Panic and fear, that summed up my emotions for the past couple hours. After I had told my fairy that a couple of kids had waltzed their way in and nearly kidnapped me, he had assured me that I would be mostly safe for a few days to a week. It had, just like the last time he had assured me that I had time, not even been a full day before he was proven wrong. I had also, just like the last time, been completely vulnerable when people had come. It wasn't a pleasant feeling.
Shortly after the overpowered wizard stopped performing strange magics that I couldn't understand on me, he left. I was glad to no longer need to stifle my emotions and thoughts while he poked and prodded at me, but I was also left exhausted. To top it all off, the accursed System had decided to add insult to injury.
[Your Trenti (Level 1) was slain! No experience gained.]
[Achievement gained: A Crafty Foe!]
[Achievement gained: Punching Bag!]
[Achievement gained: Too Easy!]
[Achievement gained: Never Stood a Chance!]
[Your Shadow Viper (Level 1) was slain! No experience gained.]
[Achievement gained: Cleared!]
[Achievement gained: Soloed!]
[Achievement gained: Outclassed!]
[Achievement gained: Professional Amateur!]
[Achievement gained: A Walk in the Park!]
I didn't know whether I should laugh or cry, not that I could do either. I had been so thoroughly trounced that I had gained nine achievements for it. I didn't have the mental energy to check what those achievements were, but the names alone made it pretty obvious. I had failed miserably.
I wasn't sure whether the rewards from what I decided were pity titles would be helpful or hindrances. It could be either. I didn't yet have a good enough feel for the System and the new world I was dumped in to be able to tell. I was hesitant to find out.
Shaking myself from that line of thought, I noticed a small shape come flying back into the cave shouting, "Cameron, are you okay? Please, tell me you're alive!"
As soon as Fabian caught sight of my core, he threw himself at me.
"Are you hurt? Did they do anything to you? What were they doing in here for so long?"
I initially wanted to give him some shit for the inaccurate time frames he had promised me, but the sincere concern and fear I could feel flowing from him was enough for me to deflate.
I'm okay. That wizard was terrifying, though. He killed my monsters like he was crushing insects, walked up to my core like he already knew where it was, and did some weird stuff. He used what looked like magic and some strange objects I couldn't identify, and he threw powders at me.
"Powders?" he echoed as he looked down to where some red residue remained.
Eyes going wide, he whispered, "That wasn't a wizard. That was an alchemist."
Didn't you say alchemists would want to harvest me for materials? He said he was running some tests on me, but he didn't hurt me.
"The stronger a Dungeon Core is, the more useful it is to alchemists. He's probably waiting for you to get stronger before harvesting you."
So, what I'm hearing is that I'm already dead and just don't realize it?
"No, it's not too late. We can help you to get stronger, but first, could you absorb that powder? I want to know what it is."
I sent him a mental shrug and did as he asked.
[You have absorbed a unit of Flinth Powder! Absorb 19 more units to unlock this item.]
The System called it Flinth Powder. Do you know what that is?
"No, I don't, but I'll look into it the next time I go back to the Fey Realm."
Well, whatever it is, if that man decides he wants me destroyed, I don't think there's much I will be able to do to stop him.
Fabian looked thoughtful for a moment before asking, "Did you get any achievements? If he is an alchemist, he shouldn't be that strong. Your achievements should give us a better idea, though."
Instead of answering, I sent him all the messages I had received from the System. His response was, "Okay, that's a lot. The rewards should help, at least, but I'm not liking the looks of that Outclassed achievement."
Resigned to see what he was talking about, I opened them in the order that I had received them.
[Achievement: A Crafty Foe
Description: A member of the mortal races with a non-combat class has slain one of your monsters.
Reward: You have unlocked an item or piece of equipment related to the class of the individual!]
[Achievement: Punching Bag
Description: One of your monsters has been slain without dealing any damage.
Reward: You have gained 120 experience!]
[Achievement: Too Easy
Description: One of your monsters has been slain by an individual powerful enough to not gain experience for the kill.
Reward: You have gained 2,400 experience!]
[Achievement: Never Stood a Chance
Description: One of your monsters was killed in a single attack that would have done over twice its health.
Reward: The monster species and its evolutions have gained +1 to FORT, END, and COM!]
[Achievement: Cleared
Description: Your Dungeon was cleared by an individual or group.
Reward: You have gained 1,200 experience!]
[Achievement: Soloed
Description: Your Dungeon was cleared by a single individual.
Reward: You have gained 6,000 experience!]
[Achievement: Outclassed
Description: Your Dungeon was cleared by an individual of a higher tier than you.
Reward: The cost of leveling up your monsters is decreased by 10%!]
[Achievement: Professional Amateur
Description: Your Dungeon was cleared by a single individual with a non-combat class.
Reward: All monsters gain +1 to every stat!]
