. Without asking permission, he stepped inside, his eyes fixed on the intricate design. It was a carving of the sacred tree, but it was surrounded by something new ¡ª a city. The labyrinth was gone, replaced by buildings of stone arranged in concentric circles. At the center, the sacred tree¡¯s base was enveloped in a grand structure, its branches stretching through the roof. Smaller temples stood at the four cardinal points, guarding the sacred space. ¡°What is this, Splintered Hoof?¡± he whispered, awe in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡± Splintered Hoof¡¯s cheeks warmed beneath her mask. ¡°A vision, maybe? A dream?¡± she stammered. ¡°I had the idea one night and couldn¡¯t let it go. I had to carve it into my wall¡­¡± Marked Skull¡¯s eyes glowed with renewed excitement. ¡°I see the path of our people here. The masks, the clothing you spoke of¡­¡± He turned to her, his voice eager. ¡°I have a meeting with the predators tomorrow evening. Do you think you can make five sets of clothing and masks by then? I want them to see who we are!¡± Splintered Hoof¡¯s excitement faltered. ¡°Five sets?¡± she repeated, shaking her head. ¡°No, that¡¯s too much for one day¡­¡± Marked Skull leaned forward, determination radiating from his massive frame. ¡°What if I organize help from other skilled Wendren?¡± Her eyes sparkled with renewed hope. ¡°That could work¡­ if I start immediately.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s waste no time!¡± Marked Skull declared, striding out of her hut with purpose. His voice boomed through the clearing as he called for artisans, toolmakers, and weavers. The predators would see the Wendren for what they truly were ¡ª not prey, but fellow hunters. He would make sure of it. Later at the Academy: The hall was filled with adventurers ¡ª loud, skeptical, and restless. Conversations buzzed like flies, a mix of curiosity, excitement, and tension as everyone waited to see what this ¡°Wendren delegation¡± would look like. Suddenly, the room''s energy shifted. A tension crackled in the air, spreading like an invisible wave. Conversations trailed off. Heads turned toward the entrance as the heavy door creaked open. An adventurer stumbled through, his eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°Guys, you won¡¯t believe this¡­ I mean¡­ whatever. The Wendren are here. Hold on to your seats, everyone!¡± he stammered, quickly stepping aside. The room fell silent. Marked Skull entered first, a towering presence clad in full ceremonial attire. His mask shimmered with glowing feathers, reflecting the torchlight like captured starlight. His broad shoulders bore the weight of parasite growths, adding an air of primal majesty. Behind him, Wendren warriors followed, their parasite armor and feathered masks blending strength and beauty into an otherworldly display. And then came Lucy and Chomp. Lucy¡¯s dress, made of giant pink flower petals, shifted with every step, the petals seeming to breathe and flutter like living things. Her bioluminescent markings glowed softly, casting a gentle light around her. With each footfall, swampflowers and glowing mushrooms bloomed beneath her, only to wither and vanish as she moved on. At the sight of her, Ulrick and his team, seated beside Thalia Greaves, froze mid-motion. They had never seen the Wendren in such elaborate clothing, nor Lucy looking so¡­ disturbingly beautiful. Even Chomp was his usual self, tongue lolling out as he toddled beside her. Lucy and the Wendren scanned the room ¡ª a simple tavern hall with stone and wooden walls, torches, and braziers casting flickering light. A long table, formed by shoving all the smaller tables together, groaned under the weight of various foods and drinks. At least twenty shocked faces stared back at them, eyes wide with wonder and disbelief. Marked Skull stepped forward, his voice deep and steady. ¡°The predators invited us to their feast, stretched out their hands in friendship. So here we are, ready to tell stories around your fire and enjoy your food!¡± At that moment, a blur of pink petals shot past the Wendren delegation. Only the Wendren themselves weren¡¯t surprised. Lucy ran straight toward Nole, who sat wide-eyed and stunned. Grabbing Nole¡¯s hands, Lucy¡¯s face lit up with pure excitement. ¡°Nole! Nole! Look! Isn¡¯t my dress beautiful? One of the Wendren made it for me! I feel so pretty!¡± She hopped up and down, her energy infectious. Nole, caught in Lucy¡¯s exuberance, grinned and joined her. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s totally pretty!¡± she laughed, bouncing alongside Lucy. Soft chuckles rippled through the room. The sight of an innocent child, so full of joy, brought a rare and refreshing lightness to the usually serious atmosphere of the Academy. ¡°What are those flowers, Lucy?¡± Ulrick asked, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. ¡°They weren¡¯t there before.¡± Lucy paused, mid-hop. ¡°Oh, those are from my passive skill¡­¡± She knelt down, touching a particularly pretty flower with delicate care. Her eyes fluttered closed as she felt the mana flowing through its stem, the gentle pulse of life energy. She concentrated on the feeling. Without her noticing, the entire room began to change. Flowers and mushrooms sprouted across the stone floor, pushing up through cracks and seams. Soft, bioluminescent light blossomed, driving the shadows back. Glowing spores drifted lazily through the air, casting hues of purple, blue, and green across the walls and ceiling. The adventurers¡¯ eyes widened, mouths agape. The hall had transformed into a glowing, enchanted grove. ¡°Wow¡­¡± Nole whispered, her voice barely audible. The magic wavered. Lucy¡¯s concentration broke, and in an instant, the flowers and mushrooms withered, crumbling to dust and fading away. ¡°Oh! Sorry!¡± Lucy laughed, scratching the back of her head. ¡°Spaced out for a second there! So¡­ where were we? Free food?!¡± Her eyes lit up as she noticed Chomp already gnawing on a roasted chicken, his cheeks stuffed full, completely oblivious to the stunned silence around him. Chapter 33: The Cultural Exchange Tavern The mood in the tavern was charged with a mix of curiosity and tension. The adventurers had arranged chairs for the Wendren, but the seats were far too small for the towering, antlered beings. The Wendren, however, didn¡¯t mind; they sat comfortably on folded blankets on the floor, the table¡¯s height still allowing them easy access to the food. The only exceptions were Lucy and Chomp. Chomp, with his broad grin, stood tall enough to snatch whatever morsel caught his eye, while Lucy, who couldn¡¯t sit due to her insectoid body structure, happily handed him food ¡ª along with generous head pats and affectionate scratches. Lucy didn¡¯t mind standing; she even slept that way. As the Wendren removed their ceremonial masks to eat, their skull-like faces and branching antlers were on full display. The parasites integrated into their bodies, forming additional limbs or body parts, drew mixed reactions from the adventurers. Some hesitated before biting into their own meals, their gazes flicking between the Wendren and their plates. Marked Skull surveyed the feast laid out before them ¡ª a bounty of roasted meats, bread, and vegetables ¡ª and commented, ¡°This is a lot of hunted meat! We usually eat many plants. Meat is tasty, but it takes much longer to digest.¡± He carefully filled his plate, prioritizing salads, roasted vegetables, and only a modest portion of grilled meat. Thalia, watching curiously, asked, ¡°From what we¡¯ve learned, your kind evolved from herbivores. It¡¯s fascinating that you can eat meat at all. Do you have farms inside the dungeon to grow plants?¡± Marked Skull paused, his head tilting slightly. ¡°What is a farm? What does it do?¡± ¡°Oh, farms?¡± Thalia began enthusiastically. ¡°Farms are areas where we nurture specific plants. We remove the unwanted ones ¡ª those that take nutrients but don¡¯t provide food ¡ª and care for the useful ones. By making the area more suitable for growth, we ensure a steady supply of edible plants.¡± Marked Skull¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest as he munched on a handful of greens. ¡°This could help feed my kin and the lowersiblings! Feeding them is very important.¡± Thalia¡¯s curiosity deepened. ¡°What do you mean by ¡®lowersiblings¡¯?¡± she asked, taking a bite of her meat. ¡°Lowersiblings!¡± Marked Skull said, his tone filled with reverence. ¡°They are like us, but they walk on four legs. On their Day of Awakening, they rise to stand on two legs and become full siblings ¡ª Wendren.¡± He paused and glanced around. ¡°But now that I think about it, I don¡¯t see any pens where you keep your lowersiblings.