Day One

When I woke up, the sun was beginning to rise, and I felt groggy and confused. I looked around, only seeing dirt covering my face and a crack beneath me. I was so confused- I couldn't even feel my body. Then I remembered and froze- mentally, since my body wasn't exactly available for the job at the moment. I recovered after a minute, and couldn't feel anyone nearby- luckily, it seemed this wasn't exactly a common spot for visitors.

I began to expand my territory again, pausing when I felt a need from... the crystal seed I'd planted. I hadn't known I'd feel that... I felt at it, considering it and trying to understand what was wrong- only to suddenly know. It needed water- fresh water- to grow, and it was growing sick without being able to grow.

I immediately ate a decent chunk of earth under it and made a tunnel from there to the empty pond out in front. I didn't know if what I was planning was possible, but I had to try. I took a small ball of the rock I'd just eaten, then used magic and infused it with almost all that I had, using the enchantment feature to enchant the rock. I could tell the enchantment wouldn't last more than a year, and would degrade over that time, but until then It would do what I needed it too.

I placed it in that underground pocket, making a small alcove and connecting 'pipe' to the room as well, and soon the rock- acting like a spring, began filtering any extra salt around it out of it's surroundings and sending it straight to me. I then made a small portal in the ocean water outside and into the small pocket. It quickly filled and was purified while beginning to spread to the pond and the special alcove, giving the seed the water it needed.

I felt pretty proud of myself, and a bit confused about why that had come so naturally to me, before I suddenly got a notification that a quest had been completed.

<Crystal garden I>

//Plant a crystal seed and give it what it needs to grow. You need crystals to make permanent enchantments after all, and those won't grow themselves! Well... now they will.

Reward: Element imbuement. You may now imbue objects with elements. As long as they are near magic, they will absorb it and create that element. Added to the enchantment section.//

I stared, then dismissed it. This thing was weird... I prayed I wouldn't have to be here too long... maybe they'd been kidding and this was a test? Yeah! That made sense... I must be being tested. Well, I'd gather as much data about being a dungeon core as possible and show them I was a fantastic employee!

With that goal in mind, I began slowly expanding my territory again, my magic recovering quickly, but not fast enough. That frustrated me... you'd think I'd have managed to start with a better magic score...

Thinking of my start made me realize something. It had clearly been more than two hours since I'd passed out- why hadn't I leveled up like the stupid prompts had said I would? The simple answer appeared when I checked my level after pulling up my status screen. Apparently, unless 'idle mode was active, I didn't absorb magic unless I was awake. So I'd wasted all that time asleep. Why would I ever even have that off?

I activated Idle mode and noticed my magic stopped replenishing- meaning my mana regeneration was only active when I wasn't absorbing magic as experience. That... actually explained some things... I turned it off- not needing it while I was awake- and kept expanding. I finally reached all the way down the sword path- it had been a very long path filled with random caves, small spaces, narrow halls, and stretches where I assumed I'd put traps later on.

It ended... suddenly. In a large room that was completely empty except for a small stone chest that seemed to grow out of the ground. It was hollow, and seemed to be empty for now. I supposed it was my job to fix that... but not now. I began expanding my territory down towards the last tunnel- the process going slightly faster now and letting me realize that my mana pool was seeming to grow along with my territory- and the larger my mana pool, the higher my mana regeneration.

That answered one question and made me feel better... It also had me panicking. This was some really, really slow growth... I supposed I needed to consider expanding outside of my dungeon, and expanding it downward. Not until after the first adventurers though. I was certain someone would come eventually- it was bound to happen, if I really was a dungeon... eventually...

I focused on my expansion, internally wasting some of the time reading my stats- I spent most of my extra time as mold thinking, so this was vibrantly exciting by comparison. I learned how my eat ability worked, and how I'd accidentally enchanted that filtration pebble with my eat spell. I also managed to realize that If I summoned monsters, then people would begin being drawn here- until then, there was a random chance of anyone finding my dungeon.

I looked through a list of available monsters and found that I actually had three monsters I could summon to inhabit my dungeon right now. Water fairies, brownies, and water-celestials. Each celestial summoned had a random chance of being either light or dark aligned and therefore an angel or demon. They were a close pair of races though, and didn't often fight each other.

I was lucky, I guess... I didn't get told much about the other two types of monsters, although fairies sounded more generally neutral and the description of the brownies simply listed them as 'dungeon keepers', whatever that meant. I didn't trust things I didn't understand, so I'd just have to wait to use them. It took a solid hour to reach the temple area I'd made the day before- it was just as long a path as the others, though much more detailed. Complex murals in ancient, worn-down condition lead all the way there, with broken alters and defaced statues all along the way- so eroded by time that they were unrecognizable- at least, that's what it looked like.

When you left the tunnels, you entered the largest cavern I'd made so far, filled by a literal city of a temple. Sleeping places, worship areas, even bathrooms- though they all looked ancient and degraded. And made of stone. Finally there was the temple proper- a large, parthenon-like structure, with an empty pedestal at the end of it where I would one day sit. Hopefully. I needed to be careful not to simply get stolen.