[Achievement: A Walk in the Park
Description: An individual or group has cleared your Dungeon without taking damage.
Reward: All monsters gain +5% to DEX and WILL!]
How bad is it?
"He is at least level twenty-five, maybe higher. That isn't a gap you can close quickly."
The rewards are good, though, right?
"Yes, the ones that upgrade your monsters are especially good. Not many Dungeons try to unlock those since it requires letting powerful people have access to your core."
Well, I need to figure out how to make sure this doesn't happen again.
Fabian sighed and spoke with a hint of irritation, "I really wish you would have listened to me on your choices. Had you chosen a more normal path, this would be easier."
I felt a pang of guilt at his words. I had largely ignored his advice when making the selections for my Dungeon, but I had a good reason to, or at least, that is what I told myself.
They might not have helped in this situation, but I don't think anything would have.
"This situation aside, you need to be able to grow fast, yet you handicapped yourself in terms of Dungeon Points."
He was referring to my monster type. I was given the option to choose two types of monsters that I would be able to summon to defend my Dungeon. I had instead chosen the one choice on that massive dictionary of a list that worked differently.
[Monster Type: Unattuned
Description: Instead of attuning to a pair of monster types, you have decided to embrace them all. Monster variety rewards can pull from any monster type, and you can choose from any monster type when selecting a new monster variety. You do not benefit from reduced costs for your monsters.]
To put it more simple terms, my monsters benefited from unrivaled variety. I had access to any kind of monster there was, but I had to pay twice as many Dungeon Points (DP) in order to summon them as I would otherwise have to. With a maximum DP of twenty at level one, I had only been able to summon the two monsters.
"When I told you that was the worst choice on the list, that wasn't just my personal bias. That was the conclusion Dungeon Fairies as a whole came to after thousands of years of trial and error."
But, the synergy with my other choices was too good to pass up. I still think it's the right choice.
"Synergy? The only synergy your other choices have is that they take the biggest problem of the Unattunded monster type and make it worse! One of your traits is entirely irrelevant to how you decided to build your Dungeon, one limits your usable choices further, and your specialization somehow exacerbates the problem with your monster type. It's too expensive!"
You aren't attacking my last trait choice this time?
"It is the most decent synergy you have, and even then, it has the same problem as your specialization. It makes your already overpriced monsters even more expensive!"
You are the one that said the Adventurers Guild has detailed information on every monster there is.
"That wasn't me trying to encourage you to make your own!"
While my thought process when making my selections wasn't that I would be able to make my own monsters, the level of customization I had opted for meant I might as well have been able to. I didn't see the problem with that, though. My reasoning was sound.
According to you, I am going to be dealing with people far stronger than a Dungeon of my level should have to deal with, and they have detailed records on what a Dungeon can normally throw at them. Isn't that why all the other Dungeons are dropping like flies? If you want me to be able to survive, brute forcing it the normal way isn't going to do it. I need to be able to catch them off guard.
He rolled his eyes, and said, "Whatever, what's done is done."
I wouldn't admit it, but a part of me did worry that I had made a mistake. After all, I had seen how poorly my choices had worked against the alchemist, but I tried to push away those thoughts away. I just needed more DP for them to shine. I knew it.
[Specialization: Monster Customization
Description: Monsters are as clay to you. You may sculpt them as you see fit. For a cost of DP, you are able to directly modify your monsters. You can save any modifications you make and apply them again later.]
[Trait: Enhanced Environments
Description: You are an artist, and your Dungeon is your canvas. You are able to sculpt the terrain of your Dungeon to a more precise degree. The costs of environmental options are decreased, and additional perks may be offered.]
[Trait: Aspect Extraction
Description: Monsters are tools to you, their parts interchangeable. You may sacrifice your ability to summon monsters of a given species and all of their related evolutions to extract an aspect from them. For a cost of addition DP, you may imbue any monster with the extracted aspect. Aspect Upgrades will be unlocked as an available focus option. You can not acquire a species of monster you have already extracted an aspect from later on through any means.]
[Trait: Extra Monster Varieties
Description: More monsters, more power to you. Once, when selecting this trait, and again at every fifth level, you can choose an extra monster variety from your available monster types.]
The idea behind my choices was that I could choose whatever monster I needed an aspect from and not be limited to the available options a pair of monster types could offer. I could then modify my monsters further, and set them up in whatever terrain they needed to act most efficiently. The ability to choose extra monsters from that extended pool of options to suit my needs wasn't just the cherry on top; it was the most crucial element of my plan.
"Could I at least convince you to forget about that second handicap you placed on yourself. It's going to be hard enough for you to survive even if you have every tool available to you," my fairy pleaded.
My answer was a resounding, No.
"Choosing Unattuned is bad enough, but your reasoning for not making full use of it doesn't make any sense!"