¡± A moment of confused silence hung in the air. Then Thalia, barely suppressing a smile, explained the human method of reproduction. Marked Skull¡¯s jaw went slack, the half-chewed salad forgotten. His eyes widened in abject shock as he absorbed the explanation. The Wendren warriors nearby leaned in, sensing something important had transpired. When Marked Skull finally found his voice, he turned and relayed what he¡¯d just learned. Four Wendren warriors froze, their expressions cycling through confusion, horror, and disbelief. One of them muttered a guttural phrase in their language. Another covered their face with both hands, shaking their head. The adventurers at the table couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, the initial tension giving way to shared amusement. As the banquet continued, one of the Wendren warriors quietly rose to his feet. His antlers caught the flickering light of the braziers as he moved with slow, deliberate grace toward one of the flames illuminating the room. Reaching into a small pouch at his side, he withdrew a handful of dried plants and tossed them into the fire. The braziers hissed softly as the herbs ignited, releasing a sweet, calming fragrance. A pleasant warmth seemed to radiate from the scent, easing the tension in the room. Conversations softened, shoulders relaxed, and no one seemed inclined to object to the unexpected ritual. Satisfied with his task, the warrior turned to return to his place ¡ª but something caught his eye. An adventurer, seated at the far end of the table, leaned back with his arms crossed. He was broad-shouldered and heavily muscled, the flickering firelight accentuating his physique. The Wendren warrior¡¯s eyes gleamed with curiosity and challenge. Marked Skull, observing the exchange, made no move to intervene. He trusted his warriors. They knew their purpose here ¡ª diplomacy and respect ¡ª and what lines not to cross. The warrior stepped forward, his movements cautious yet purposeful. He stopped in front of the muscular adventurer and tilted his head slightly, studying him. A silent challenge passed between them. Words weren¡¯t exchanged; they weren¡¯t needed. With careful gestures, the Wendren conveyed his desire ¡ª a test of strength. The adventurer blinked, then grinned broadly. He slammed his elbow onto the table, his hand open and ready. Other adventurers noticed and began to gather around, their excitement growing. ¡°This,¡± Thalia explained to a curious Wendren nearby, ¡°is called arm wrestling.¡± The Wendren warrior¡¯s eyes narrowed with focused intensity. He stepped up, mirroring the adventurer¡¯s pose. Their hands locked together, sinewy strength meeting raw muscle. ¡°Ready? Go!¡± someone shouted. The struggle began. The Wendren¡¯s muscles tensed, the parasites woven into his arms pulsing slightly, their segmented forms adding reinforcement. The adventurer¡¯s teeth gritted as he pushed back, veins bulging on his forehead. The table creaked under the strain. A few moments later, the adventurer¡¯s arm wavered, then slammed to the table with a resounding thud. Cheers erupted. The Wendren warrior¡¯s face lit up with a proud, toothy grin ¡ª a rare expression of joy. Laughter and claps on the back followed, and one of the adventurers slid a large mug toward the victorious Wendren. The warrior picked it up cautiously, examining the frothy liquid inside. The strong, malty scent tickled his senses. He glanced around, noticing the other adventurers eagerly downing their drinks. Hesitant but curious, he lifted the mug to his lips and took a sip. His eyes widened, and his whole body jolted upright. The unexpected burn of the alcohol shocked his senses ¡ª but then the warmth spread, pleasant and tingling. A slow smile stretched across his face.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. The adventurers cheered as he took another, larger gulp. And so, he became the first Wendren to ever taste ale. By the end of the night, the Wendren warrior and the adventurers were laughing, leaning on each other, and challenging anyone and everyone to more rounds of arm wrestling. The divide between the two groups seemed to shrink, the laughter and shared challenges building bonds stronger than any words could. Marked Skull watched with satisfaction, his eyes glinting with approval. Perhaps, just perhaps, true understanding wasn¡¯t so far out of reach. Ulrick and his team felt a wave of relief wash over them. The nerves they¡¯d been carrying since the Wendren accepted their invitation finally started to settle. The memory of Marked Skull¡¯s brutal efficiency was still fresh, and they were all too aware of the possibility that their earlier encounter with him ¡ª involving the death of his sister ¡ª might have left a bitter taste. Marked Skull¡¯s occasional cold glances reinforced that fear, but it was clear he placed his people above personal vengeance. He took no action in retaliation and was surprisingly pleasant ¡ª so long as he wasn¡¯t consumed by raw rage and hacking royal idiots to pieces. As the evening wore on, another dynamic became increasingly obvious: Lucy¡¯s fascination with Nole¡¯s friendship. The two of them were practically inseparable, whispering and giggling like they¡¯d known each other forever. But the night¡¯s funniest moment involved Gale, Nole, and Marked Skull¡¯s impeccable timing. Nole, in her usual playful way, took Gale¡¯s hand and pressed it against her chest after he complimented her. ¡°Awww, you little charmer! At this rate, I¡¯m going to make a man out of you!¡± she teased, her eyes sparkling. Before anyone could react, Marked Skull, thoroughly misunderstanding the situation, blurted out, ¡°Oh! Gale! I think this female wants to mate with you!¡± The entire tavern exploded in laughter. Adventurers howled, Wendren warriors exchanged confused glances, and Gale turned crimson. Marked Skull tilted his head, utterly baffled, as did the other Wendren. As the laughter finally died down, another incident stole the spotlight. A male adventurer accidentally brushed against Lucy¡¯s insectoid lower body. In an instant, she shrieked and scuttled up the wall, clinging upside down to the ceiling above the table. Her bioluminescent markings flickered with anxiety. The adventurer apologized profusely, his face pale. Fortunately, Lucy¡¯s insect parts preserved her modesty, though her face glowed with embarrassment. Nole tried coaxing her down, her voice gentle. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Lucy! He didn¡¯t mean it. Come back down.¡± Lucy¡¯s trembling calmed slightly, but she stayed put. With a sigh, Marked Skull stood up. His towering form stretched high enough to reach her easily. Without ceremony, he plucked her gently from the ceiling and set her down beside him. A flustered Lucy shuffled back to her spot, her eyes fixed on the floor. Ulrick¡¯s laughter bubbled up, setting off another wave of chuckles that did nothing to ease Lucy¡¯s embarrassment. Just as the tension was dissipating, Thalia froze in her seat, her eyes wide with terror as she glanced down between her legs. A pair of beady eyes stared back at her. Chomp¡¯s head poked out from under the table, tongue lolling. In a voice as innocent as ever, he asked, ¡°Do you have more chicken?¡± Her shaking hand reached for a chicken leg. Without breaking eye contact, she held it out. Chomp¡¯s tongue shot out, wrapped around the drumstick, and reeled it into his mouth. Then, with unnerving slowness, his head receded back under the table, his eyes never leaving hers. A string of saliva dripped onto her clothes. Thalia exhaled shakily. ¡°I need a drink.¡± The table roared with laughter again. Lukas: The order was clear: Only selected adventurers were allowed inside the tavern while the Wendren delegation was there. The guild had conducted a thorough investigation to identify anyone who might cause problems. Anyone deemed a risk ¡ª even slightly ¡ª was ordered to stay in the dorms. Not much was known about the Wendren: their strength, culture, or numbers. A single mistake could turn them into a dungeon-backed threat against humanity. Nobody wanted that. Lukas wasn¡¯t one of the problem-makers, but he wasn¡¯t chosen to stay in the dorms either. His role was clear: guard duty. He stood watch, his eyes scanning the surroundings, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere. He knew who was inside that tavern. Lucy. He remembered confronting her parents for her. She¡¯d always been a good kid, and when they thought her lost, it had almost broken him. Now, here she was, half-insect, tied to the dungeon, and yet somehow¡­ still Lucy. It gnawed at him that he couldn¡¯t be in there, sharing in the cultural exchange, making sure she was okay. But he¡¯d do his job. After his experience in the dungeon ¡ª the only adventurer to have seen the dungeon heart ¡ª he knew he could be more than he was now. The academy being so close to his village had opened his eyes to new horizons. The world was vast, and now that the swamp had overtaken everything familiar, he felt the urge to explore it. A traveling adventurer ¡ª it didn¡¯t sound so bad. And with Karry joining his group, he wasn¡¯t held back by duty to the village anymore. Other adventurers were delivering food and protection; in a sense, he was free. He could see it clearly: journeying with Karry, discovering the ruins of old empires, unearthing treasures and secrets hidden in the wilds. But to survive that life, they¡¯d need to be stronger. There were monsters out there ¡ª ones not bound to dungeons ¡ª lurking in woods, mountains, and forgotten places. He took a deep breath, determination settling in his chest. The future felt open, full of possibilities. A flicker of movement caught his eye. Lukas squinted into the distance. Something small and spindly was making its way toward the academy gates. ¡°Is that¡­?¡± His eyes widened. ¡°Okay, nobody sound the alarm. I¡¯ll go check it out. Those things are harmless as far as we know.