It was such a plain parthenon, and the murals were worn away- I decided to add a message to the base of the pedestal. 'Pray to me and the gods will ensure your survival, even should you be defeated- save me, and you will be owed a great debt.' He added a weak enchantment- one that would fade, but never fully. It would change the appearance of the words- translating them instantly for anyone who saw them- though the change would be less perfect the weaker it got. He'd restore it and enhance it if he was placed on the pedestal.

He sighed, then started feeling oddly uncomfortable. It was missing something... He smiled, lowering the main platform a few inches- which let water begin pouring in and down the steps instead of just spraying on it. He made the steps much rougher, which would let anyone walking in descend with less worry than walking over smooth, wet stone. it trickled down the stairs, slowly spreading deeper into the dungeon and never getting more than half an inch high. He was careful to create a two inch barrier that kept it from spreading into the crystal area. It was clearly intentional.

That would be the first clue that this was not a natural cave- the first after the stairs and the pictures above the doors. Then I shivered as the water covered me, and... I felt a little relieved and a little uneasy- at least the sunlight could still reach me. I mentally went to the temple area and added tiny holes in the ceiling to let light in- not large enough for the light to be bright all the time, but enough to let light be at least shining at all times. Then I decided to add some moss. No algae yet- that would come later. Moss though... and vines. Magical ones, if possible.

I looked through my list of plants, and smiled as I found two things that I wanted. Moss, and magical, glowing mushrooms. Those two I could use, the vines needed big areas- and lots of light. Moss started in the entrance, and then it spread down two of the tunnels- the mushrooms starting inside the tunnels, and going through to the caverns at the end of each.

That made enough light for the vines, so I made them in the temple area, then had some mushrooms grow on them, lighting the entire area. I sighed in contentment, wishing I could actually see it. I now needed to experiment with making quests and Items. I'd have the celestials form after the Adventurers had visited and grabbed me. I'd start with fairies to draw them- and use them in the temple area. So, I made small places for the fairies in the walls of the temple cavern.

I filled them with occasional mushrooms, moss, and a tunnel to the surface for them. Then I made them- exactly two dozen. Each one was five mp to make, so I used only one hundred and twenty to make them. I felt so proud... I could feel them exploring their new home, my magic sustaining them as they found interest in enjoying their new home. I realized that I was on a cliff and might need to help them reach my dungeon, so I began to expand outside, surprised to realize I had three quest completed screens waiting for me as my attention returned to myself.

<Dungeon claimed>

//You have claimed your dungeon in it's entirety and finished it's basic structure- congratulations. It only get's harder from here.

Reward: Your territory automatically expands with your dungeon from now on- you don't need to actively expand inside of it.//

<Planter I>

//You have planted some plants in your dungeon- congratulations! They will grow, so you had better hope something comes to help you control them- maybe some insects? ;)

Reward: Your plants will grow on their own, and will gain their own random magical enchantments over time as they are exposed to your magical territory.//

<Monster Master I>

//Congratulations, you have created your first monster. These will be the most common in your dungeon, usually, and form the backbone of the creatures adventurers will fight. In your case, this isn't true. You've given your Fairies the title of first, which gives them a special bonus of your choosing- choose wisely, and choose well. You are also now able to claim a title. Congratulations, strange new dungeon.

Rewards: One additional fairy skill choice. The title 'Fae core'. //

I blinked in confusion, and shook my head. I then inspected another screen that popped up. I had leveled up twice today... weird. I chose to inspect my options and level later, inspecting the new title. It was definitely a weird one...

<Fae core>

//This is a permanent title- once selected, it becomes hidden and changes your core. You will gain access to more advanced plants and insects, as well as some magical and non-magical animals. All Fae- elves, fairies, dwarves, etc..- will gain a bonus to their status while near you or in your territory known as 'home turf', which will give them access to unique abilities while under your influence. Plants and crystals also become magical and grow much faster while under your influence. Finally, your territory will naturally be high in magical energy, which will greatly increase the magic you gain and attract other Fae. Be prepared for any Fae that can to try and come live inside your dungeon.

+1 random territory aspect.//

I blinked at it, sighing. Only benefits that I could see... I applied the Title, and felt something in me change, the air and even the water in the dungeon changing as well. I shivered. It was time to hurry up with that expansion...

I started expanding again, expanding the rocky area outside my dungeon to a degree so it would be more easily accessible- making it look almost like an underwater platform. Still only a half-an inch underwater though. I knew water would begin to reach the edges of my dungeon eventually, so I'd handle the flooding issue then.

I shuddered, feeling weird and not liking it. I kept expanding, trying to figure out what was happening. I expanded through the holes I'd made in the temple cavern to reach the surface faster, building a mostly degraded path down to my 'platform' once I was able. I then reached the surface and began expanding my territory there, feeling only grassland. Well... grassland, and a person. They were heading for the cliffs now, and seemed determined. They felt like they were human-ish, and I felt worried. I didn't know anything about this person...