You said it is common knowledge that Dungeons have monsters of two types.
"You've explained your reasoning to me already. It's not that I don't understand it. It's that I don't agree with it."
The issue he took an even greater problem with than my Dungeon options was my plan to primarily use monster of two types despite having access to every type of monster.
They will know something is up if I have monsters of all kinds running around. If it is so rare for a Dungeon to choose Unattuned, people shouldn't expect it. If I stick to using plant monsters and reptiles, they will think that's all I have up my sleeve.
You said I'm supposed to play nice with the adventurers, that I'm supposed to give them a challenge, but I'm not supposed to make my Dungeon impossible for the everyday person. My plants and reptiles will do that. Then, when I get an uninvited guest with less than ideal intentions, I will be able to pull out my good stuff, and most importantly, they won't be expecting it. If I have to punch above my weight, I need the element of surprise.
"And, you don't think they will think something is up when you have less than half of the monsters a Dungeon of your level should have running around?"
You told me that they don't have any precise way to measure a Dungeon's level. They will think I'm weaker than I am. Since being a hero also gives me bonus experience gain, it should take a while before they realize something is up, and by then, I should be in a better position to handle it. It should also buy me some time before people come trying to harvest me.
He shook his head as he spoke in a defeated tone, "Whatever, you got enough experience to level up twice, so you should do it. We need to be better prepared the next time delvers show up."
Wait, I can level up? I didn't get a level up notification, though.
"You have to manually select the level up option from your status."
I felt a little embarrassed for not realizing that, but video games usually did that for you. Then again, whatever world I was in wasn't a video game. I was still having a hard time accepting that. A part of me was still sure I was in a coma or something and that all of this was a dream. A bigger part of me was still flabbergasted that a world with video game mechanics existed, and for as much of a fount of knowledge as he was, Fabian was no help there. When I had asked him about it, he told me, "That's how it's always been. I always found the stories from Heroes of worlds without the System to be strange. How do you accomplish anything without its assistance?"
Pushing those thoughts from my mind, I brought up everything I currently had so that I could better visualize what I needed before setting my focus and leveling up.
[Trenti
Level: 1
Cost: 10 DP
Health: 35 (45)
Stamina: 60 (70)
Mana: 50 (60)
Stats: FORT 7 (9), VIT 12 (13), STR 5 (6), END 12 (14), SOUL 5 (6), MIND 8 (9), WILL 5 (6), COM 8 (10), DEX 6 (7), AGI 8 (9)
Skills: None
Abilities: Bark Skin
Description: A small goblinoid monster that is something between a plant, animal, and fungus. Weak but crafty, they enjoy playing pranks on members of the mortal races.
Upgrades: Never Stood a Chance (+1 to FORT, END, and COM), A Walk in the Park (+5% to DEX and WILL), Professional Amateur (+1 to every stat)]
[Ability: Bark Skin
Description: Your skin is hardened like that of tree bark.
Effect: You benefit from 10% reduced physical damage, but you are more susceptible to fire.]
[Shadow Viper
Level: 1
Cost: 8 DP
Health: 10 (15)
Stamina: 10 (15)
Mana: 80 (90)
Stats: FORT 2 (3), VIT 4 (5), STR 7 (8), END 2 (3), SOUL 8 (9), MIND 4 (5), WILL 8 (9), COM 12 (13), DEX 12 (13), AGI 14 (15)
Skills: None
Abilities: Viper Venom, Shadow Cloak
Description: A slightly magical snake that can innately draw on shadow magic to hide itself. It is quick and nimble, but it's physical capabilities aren't far above that of a mundane viper's.
Upgrades: A Walk in the Park (+5% to DEX and WILL), Professional Amateur (+1 to every stat)]
[Ability: Viper Venom
Description: You can inject your enemies with your natural venom through a bite.
Effect: Applies a poison that deals a base damage of 2 + (VIT) per minute to target. This poison can stack up to 10 times.]
[Ability: Shadow Cloak
Description: Shadows naturally wrap around you, making you harder to spot.
Effect: An amount of shadow based on your (SOUL) covers you as long as there are enough shadows nearby to to draw from. They will mask your appearance and movements by an amount that is based on your (WILL).]
[Falling Rock Trap
Level: 1
Cost: 2 DP
Description: A chunk of rock attached to the a ceiling.
Effect: When something not from the Dungeon walks underneath this trap, the rock will fall. If it hits, it will deal a base damage of 10 x level.]
[Aspect: Necrotic Venom
Cost: 5 DP
Description: You can inject your enemies with your death-infused venom through a bite. It will reduce all forms of healing.
Effect: Applies a poison that reduces all forms of healing by 20% x [(VIT) / Target's (FORT) and (VIT)]. This effect lasts for 5 minutes and can be refreshed with another bite.]