¡± He hurried down the stairs of the guard post, nearly stumbling in his haste. He slipped through the small door built into the gate, meant for easy access when the gates were closed. Outside, he got a clearer look. An Oculnid. The peaceful spider-like creature stopped and stared at him, its large eye glinting in the torchlight. Lukas hesitated. ¡°Uh¡­ hello, eyespider thing. Are you looking for the Wendren?¡± He spoke cautiously, unsure if the creature understood him. The Oculnid remained still, its gaze fixed on him. Just when he thought it might not respond, it moved ¡ª not away, but toward him. ¡°Okay¡­ I can take you to them if you want?¡± he offered. The Oculnid seemed to consider this. Then, without warning, it scrambled up his back. Lukas froze as he felt the creature¡¯s legs wrap around him: two hooked over his shoulders, four around his waist, and the last two resting on his legs. For a moment, panic shot through him. Had it decided to attack? But no. It just clung there, motionless. He let out a shaky breath. ¡°If you bite me, you¡¯re not getting into that tavern. I hope you know that.¡± Carefully, he started walking back toward the academy, the Oculnid riding along like an unsettling backpack. From the wall above, his fellow guards gawked in disbelief. ¡°Lukas! Have you lost your marbles? You¡¯re cuddling a dungeon monster, man!¡± one of them shouted. ¡°Listen,¡± Lukas called back, trying to keep his voice steady, ¡°the last time something happened to Lucy, the whole dungeon went insane. I¡¯m pretty sure the dungeon just wants to make sure she and the Wendren are safe.¡± A tense silence followed. Then a voice behind him muttered, ¡°Fine, whatever, man¡­ I¡¯m right behind you.¡± Lukas didn¡¯t glance back, but he could hear the adventurer¡¯s boots trailing him, accompanied by whispered curses. ¡°Just keep your hand off your sword, okay?¡± Lukas said. ¡°Is the giant eye staring at you?¡± ¡°Yep,¡± the adventurer replied, his voice tight. ¡°It¡¯s totally staring at me. That thing could blink sometimes¡­ it¡¯s creepy as hell.¡± ¡°Then don¡¯t do anything that looks like a threat,¡± Lukas instructed, his tone firm. As they approached the tavern, a faint glow caught Lukas¡¯s eye. He glanced up ¡ª and his stomach dropped. Dozens of Venomwings circled high above the academy, their bioluminescent patterns casting eerie glows against the night sky. Their silent wings sliced through the air, a menacing presence that couldn¡¯t be ignored. ¡°Oh shit,¡± Lukas muttered. ¡°The dungeon really doesn¡¯t do things halfway¡­¡± The adventurer behind him looked up and froze, his face pale. ¡°We are so screwed if this thing thinks we¡¯re a threat.¡± Lukas took another steadying breath and kept moving forward, the Oculnid clinging tightly to him. The weight of the spider was nothing compared to the weight of the dungeon¡¯s watchful eyes. He just hoped the night wouldn¡¯t end in disaster. Chapter 34: Call of the Crimson Tide Lucy was in the middle of a lively discussion with Nole about the practicality of spider legs with dresses when the tavern door creaked open. She glanced up, along with everyone else, to see Lukas standing there, his face a mix of nerves and confusion. But something was odd about him. Spider legs, long and spindly, draped over his torso and shoulders. He shifted awkwardly, turning slightly to the side, revealing an Oculnid clinging to his back. The sight was enough to silence the entire room. Lucy¡¯s face lit up with excitement. ¡°Oh!¡± she squealed, holding out her arms. The Oculnid launched itself off Lukas¡¯s back, leaping three meters through the air with surprising grace, and landed perfectly in Lucy¡¯s embrace. It wrapped its legs around her tiny frame as she cradled it like a beloved plush toy. ¡°Lucy,¡± Lukas began, still standing in the doorway and dripping from the rain, ¡°are you¡­ okay?¡± ¡°Oh, we¡¯re fine!¡± she chirped, completely ignoring his confusion. She gestured toward one of the Wendren warriors sprawled across a table next to a muscular human adventurer, both completely passed out and reeking of ale. ¡°Except for him. He¡¯s¡­ um, incapacitated.¡± She giggled as if this was the most normal thing in the world, then turned her attention fully back to the Oculnid. The spider-like creature¡¯s massive eye was fixated on her, unblinking, as she began spinning gently in place, humming a tune that only she seemed to hear. It was as if they were dancing at some royal ball. The adventurers exchanged uneasy glances. The sight of Lucy waltzing with a dungeon monster was unsettling enough, but then she started talking to it. ¡°What? Oh, yeah, we¡¯re all good here!¡± she said cheerfully, responding to a conversation only she could hear. ¡°Oh, that sounds dark. Are you sure that¡¯s fair?¡± The Oculnid¡¯s legs tightened slightly around her, as if emphasizing its point. ¡°Really? Okay, if you say so!¡± ¡°Lucy, is everything alright?¡± Lukas asked again, his voice hesitant. Lucy suddenly seemed to realize where she was. She stopped mid-spin, still clutching the Oculnid like a stuffed animal, and glanced around the room. ¡°Oh, sorry! Got carried away.¡± She straightened her posture and cleared her throat dramatically. ¡°So! Big news! The third floor is open!¡± Murmurs spread through the adventurers like wildfire. Before anyone could respond, Lucy added, ¡°Here¡¯s a riddle to help you out: ¡®Five wandering lights will together light your path.¡¯¡± She shot a glare at the Oculnid¡¯s unblinking eye. ¡°What? How else are they supposed to figure it out? Be nice!¡± The open door creaked again as two glowing shapes flitted into the tavern. The adventurers recoiled as two Venomwings¡ªthe eerie, dragonfly-like creatures¡ªsettled on Lucy¡¯s shoulders and head, their legs gripping her tightly. They immediately began combing through her hair with their tiny claws. ¡°Ahh! Hey! You can¡¯t just do that out of nowhere!¡± Lucy protested, though she made no attempt to stop them. ¡°What will everyone think?¡± The Venomwings paid no mind to her protests, meticulously reorganizing her hair as if preparing her for a grand event. The adventurers stared, equal parts horrified and mesmerized. ¡°Well, as I said,¡± Lucy continued, clearly resigned to her fate, ¡°Level three is open now! Have fun! And I think it¡¯s time to go home, Marky.¡± She turned to Marked Skull and shamelessly addressed him with a cutified nickname. Marked Skull stood, his imposing form towering over the seated adventurers. ¡°The sacred tree is as careful as it is wise,¡± he intoned solemnly. ¡°It would be unwise to keep it waiting. We shall return.¡± ¡°It was an honor to have you as our guests, Marked Skull,¡± Thalia said, bowing slightly. ¡°Perhaps next time, the sacred tree could join us?¡± Lucy burst into uncontrollable laughter. ¡°Yeah, sure! We¡¯ll just rip the dungeon heart out and bring it up here!¡± The room froze. A collective silence fell as the weight of Lucy¡¯s words sunk in. Thalia¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°The¡­ dungeon has a heart?¡± ¡°Whoops,¡± Lucy muttered, her laughter turning sheepish. ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Ulrick interjected, breaking the tension. ¡°The dungeon is intelligent. Smarter than most of us, apparently, if Lucy¡¯s to be believed.¡± He stretched and hauled a drunken Gale over his shoulder. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m off to bed. Got a third floor to explore tomorrow.¡± Thalia sat in stunned silence as the room slowly returned to life. An intelligent dungeon. Not just instinct-driven, but truly intelligent. It changed everything. Adrian: Adrian observed through his Oculnid as Lucy and the Wendren made their way back to the hollow tree. Relief flickered through his mind, an emotion he¡¯d grown accustomed to since Lucy¡¯s arrival. She was safe, and the Wendren¡¯s protective presence around her reaffirmed his decision to let them thrive within the dungeon. Marked Skull¡¯s towering form and calm demeanor were reminders that the Wendren would defend her fiercely if necessary. Lucy had become an intriguing specimen in her own right. After all the horrors she¡¯d endured, she seemed remarkably happier now. Adrian still marveled at her hybridized system, a melding of the dungeon¡¯s mechanisms with the human system she would have gained at 15. It was a testament to the system¡¯s adaptability, though some of its decisions often baffled him¡ªlike allowing her to spawn monsters that followed her commands over his own. Fascinating, yes. Dangerous? Possibly. But Adrian shrugged off the thought; if it ever came to it, his capacity for spawning monsters far exceeded hers. His attention shifted briefly to the adventurer¡¯s guild. From the Oculnid¡¯s perspective earlier, Adrian had seen more than he expected. The academy was a marvel of efficient design and thoughtful planning. One room, glimpsed during the Oculnid¡¯s ride on an adventurer¡¯s back, caught his interest¡ªa laboratory, no doubt. Practical, resourceful, and full of potential for experimentation. Adrian appreciated the ingenuity, even as he noted their lack of a proper supply chain for test subjects¡ªa shortcoming he didn¡¯t share. He was, after all, his own supplier. The rhythmic pulse of the dungeon heart thrummed in his awareness as he briefly reviewed his biomass reserves: Biomass Level: 254 / 16,000. Pathetically low, though it was to be expected with two mostly empty floors. He needed to populate them soon. The income stream would only stabilize once adventurers started exploring deeper, and that would take careful planning. For now, though, the third floor was ready, and there was another pressing issue¡ªthe fourth floor. Adrian¡¯s thoughts darkened as he considered the blindspot. The pathway to the fourth floor through the hollow tree refused to open. Whenever he tried to extend his awareness to the floor, he found¡­ nothing. A void, devoid of sensation or control. It wasn¡¯t just concerning¡ªit was unacceptable. He needed answers, and that meant sending Lucy and Marked Skull to investigate. But not alone. Whatever was happening there would require a team, and a strong one at that. Chomp, Lucy¡¯s tree friend, and a sizable group of Wendren would accompany them. His gaze shifted to the activity in the labyrinth, where the Wendren were hard at work. Marked Skull had apparently commandeered one of Adrian¡¯s failed experiments¡ªan oversized parasite that produced resin. Initially designed to hinder adventurers, its resin hardened too slowly to be effective. But the Wendren had found another use for it, combining the resin with stone and bone to create what appeared to be a form of concrete.