I quickly planted vines over my entrance, and grew them down from the cliff, expanding my territory to the sides to help spread the vines so it would look more natural. I was barely able to finish that in time, and the person reached the cliff quickly. I shivered, then began trying to figure out how to create quests for my dungeon. I mentally asked, and figured it out, setting one on myself just in time.

I saw them- him- for the first time above me as he cut the vines and peered inside. The dimly lit tunnel stretched down, and I stared in awe. He was an elf! He looked around, seeming uncertain. He then stepped inside, his power emanating off of him. I could feel it- and it scared me- he could crush me so easily... I was glad I was hidden.

I opened my status screen, selecting accept for my level up, suddenly becoming level three. I shuddered, my crystal attempting to expand, then simply growing denser. I could feel my magic energy grow frighteningly suddenly, and my total Mp nearly quadrupled. His power didn't scare me anymore, and I could feel the magic energy he gave off now responding more easily to my own.

He seemed to feel the sudden change, looking around. Then he saw me, frowning and bending down, picking me up. Suddenly I got a notification and so did he. I couldn't see his, but I knew he'd gotten one. Mine was simple.

//An adventurer has encountered your quest- what would you like your reward to be?//

I thought for a moment, then decided a simple but effective reward. If he placed me on my pedestal, he would be safe in my dungeon as long as he didn't threaten me. That sealed the deal for him- I think- and he bagged me, stepping deeper into my dungeon.

[]

Name: {Unchosen}

Title(s): Fae core

Age: <1 yr.

Gender: {Crystal body, N/A}

Hp: 500 {A beginning dungeon. congratulations on mediocrity.}

Mp: 2800 {This is pretty average. Dungeoning might just take you less than a very long time...}

Str: 500 {acts as a base for created monster, either dividing to a percentage of 'yours' or multiplying to a greater one. This is actually a really good starting value.}

Agl: 495 {Also a decent starting value. As above, monsters will multiply or divide your Agl to decide their own- as you grow and develop these skills, they will also grow and develop.}

Dex: 100 {You had to have a lucky streak, huh? Your monsters will hit hard and dodge well, but be absolute crap at actually welding weapons or doing anything delicate with their hands}

Int: 800 {This... is actually ridiculous... why is your magic so low? Your monsters will be highly intelligent- let's hope they'll be equally motivated...)

Wis: 100 {This is accurate, but disappointing. Raise it to increase magic recovery to more than 0.7 mp per second. Though with how low your mp percentage is, I must say that is a surprisingly quick recovery, especially considering other races recovery rates...)

Charisma: 3000 {This is inaccurate. As a dungeon, you are abhorred by the other races- as a gem, you are coveted and beloved. And to all monsters, you are very beloved. This score decides the effectiveness of all Charisma gained monsters. Considering the level at just plain level one, and how it increases each level up... You'll have a very effective seduction dungeon- if you choose that.}

Fth: 10 {Wow, you are faithless... try leveling up to get a god or leveling down to get a demon/devil. I'd advise the former, but that's up to you...}

Skills:

Will (lvl. 3){The amount of will you have directly decides the ability of your dungeon to level up, and the strength of will your monsters have, which decides their bravery. At lvl 1, monsters will run once five or more of their group die- at 2, they stay until scared away, though they lock up. At 3, they will ignore their fear and keep attacking. At 4, they feel no fear, and at 5 they inflict fear. You are obscenely lucky to start with three.}

Absorb {this skill lets one absorb magic in their personal territory and use it as a means of speeding their level up.}

Territory {This skill allows you to pour magic into your territory, expanding and enhancing it.}

Magic mastery {This skill lets you learn and memorize magic the instant another person uses said magic.}

Dungeon-eer {This is a skill that all dungeons have in common- every single one. It allows one to build a dungeon, and do so using the dungeon-core methods. All one has to do is shout 'dungeon-eer!' and they will be able to start making a dungeon.}

Enchant {you can enchant things}

Traps { you can make traps}

Portal { you can make portals that go various places.}

Monster maker { you can create monsters}

Match-maker { You have incredibly high charisma and the ability to create life- you may now afflict your territory so people will have trouble ignoring their feelings of desire and love. If leveled high enough, this can prove to be the reason your monsters procreate while not under attack, as well as the reason that adventurers let down their guard during a battle. In addition, those in love release more magic than others and feed dungeons even more magic by proxy.}

Pl-Ant man {This let's you create insects and plants at will anywhere}

Crystal garden {This lets you plant a seed and grow a garden of crystals. The only limit to the number of gardens you can plant is that they must be one full mile away from each other. Leveling up may change the properties of the crystals grown.}

Racial ability:

Core {You are a core. The gods hold no direct sway over you or your creations. In addition, they cannot influence you without making you a godly core, which would then remove all of their influence over you. Be careful- some humans now of this and desire that freedom.}

Spell-list:

Eat

Create

Grow

Plant

Care

Quest

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Available status points: 3

Available skill points: 2

[]

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