[Equipment: Carved Staff
Cost: 20 MP
Description: An intricately carved wooden staff imbued with magic.
Effect: When casting spells using this staff as a magic focus, spell power increases by +15%, magic control increases by +15%, and mana cost is reduced by 10%]
For my third monster, I had chosen something called a Crypt Spider. Fabian begrudgingly recommended it after I asked him about a monster that could counter magical healing. I immediately converted it's Necrotic Venom ability into an aspect, but I didn't have the DP available to give it to my Shadow Viper.
The Carved Staff, on the other hand, was new. It took me a moment to realize I had gotten it from one of my achievements. It had to be the piece of equipment related to alchemists that I unlocked from the A Crafty Foe achievement.
I contemplated my options for a moment before setting my focus to items. Then, I opened my experience window and prayed.
[Experience to next level: 9,720 / 1,000
Level up?
Yes / No]
I selected yes and was met with three choices.
[Please select a perk.]
[Item: Empty Vial
Cost: 1 MP
Description: A glass vial made to store liquids.
Effect: Can be filled with liquid.]
Well, that's not good.
"What is it? Show me," my fairy demanded after hearing my musing.
I sent the first choice my fairy's way.
"Did you choose items as your focus, or this just bad luck?"
I figured that if my actions impacted how good my choices would be, my run-in with the alchemist was the only thing I'd have going my way, and alchemy screams items.
"I warned you against choosing items. Even if you want rewards for delvers, equipment is a much safer pick. Ugh, what else do you have?"
[Monster Upgrade: Faster Vipers
Description: All vipers become slightly faster.
Effect: All viper monsters gain +2 to AGI.]
It didn't seem like a bad option, but Fabian didn't seem to share my opinion.
"It's too restrictive. Unless you plan on specifically getting more viper monsters, it's lackluster at best."
I sighed internally.
I hope the last option is better, then.
[Item: Elixir of Minor Strength
Cost: 10 MP
Description: A magical concoction that temporarily empowers the drinker.
Effect: When consumed, the drinker gains +5 points and +5% to their STR for thirty minutes.]
I thought you said choosing items was a bad idea, I thought to him smugly.
"Okay, you got lucky. Just, please, I am begging you, listen to me for once and switch your focus to anything else before your level up again."
Fine.
I deflated, enthusiasm leaving me. I hated to admit it, but he was probably right. I had gotten lucky, and I didn't feel like gambling again. That empty vial worried me.
Switching my focus to monster upgrades, I reasoned that since I had unlocked a couple from my achievements, it was probably the safest option. I brought the menu up again.
[Experience to next level: 8,720 / 4,000
Level up?
Yes / No]
I selected yes, obviously.
[Please select a perk.]
I scanned my options and instantly knew what I was getting.
Hey, Fabian, I thought to my assistant in a singsong tone, look what I got.
[Monster Upgrade: Magical Mushrooms
Description: All mushroom monsters gain a spell.
Effect: Every species of mushroom monster gains access to a spell that suits their species.]
"Uh, Cameron …"
Yeah?
"You know your Trentis' stats aren't the best for magic, and that plant Dungeons, which you are so intent on pretending to be one of, don't really get any other mushroom monsters, right?"
Its this, distilled water, or a weak rat monster. I do not like rats.
"Fine."
I made my choice and checked to see what my mushroom hat wearing tree goblins had received.
[Spell: Spore Wave
Cost: 20 MP
Description: You release a blast of mushroom spores that latch onto living things.
Effect: You release a wave of magical mushroom spores in a 5 foot cone. They latch onto whatever they hit, and deal a base magic damage of 1 + 0.2 x (SOUL) for 5 + 0.1 x (WILL) seconds to organic beings.]
Happy with my choice, I checked my experience one more time and brought up my status.
[Experience to next level: 4,720 / 9,000]
[Name: Connie Aldman
Race: Dungeon Core
Dungeon: Cave of Absolution
Level: 3
DP: 60/60
Mana: 60/60
Class: N/A
Title: Summoned Hero
Achievements: A Crafty Foe, Punching Bag, Too Easy, Never Stood a Chance, Cleared, Soloed, Outclassed, Professional Amateur, A Walk in the Park
Skills: None
Abilities: (Unique) Heroic Adaptability
Bonds: Fairy Council (Pact)
Focus: Monster Upgrades
Primary Monster Type: Unattuned
Secondary Monster Type: N/A
Specialization: Monster Customization
Traits: Enhanced Environments, Aspect Extraction, Extra Monster Varieties
Perks: Elixir of Minor Strength, Magical Mushrooms
Available Monsters: Trenti, Shadow Viper
Available Traps: Falling Rock Trap
Available Equipment: Branch, Carved Staff
Available Items: Elixir of Minor Strength
Available Aspects: Necrotic Venom]
I think I might just be able to work with this.