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. The resulting structures were intriguing. The Wendren worked tirelessly, building something that Marked Skull had called a ¡°city.¡± Adrian wasn¡¯t particularly interested in their architectural ambitions, but the designs tugged at the edges of his memory. They reminded him of something¡­ but the answer eluded him. Perhaps when the structures were complete, it would all come back to him. A faint pulse from the evolution chamber caught his attention. Inside, the parasite queen neared completion. She was no ordinary creation, designed with cunning and brute force in mind. Adrian anticipated her first appearance, imagining the chaos she would unleash on adventurers. Yet, a part of him hesitated. Some aspects of the evolution chamber were unpredictable, especially with parasites. Unexpected dependencies, like the blood reliance in the Wendren¡¯s parasite-based armor, often appeared without warning. He hoped the queen would justify the biomass he had poured into her creation. The thought brought a wry smile to his mind. Adventurers were predictable creatures, driven by greed and overconfidence. They would never expect what awaited them when they ventured too far. The look on their faces when they encountered the queen for the first time? Priceless. For now, though, he would wait. Lucy was safe. The dungeon thrived. And his plans moved steadily forward. Expedition Preparation: The Day after the Culture exchange Marked Skull stood at the edge of the hollow tree¡¯s clearing, his three glowing eyes scanning the group assembled before him. Beside him, two Wendren warriors, a shaman adorned with intricate bone carvings, and a lean hunter stood ready. Their masks glinted in the faint light of the bioluminescent swamp, giving them an imposing presence. ¡°This mission is of the utmost importance,¡± Marked Skull began, his deep voice resonating through the clearing. ¡°The sacred tree has no touch on the fourth floor, and the hollow tree¡¯s path will not open. We must investigate and report back¡ªno risks, no distractions.¡± His gaze swept over each Wendren, ensuring his words sank in. Perched comfortably on the broad shoulder of her tree friend Oak, Lucy swung her legs, clearly not as serious as Marked Skull. ¡°No risks, no distractions! Got it, Marky!¡± she chirped, grinning down at him. Marked Skull¡¯s glowing eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°This is not a game, Lucy.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s an adventure! And adventures are fun!¡± she countered, her smile unyielding. Beside her, Shroomy¡ªher newly spawned shroomwood Treant¡ªstood silently, a faint cloud of glowing spores wafting around his fungal-covered form. He was slightly smaller than Oak, but just as steady, his presence adding a surreal beauty to the group. Lucy patted Shroomy¡¯s head. ¡°And I¡¯ve got my tree friends, Oak and Shroomy! They¡¯re the best! Look at them¡ªso strong, so cool, and they love flowers like me!¡± One of the warriors coughed, clearly suppressing a chuckle. The shaman gave him a pointed glare, silently reminding him of the gravity of the mission.
The Group Dynamics The group of eight was as prepared as they could be. Marked Skull had carefully selected his team: ¡°This is a strong group,¡± Marked Skull rumbled, feeling the confidence swell in his chest. Whatever awaited them on the fourth floor, they would face it together.
Lucy¡¯s Perspective Lucy, meanwhile, was brimming with excitement. An adventure! And not just any adventure¡ªa new floor she¡¯d never been to before! She bounced slightly on Oak¡¯s shoulder, giggling as she watched the Venomwings swoop and glide above. ¡°This is gonna be awesome!¡± she said to no one in particular. But as the group finalized their preparations, a small seed of worry crept into her thoughts. Adrian losing control? That wasn¡¯t good. What if something really bad was happening down there? She frowned, gripping one of Oak¡¯s branches for comfort. At least she wasn¡¯t alone. She had Marky, the other Wendren, and of course, her tree friends. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Oak and Shroomy,¡± she whispered. ¡°We¡¯ve got this.¡± The two Treants didn¡¯t respond, but their silent, steady presence made her feel safe. The group began to move, heading toward the hollow tree to begin their journey. Lucy glanced up at the Venomwings as they flitted above, their graceful movements reassuring her. With a deep breath, she smiled again. ¡°An adventure with friends! What could go wrong?¡± A few hours later: The air grew heavier as the group descended into the third floor. Marked Skull took the lead, his glowing eyes scanning every shadow. Behind him, the Wendren warriors moved in perfect unison, their parasite weapons gleaming faintly in the dim swamp light. Lucy, perched atop Oak¡¯s broad shoulder, swung her legs idly as she hummed a light tune to calm herself. Shroomy followed close behind, his spore cloud wafting like a protective veil. The swampy atmosphere of the third floor felt familiar yet¡­ off. The usual sounds of croaking frogs and rustling plants were muted, replaced by faint squelching noises and low, wet thuds in the distance. ¡°What¡¯s that smell?¡± Lucy wrinkled her nose. The air carried an acidic tang, like rotting meat left too long in the sun. Marked Skull paused, his fingers curling into fists. ¡°The sacred tree¡¯s touch fades here. Something unnatural has breached this floor.¡± He motioned for the group to halt, his gaze fixed on a pulsating mass ahead. A twisted, fleshy growth jutted from the swamp floor, tendrils twitching like dying worms. The group edged closer, their movements deliberate. Lucy leaned forward, curiosity outweighing caution. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ moving. Is it alive?¡± ¡°Alive enough to die,¡± one of the Wendren warriors muttered, hefting his parasite blade. Before anyone could respond, the mass lurched violently, splitting open to reveal a grotesque form¡ªan amalgamation of tentacles and pulsating flesh. Several smaller creatures scuttled out from its base, their malformed limbs skittering like oversized insects. The Wendren reacted instantly. Marked Skull¡¯s voice boomed. ¡°Form the line!¡± The warriors stepped forward, their blades slicing through the air with precision. One leapt forward, severing a tendril mid-swing, while another shielded the group from a spray of acidic bile. The shaman muttered an incantation, hurling glowing resin at one of the smaller creatures, which hissed and dissolved on contact. Lucy clung tightly to Oak as the Treant swung a massive arm, smashing one of the creatures into a pulpy mess. Shroomy followed, releasing a cloud of spores that choked and immobilized the remaining horrors. ¡°That wasn¡¯t so bad!¡± Lucy chirped, her smile returning. Marked Skull glanced back at her, his expression unreadable. ¡°Stay vigilant. This is only the beginning.¡± As the group pressed on, the sounds of battle reached their ears¡ªshouts, the clash of steel, and the guttural roars of something monstrous. Rounding a bend, they found themselves facing a familiar group. Ulrick¡¯s team was locked in combat with another wave of biohorrors, their movements coordinated but strained. Marked Skull didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°To their aid!¡± The Wendren surged forward, their arrival turning the tide. The shaman¡¯s glowing resin pinned several creatures in place, while the warriors carved through the remaining foes with surgical precision. Oak and Shroomy waded in, their sheer size and power overwhelming the remaining threats. When the last creature fell, Ulrick lowered his sword, panting heavily. He glanced at Marked Skull and nodded. ¡°Appreciate the help. What is that stuff? That does not look like that should be here.¡± he pointed onto some slain beings, that looked like mismached masses of flesh and teeth. Marked Skull¡¯s glowing eyes narrowed. ¡°The sacred tree demands answers. Your presence here is¡­ unexpected.¡± ¡°We saw some strange trees and wanted to investigate, and than those things come from everywhere!¡± Ulrick replied, a wry grin forming. Lucy leaned forward, waving enthusiastically. ¡°Hi, Ulrick! We¡¯re going on an adventure!¡± The adventurers exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of amusement and unease. The low squelching noises grew louder, accompanied by faint whispers that seemed to come from nowhere. Lucy shivered. ¡°This place feels¡­ wrong.¡± Marked Skull nodded grimly. ¡°The sacred tree¡¯s touch is gone. Whatever lies ahead, we must be ready.¡± Then, the rain began to change. It clung to them strangely, heavier than before. A metallic tang filled the air, and the taste of iron lingered on their tongues. As they exchanged uneasy glances, a horrifying realization dawned on them. Interspersed with the normal raindrops were thick, crimson beads of blood. ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± Lucy whispered, her voice unsteady. Marked Skull reached out, letting a drop fall onto his hand. It spread across his palm like ink, warm and sticky. His eyes narrowed. ¡°The corruption¡­ it¡¯s spreading.¡± The group looked at each other, the unspoken question hanging heavily between them. Whatever was happening on the fourth floor wasn¡¯t confined anymore. It was growing stronger. Deep within the fourth floor, hidden from their sight, a single eye rotated lazily in its meaty socket. The walls around it pulsed with life, slick with blood and sinew. A guttural growl rumbled through the flesh-lined corridors, a sound that carried a promise of hunger and rage. Every creature on the floor froze, their movements arrested by a primal, unshakable fear. The growl grew louder, resonating through the air like a heartbeat of something monstrous. And the eye¡­ watched. Chapter 35: The Hills have Eyestalks The tunnel leading to the fourth floor was eerily silent as the larger group of adventurers, Wendren, and Lucy entered. Their footsteps echoed in the narrow passage, the usual damp stone walls glistening with moisture from the rain above. At first, the changes were subtle¡ªfleshy tendrils began to creep along the edges of the walls, coiling and twitching as if alive. The group exchanged uneasy glances but pressed forward. With each step, the air grew thicker, carrying the stench of rot and iron. ¡°It¡¯s like walking into a slaughterhouse,¡± Ulrick muttered, gripping his sword tighter. The tendrils grew denser, spreading along the walls in writhing patterns. Then, the pulsing began. Faint at first, a gentle thrum that matched their own heartbeats, but as they moved deeper, the walls themselves seemed to come alive. ¡°Light,¡± Marked Skull ordered, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. One of the adventurers raised a glowing torch closer to the wall. What they saw made everyone freeze. The stone was gone. The walls were now a grotesque tapestry of flesh, veins visible beneath the surface, pulsating with a sickening rhythm. Small rivulets of blood trickled down, pooling on the softening ground. Each step squelched now, the sound accompanied by faint shudders from the fleshy floor beneath their boots. Lucy clung tightly to Oak¡¯s shoulder, her usual cheer dimmed by the overwhelming sight. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ alive,¡± she whispered, her voice tinged with awe and fear. The group pushed on, their determination carrying them forward. The tunnel¡¯s claustrophobic atmosphere deepened as the floor itself became spongy, sinking slightly under their weight. Tendrils slithered across their path, recoiling like wounded serpents when touched. When they finally emerged into the chamber, nothing could have prepared them for the sight. The ground was a hellish red, slick with a mixture of rain and blood that oozed from every surface. Puddles formed in divots and crevices, reflecting the constant barrage of lightning from the sky above. The air was thick with the metallic tang of iron, each breath tasting like the aftermath of a violent battle. Towering, bone-like trees dotted the landscape, their grotesque, fleshy leaves swaying lazily in an unnatural breeze. Some were wrapped in writhing tentacles that coiled and uncoiled as if testing their strength. The grass underfoot was a nightmare¡ªblades resembling skinless fingers reaching up from the ground, brushing against their boots. The stormcloud above roiled and churned, black and oppressive. Lightning arced violently across the sky, a relentless cascade of light and sound. Hundreds of flashes illuminated the horrific scene, casting twisted shadows that danced across the fleshy terrain. Nole stopped dead in her tracks, her face pale as a sheet. She took one look at the grotesque landscape, the writhing tendrils, the pulsing trees, and the slick, blood-soaked ground. Without a word, she turned on her heel and started marching back into the tunnel. ¡°Nope!¡± she declared loudly, her voice echoing in the cavern. ¡°Nope! Nope! Nope! I¡¯m out! Screw this place, screw those trees, screw this dungeon! Nope!¡± The group stared after her, too stunned to react. ¡°She¡¯s not wrong,¡± Ulrick muttered, his grip tightening on his weapon. ¡°Cowardice is unbefitting of a predator,¡± Marked Skull rumbled, his glowing eyes scanning the grotesque landscape. Lucy, still perched on Oak¡¯s shoulder, managed a weak laugh. ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s kind of¡­ unique?¡± Her voice wavered as she clung to her tree friend, her usual enthusiasm struggling to resurface. A guttural roar cut through the storm, low and deep, rumbling from somewhere within the crimson expanse. The ground beneath them shuddered, and the lightning above seemed to intensify, casting stark shadows over the bone-like trees. Marked Skull stepped forward, his parasite armor gleaming faintly in the red light. ¡°We move forward,¡± he said firmly. ¡°The sacred tree demands answers.¡± Lucy swallowed hard and nodded, gripping one of Oak¡¯s branches for comfort. The group began their cautious descent into the nightmare before them, their unease growing with each step. The fourth floor was alive, and it was hungry. The group waited patiently at the edge of the tunnel, just outside the reach of the red rain. Drops pattered against the fleshy ground in a cacophony that sounded far too alive for anyone¡¯s comfort. Lightning flashed, illuminating the grotesque landscape, and the occasional gust of wind drove the crimson rain sideways, forcing them to huddle closer to the tunnel¡¯s relative safety. Ulrick stood apart, attempting to coax Nole back from her retreat up the tunnel. Her voice echoed faintly, protesting loudly. ¡°Nope! Not doing it! Nope, nope, nope!¡± Meanwhile, the rest of the group made small observations as they scanned the eerie expanse before them. In the distance, strange shapes flitted through the air¡ªtoo quick to identify, but enough to keep everyone on edge. Faint, bloodcurdling screams carried intermittently on the wind, blending with the endless rumble of thunder. The hollow tree loomed in the distance, its massive form piercing through the storm-filled sky. Its once-pristine bark was now marred with what looked like pulsating, fleshy vines that crawled along its exterior. ¡°I saw nothing suspicious inside the hollow tree during our journey to the feast,¡± Marked Skull said, breaking the tense silence. His voice was steady, a grounding force amidst the chaos. ¡°It seems this growth is restricted to the outside and has not breached its interior.¡± ¡°Good observation. Flesh growth strange. Need to examine slain enemies. More discoveries there,¡± Vin said, his monotonous voice cutting through the thunder with unnerving calm. All the Wendren turned to look at him, their glowing eyes narrowing in collective confusion. Even Marked Skull seemed taken aback. ¡°You¡­ you are learning our language?¡± Marked Skull asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. ¡°Some of the words you just spoke were understandable to my people.¡± Brill frowned. ¡°What do you mean? Vin didn¡¯t make the same sounds your people do when they converse with each other. How could you understand him?¡± Marked Skull tilted his head, considering the question carefully. ¡°The Wendren language is not rooted in sound. It is based on pure meaning and intention. The sounds we make simply carry that meaning and intention. Your predator friend speaks in a way that resonates with our language.¡± The group exchanged startled glances, and even Vin¡¯s usual impassive expression seemed to falter slightly. ¡°Interesting. Meaning and intention. Understand some words Wendren say, too,¡± Vin replied, his tone as even as ever.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Brill and Gale both gaped at him. ¡°Vin!¡± Gale exclaimed, stepping closer. ¡°You should have said something! That¡¯s incredible! If you can understand and communicate with the Wendren, you could be an invaluable asset for diplomacy!¡± Vin shrugged. ¡°Didn¡¯t seem important. Now seems important.¡± Marked Skull¡¯s glowing eyes focused on Vin, his expression unreadable. ¡°Perhaps you underestimate your own importance, predator. If you speak with meaning and intention, perhaps you understand the soul of the Wendren more than you realize.¡± The silence that followed was broken only by the faint hum of the storm, leaving everyone to ponder the implications of this unexpected revelation. After a few minutes of quiet deliberation, Lucy suddenly leapt down from Oak¡¯s shoulder, landing lightly on the fleshy ground. Without a word, she dashed back up the tunnel, leaving the group staring after her in confusion. ¡°What now?¡± Ulrick muttered, shaking his head. Moments later, Lucy returned, dragging Nole and Ulrick behind her. Nole, wrapped head to toe in layers of cloth, blankets, and even a rope to secure her makeshift armor against the blood rain, looked utterly miserable. ¡°I am NOT taking this off until we¡¯re out of this nightmare,¡± Nole grumbled, her voice muffled through the thick fabric. Only her eyes were visible, peeking out from beneath the layers like a suspicious cocoon. Lucy beamed as she presented her handiwork. ¡°Now we¡¯re all ready! Right, Marky?¡± Marked Skull let out a low rumble of approval. ¡°So we can begin our exploration, it seems.¡± He turned to the rest of the group, his glowing eyes scanning them with measured intensity. ¡°Check your equipment one last time. We proceed now.¡± The group moved with care, giving their gear a final once-over while Nole muttered grumpily about the indignity of being swaddled like a newborn. Her complaints brought a few suppressed chuckles, but the tension remained palpable. Everyone knew what lay ahead wasn¡¯t going to be simple. With a final glance back at the relative safety of the tunnel, the group stepped out into the open. The ground squelched underfoot, the sickening wetness squishing into their boots and claws alike. The grass-like growths bent and swayed unnaturally, some even reaching out as if to grab at them. The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood, and the persistent sound of distant screams grew louder with each passing moment. ¡°This floor is wrong,¡± Gale murmured, his voice low but carrying the shared unease of the group. The group trudged on, choosing a random direction as there was no discernible path. Tension remained high as they moved cautiously through the red swamp, their senses on edge with every unnatural noise or movement. Occasionally, they paused, weapons raised, as if expecting an attack. Yet, nothing came. On their journey, they encountered strange plants that might have been herbs¡ªif not for their sickly coloration and grotesque appearances. Some oozed a foul liquid, while others gave off the stench of rotting flesh. The group avoided them entirely, none willing to take the risk of touching the tainted flora. The fauna was no less disturbing. They passed what looked like an alligator, except its legs had been replaced with writhing tentacles, and its flesh seemed raw and exposed. Snakes slithered through the muck, their scales replaced with malformed, finger-like growths. And then there was the rabbit. At first glance, Nole thought it was cute. A bright red bunny, hopping innocently through the muck. But as they approached, it became horrifyingly clear that this creature wasn¡¯t as harmless as it appeared. Its mouth, filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth, tore savagely into the remains of another creature, its tiny paws soaked in blood. ¡°I take it back. That¡¯s not cute,¡± Nole muttered, clutching her blanket protectively as the group dispatched the creature with little effort. Vin, as always, was quick to investigate. Kneeling in the mud, he began dissecting the rabbit-like monster with calm precision, much to the discomfort of the others. His monotone commentary only worsened the mood. ¡°Digestive tract mutated. Possible higher efficiency,¡± he began, cutting further. ¡°Muscle strands, enhanced strength. Claws sharper than standard. Tumors¡ªmultiple, purpose unclear. Liquid secretion¡­ likely venomous.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great, Vin. Super comforting,¡± Gale muttered, shaking his head as the group moved on. Nearly an hour passed as they trudged through the twisted swamp. Despite the ever-present unease, they encountered no true monsters. But then, something caught their attention. Ahead of them loomed a hill. Its surface writhed with activity¡ªtentacles and eyestalks emerging from its flesh-like surface, swaying lazily but with an unsettling purpose. The hill was riddled with large holes, each easily wide enough for most of the group to crawl through. Marked Skull, however, would have to remain outside. The reptilian eyes on the stalks fixed on them the moment they stepped closer. The group froze. And that¡¯s when they saw the first monsters of the floor. The group paused, their collective unease reaching a crescendo as the hill came into view. It loomed ahead, a grotesque mound pulsating faintly with a life of its own. The surface was writhing with tentacles, their slick, fleshy forms curling and coiling like restless serpents. Interspersed among them were eyestalks, each ending in a massive reptilian eye that swiveled toward the group as one, locking onto them with unsettling precision. The ground around the hill squelched ominously with each step closer, and the bloody rain intensified, creating rivulets of crimson that flowed toward the base of the hill, as if drawn by some unseen force. The atmosphere thickened, the iron tang of blood overpowering, as if the very air rebelled against their presence. Lucy, perched on Oak''s shoulder again, tilted her head in childlike curiosity. "So... um, Marky? That looks... alive. Are hills supposed to be alive?" Marked Skull grunted, his glowing eyes narrowing. "Not normally. This is no hill. It is something... unnatural." "Fascinating," Vin said, stepping closer despite the clear warnings etched into the landscape before him. He knelt by a particularly large eyestalk and reached out with his dagger to prod at its base. "Eyestalk attached directly to nerve clusters. Rapid movement response. Possible sentience." "Vin!" Ulrick snapped, his sword already drawn. "Maybe don¡¯t poke the creepy living hill of tentacles and eyeballs?" But it was too late. The hill quivered violently, as if Vin¡¯s curiosity had triggered some primal defense mechanism. The eyestalks darted in their sockets, their unblinking gazes focusing on the group with an almost predatory intensity. The tentacles lashed out, writhing faster, their movements no longer aimless but deliberate. From the largest hole at the hill¡¯s peak came a sound¡ªa deep, guttural roar that shook the ground beneath their feet. The eyestalks retracted slightly, vanishing into their fleshy stalks, and the tentacles whipped into a frenzy. And then they saw them. Monsters began to emerge from the hill''s many openings. The first was a quadrupedal creature, its body a grotesque amalgamation of scales, flesh, and exposed sinew. Its elongated snout was lined with jagged teeth, and its many eyes glowed faintly with a malevolent light. Behind it, more creatures spilled forth¡ªeach one a twisted reflection of natural predators, reshaped and reformed into horrors that should not exist. "Defensive positions!" Marked Skull barked, his voice steady despite the chaos unfolding before them. The Wendren warriors moved with practiced precision, forming a protective line in front of Lucy and the adventurers. The shaman began muttering under his breath, his hands glowing faintly as he prepared a defensive spell. Lucy clung tightly to Oak''s branch as the Treant moved forward, its massive limbs raised in readiness. Shroomy stood beside him, releasing a cloud of glowing spores that drifted toward the encroaching monsters, slowing their movements and forcing them to pause. Nole, still wrapped tightly in her makeshift cocoon, peeked out just enough to glare at the nearest creature. "This floor sucks!" she muttered, her voice muffled. Ulrick gritted his teeth, stepping forward to join the line with Gale and Brill flanking him. "Everyone, stay sharp! These things don¡¯t look like they¡¯ll go down easy." Marked Skull raised his massive parasite-forged blade, his glowing eyes scanning the advancing monsters. "Hold the line. We do not retreat." The first clash came quickly. The quadrupedal beast lunged, its jaws snapping with terrifying speed, but one of the Wendren warriors met it head-on, their blade slicing into the creature¡¯s exposed flesh. Acidic blood sprayed from the wound, sizzling as it hit the wet ground. Lucy¡¯s eyes widened as the scene unfolded. ¡°Whoa! Shroomy, help them out!¡± The shroomwood Treant moved forward, its massive arm swinging down to crush another monster that tried to flank the group. The impact sent a shockwave through the ground, momentarily staggering the advancing horrors. "Focus on the ones coming from the side!" Ulrick shouted, blocking a swipe from a tentacle-like appendage that lashed toward him. Nole fired off a shot with her bow, the arrow finding its mark in the eye of a smaller creature, causing it to shriek and writhe in pain. Vin, unshaken even in the midst of chaos, crouched by a fallen monster and began dissecting it with quick, precise movements. "Acidic blood¡ªpotent. Internal organs... redundant systems detected. Likely to survive critical injuries. Interesting..." "Vin! For the love of¡ªstop dissecting and start fighting!" Gale yelled, pulling Vin back just as another creature lunged for him. Marked Skull stepped forward, his blade glowing faintly as he charged into the fray. His strikes were powerful and deliberate, each one cutting through the monsters with ease. The Wendren warriors followed his lead, their parasite armor absorbing blows that would have otherwise been fatal. The battle raged on, the group slowly gaining the upper hand. But the hill continued to quiver, and from its largest opening, a shadow began to emerge¡ªa creature far larger and more imposing than the rest. Lucy¡¯s smile faltered as she pointed toward it. ¡°Uh... guys? I think the boss just showed up.¡± Chapter 36: The funny Spores The hill rumbled violently as the massive creature emerged from its cavernous opening. It crouched low at first, its broad shoulders scraping the fleshy walls of the hill, but as it stepped outside, it unfurled to its full height. Six meters tall, its body was a grotesque amalgamation of bulging muscles and writhing tentacles where its arms should have been. Its legs, oddly human in appearance, carried its immense bulk with an unnerving grace. Its head was a nightmarish sight¡ªno eyes where they should be, only a gaping maw lined with rows upon rows of jagged teeth. The eyes, instead, sat atop its shoulders, swiveling independently to scan the battlefield. The ground trembled with each step it took, a slow but deliberate advance that rattled the bones of every onlooker. ¡°Okay, that thing¡¯s slow,¡± Ulrick shouted, his voice strained with tension, ¡°but look at those muscles! If it hits you, you better not be there!¡± The group instinctively spread out into three smaller teams, retreating slightly as they dealt with the last remnants of the smaller monsters. Tentacles flailed, and claws flashed in the dim light, but the tide of smaller creatures began to dwindle. Only the titan remained, its hulking frame advancing like an inevitability. The group readied themselves, tension thick in the air. Suddenly, it charged¡ªslow at first, then faster, each step shaking the ground like a drumbeat of doom. Its target was clear: the group with Vin and Gale. Arrows and quills pelted its flesh, but the monster didn¡¯t even flinch, its advance relentless. ¡°Spread out!¡± Ulrick barked. The group scattered, narrowly dodging as one of the titan¡¯s massive tentacles slammed into the ground where they¡¯d stood moments before. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, the ground cracking beneath its force. The second tentacle followed in a wide arc, catching a Wendren warrior and Gale mid-dodge. Both were thrown several meters, landing with heavy thuds. Gale groaned, his vision swimming, but through the haze, he saw something that stole his breath. Marked Skull. The Wendren chieftain stepped forward, standing tall and unyielding in the face of the monstrous titan. His parasite blade gleamed faintly in the red light, and his eyes glowed with fierce determination. With a guttural roar, Marked Skull charged, his massive frame colliding with the titan in a clash of raw power. The ground quaked beneath their struggle as he deflected one tentacle with his blade and sidestepped the other with surprising agility. ¡°Holy shit¡­¡± Gale muttered, struggling to his feet. ¡°Good thing he¡¯s on our side.¡± The rest of the group rallied behind him, peppering the titan with arrows, quills, and bursts of magic. Brill, his hands already glowing with flames, moved closer, weaving through the chaos with precision. The flames danced across the monster¡¯s flesh, causing it to shriek and recoil, but still, it stood strong. Marked Skull fought with ferocity, his strikes calculated and unrelenting, each one deflecting the titan¡¯s devastating blows. The two giants were locked in a brutal dance, neither giving an inch. Brill saw his opening and moved closer. The flames in his hands grew brighter, hotter, as he poured his mana into the spell. Sweat beaded on his brow, and his breath came in short gasps, but he didn¡¯t stop. The flames shifted from red to deep orange, then to a brilliant yellow. ¡°Brill, don¡¯t overdo it!¡± Ulrick shouted, but Brill couldn¡¯t hear him. The mana surged through him, overwhelming his senses as the spell reached its peak. His body trembled, the heat radiating from him intense enough to warp the air around him. Then it happened. A scream tore from Brill¡¯s throat as the flames erupted, consuming him in a vortex of fire. The titan roared in response, its tentacles flailing wildly as the inferno engulfed it. The others shielded their eyes from the blinding light, the heat forcing them to retreat. The explosion was deafening, a shockwave of fire and force that flattened the nearby trees and sent waves rippling through the flesh-covered ground. When the flames finally subsided, the group looked on in stunned silence. Marked Skull was the first to move, his glowing eyes scanning the scene. The titan lay before him, its once-massive form reduced to a charred husk, its blackened flesh crumbling like ash. And there, at the center of the devastation, stood Brill. His clothes were scorched, his skin reddened and blistered, but he stood tall, the flames still flickering faintly around him. His eyes burned with a new intensity, the mark of his Tier 2 awakening. Ulrick approached cautiously, his voice low with awe. ¡°Brill¡­ you¡­ you leveled up?¡± Brill nodded, his breaths coming in heavy gasps. ¡°Tier 2¡­¡± he murmured, his voice tinged with both exhaustion and disbelief. ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean for it to happen like this.¡± Marked Skull stepped forward, his imposing presence softened by a rare note of respect. ¡°You have proven yourself, predator. The sacred tree would be proud of your strength.¡± The group exchanged glances, a mix of relief and amazement washing over them. They had defeated the titan, but the cost had been great, and the journey was far from over. As they regrouped and prepared to move forward, Lucy whispered from atop Oak¡¯s shoulder, her voice filled with a mix of fear and determination. ¡°This place¡­ it¡¯s only going to get worse, isn¡¯t it?¡± Marked Skull¡¯s glowing eyes met hers, his voice steady but grim. ¡°Yes. And we must be ready.¡± The aftermath of the battle left the group in a strange state of tension and exhaustion, and Vin¡¯s focus on dissecting the remains brought an eerie calm amidst the chaos. His precise, almost clinical movements cut through the thick silence as he peeled back charred flesh from the titan¡¯s corpse. "Interesting. Titan male," Vin stated flatly, wiping a blade on the monster''s scorched hide. He glanced toward the smaller monsters scattered across the battlefield, their twisted bodies lifeless and still. "Small monsters not able to reproduce. Likely dependent on central figure¡ªbroodmother." He tilted his head upward, the storm¡¯s lightning reflecting in his eyes. The jagged flashes illuminated the hill''s pulsating surface, its eyestalks darting toward the group like wary sentinels. "Titan father. Mother inside hill. Likely last target." Ulrick followed Vin¡¯s gaze toward the massive central opening of the hill, shrouded in darkness. The eyestalks above the entrance twitched erratically, their movements somehow more deliberate and ominous than before. ¡°You mean there¡¯s a broodmother in there?¡± Ulrick asked, his grip tightening on his sword. "Nope!" Nole¡¯s voice shot through the tense air. Still bundled tightly in her blanket cocoon, she glared at the dark maw of the hill. "Absolutely not. No way. I¡¯m not going in there!" Before anyone could suggest otherwise, Vin stood and began walking toward the entrance without a word. His movements were calm, deliberate, and utterly unbothered by the oppressive atmosphere.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Vin, wait!¡± Ulrick shouted, bolting after him. "You don¡¯t just walk into something like that!" The rest of the group exchanged glances before following Ulrick in a rush. Marked Skull led the Wendren warriors into formation, his glowing eyes narrowing as they approached the pulsating hill. Only Lucy, Nole, the Treants, and a few Wendren stayed behind at the hill¡¯s base. ¡°Why does he always do this?¡± Ulrick muttered under his breath, glancing nervously into the blackness of the hill¡¯s interior.
Back outside, Lucy sat perched on Oak¡¯s massive shoulder, her legs swinging idly as she observed the group entering the hill. Her usual cheer was muted, replaced by a quiet unease. She glanced at Nole, who was grumbling under her breath about how much she hated ¡°gross, fleshy places.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Nole,¡± Lucy said with a faint smile. ¡°They¡¯ll be fine. Marky and Vin are super strong, and Shroomy can keep us safe out here.¡± As if on cue, Shroomy released a cloud of glowing green spores that drifted lazily through the air. The spores settled on the group, and almost instantly, small wounds began to knit themselves closed. The soothing warmth of the healing effect spread through them like a gentle wave. But then something unexpected happened. ¡°Whoa,¡± one of the Wendren warriors muttered, staring at his hand as if he¡¯d never seen it before. ¡°Everything¡¯s¡­ so colorful¡­¡± Lucy tilted her head. ¡°Colorful?¡± Her question was answered when Nole suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter. ¡°Hahaha! Oh my gods, this is amazing!¡± she gasped between fits of giggles. It didn¡¯t take long for the others to follow suit. The Wendren warriors began laughing softly, their usual stoicism completely undone. Even Lucy found herself giggling despite the dire circumstances. ¡°Why is this so funny?¡± she managed to say between laughs, holding her stomach. Oak rumbled softly, as if amused, while Shroomy remained blissfully unaware of the chaos he had caused. The Treant stood still, its spores continuing to drift lazily, adding to the surreal atmosphere. Nole, still wrapped in her cocoon, finally managed to gasp out a sentence. ¡°Does anyone¡­ hahaha¡­ have snacks? I¡¯m starving!¡± Lucy clung to Oak¡¯s shoulder to keep from falling off, tears streaming down her face as she laughed uncontrollably. ¡°Shroomy! What did you do?!¡± she giggled. The unintended side effect of Shroomy¡¯s healing spores had turned the tense, bloody aftermath of battle into a bizarre, laughter-filled spectacle. For a moment, even amidst the horrors of the fourth floor, it felt like nothing could go wrong. Inside the Hill: The group that ventured inside the hill moved cautiously, their steps echoing wetly on the fleshy ground. The air grew thicker with each step, a nauseating mix of heat, decay, and something faintly sweet that clung to the back of their throats. The glowing torches cast flickering, uneven light, revealing pulsating walls lined with thin, vein-like strands that quivered at their approach. Ulrick took the lead, his one-handed axe drawn, eyes darting from side to side. Behind him, Gale gripped his massive two-handed sword tightly, his sharp gaze scanning every shadow. Brill and Vin followed, the latter already muttering about the biological oddities around them. ¡°This place¡­ it¡¯s alive,¡± Gale muttered, his voice tinged with both fear and disgust. ¡°It feels like we¡¯re walking through the guts of something massive.¡± Vin, ever the scientist, crouched briefly to examine a patch of glowing, membranous material clinging to the floor. ¡°Tissue regeneration in progress. Likely part of its defensive system. Fascinating.¡± ¡°Not the time, Vin,¡± Ulrick snapped, his eyes locked on a particularly large tunnel ahead. ¡°Stay alert. Whatever made this place isn¡¯t going to roll out a welcome mat.¡± The deeper they went, the stranger the terrain became. The walls were no longer just pulsing flesh but now sported growths that resembled teeth or claws, jutting out at odd angles. Pools of a thick, viscous liquid dotted the floor, some bubbling faintly as if alive. The sound of their breathing was overtaken by a faint, rhythmic sound¡ªa low, guttural thrum that seemed to come from everywhere at once. It was deep and primal, resonating in their chests like a second heartbeat. Brill shivered, his usual composure faltering. ¡°What is that sound? It¡¯s like it¡¯s¡­ calling something.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the broodmother,¡± Vin said simply, his monotone voice betraying no emotion. ¡°We are close.¡± Ulrick tightened his grip on his axe. ¡°Stay together. No one wanders off.¡± The tunnel widened into a massive chamber, and the group froze at the sight before them. The broodmother. A grotesque mass of flesh dominated the center of the room, pulsating with unnatural energy. Its bloated body was partially fused with the walls, tendrils of muscle and sinew connecting it to the hill itself. Dozens of eyestalks sprouted from its upper half, swiveling erratically to track the intruders. Its lower body oozed a slick, dark liquid that pooled around it, and its massive maw, lined with razor-sharp teeth, opened and closed rhythmically as if tasting the air. Smaller creatures scuttled around it, some emerging from the fleshy walls, others dropping from the ceiling like grotesque fruit. ¡°By the gods¡­¡± Gale muttered, his massive sword trembling slightly in his grip. The broodmother let out a low, guttural roar, and the room seemed to vibrate with its fury. The smaller creatures froze momentarily before surging forward in a tide of claws and teeth. ¡°Hold the line!¡± Ulrick bellowed, stepping forward to meet the charge. His axe flashed in the dim light, cleaving through the first wave of attackers. Gale swung his sword in wide, devastating arcs, each strike cutting down multiple foes. Brill summoned flames to his hands, hurling bursts of fire at the oncoming horde. Vin, unflinching as always, used his dagger to dispatch anything that got too close. Despite their efforts, the sheer number of creatures threatened to overwhelm them. The broodmother roared again, and several of the tendrils connecting it to the walls began to thrash wildly, striking out at anything within reach. ¡°This isn¡¯t working!¡± Gale shouted, his voice strained. ¡°We can¡¯t take them all on like this!¡± Ulrick glanced back, his mind racing. ¡°Vin! Can you see a weak point on that thing?¡± Vin¡¯s gaze flicked to the broodmother, his analytical mind working rapidly. ¡°Central nerve cluster, near the base. Sever connection to hill, may weaken overall structure.¡± ¡°Then we focus on that!¡± Ulrick ordered. ¡°Gale, keep those things off us! Brill, light it up!¡± The group moved as one, their efforts now focused on the broodmother itself. Brill¡¯s flames scorched the tendrils as they swung, forcing them to retract. Ulrick charged forward, his axe biting into the bloated mass, ichor spraying across the chamber. Vin darted in and out, his precise strikes aimed at the nerve cluster. The broodmother roared in pain, its movements growing more erratic. The creatures around it faltered, their coordination breaking as their master¡¯s strength waned. With a final, desperate swing of his axe, Ulrick severed the central nerve cluster. The broodmother let out a deafening, keening wail that echoed through the chamber and the tunnels beyond. The smaller creatures convulsed violently before collapsing, their bodies twitching spasmodically as if their strings had been cut. The broodmother slumped forward, its massive body deflating slightly as the tendrils connecting it to the walls went limp. The room fell silent, save for the heavy breathing of the group. ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± Ulrick said, his voice low and steady. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here before¡ª¡± With the broodmother¡¯s demise, the entire hill began to convulse, the ground beneath them quivering with unsettling energy. The group watched as the fleshy structure trembled violently, tendrils snapping, eyestalks retreating into themselves, and the grotesque mass of the hill started to collapse. What was once a horrifying, pulsating mound of biological terror was now deflating like an overripe fruit. The walls groaned and sagged, and within moments, the hollow structure caved in, folding under its own weight. The ground shook one final time before all that remained was a flat, oozing mass of organic debris, strewn across the bloody swamp floor like the aftermath of a macabre feast. The group staggered out, covered in ichor and panting heavily, relief washing over them as they put distance between themselves and the now-ruined hill. ¡°Well¡­ that was¡­¡± Gale started, but his voice trailed off as he spotted something unusual in the distance. The other half of their expedition, who had remained outside, were now gathered around a campfire. The sight was surreal. Lucy sat happily perched on a log, roasting chunks of flesh horror beasts over the flames, her hands and face smeared with their blood like she had just discovered the joys of barbeque. Nole, still cocooned in her blanket fortress, was sprawled on the ground like a content caterpillar, lazily poking at the fire with a stick. ¡°Haha, it looks like a pancake now!¡± she giggled, her gaze fixed on the flattened hill. ¡°Lucy, pancakes¡­ oh, I want pancakes now! Hahaha!¡± A bit further off, two Wendren were engaged in¡­ behavior that made Marked Skull¡¯s eyes widen in utter disbelief. The Wendren leader froze, completely at a loss for words. This was the second time he had ever been rendered speechless since taking the mantle of leadership. ¡°What are they doing?¡± he finally managed to croak, his glowing eyes darting nervously between the campfire and the entangled Wendren. Ulrick, equally exhausted but clearly more amused than horrified, clapped a hand on Marked Skull¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Golden rule, my friend: don¡¯t interrupt. Bad luck to stop something like that.¡± Marked Skull blinked, baffled. ¡°But¡­ you understand what they are doing, predator?¡± ¡°I mean¡­ yeah,¡± Ulrick said, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°They¡¯re, uh, having a good time. Let¡¯s just¡­ leave them to it. Honestly, this whole floor¡¯s been one weird fever dream. At this point, why question anything?¡± Marked Skull shook his head, still unsure whether to intervene or simply let the madness unfold. His confusion deepened when Lucy turned to him, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel, mid-chew on a chunk of roasted flesh horror. ¡°Marky! You want some?¡± she called cheerfully, waving a half-eaten piece of meat in his direction. ¡°It¡¯s actually really good! Kinda chewy, but it grows on you!¡± He stared at her, utterly perplexed. ¡°Lucy, are you¡­ are you eating the enemy?¡± ¡°Yep! Tastes like chicken!¡± she chirped, taking another enthusiastic bite. Marked Skull groaned and rubbed his temple. Nothing about this floor made sense anymore. As he glanced back at the two Wendren still fully engrossed in their ¡°activity,¡± he muttered under his breath, ¡°The sacred tree preserve us¡­¡±