I͉̲̥̰̜̎ͤ̌̾͋ ̃̅͐͒̉ͭͅḩ͖̆̀̐͗̋̚u̬̼̙̳ͦ̂͗ͮͪ̄̀n̴̜͎̏̌͂̒͊g̖̠̰ͨ̽̔͋̒e̮͚͈͕̦̪̱͛͑ͧͪ̏̀̚͘ȑ͖̙̗̼̓̋́ͨ̚̚ ̠̲͓͊͢f̼̘͙͈̝̃͢ô̼̭̯͓̥̾r̵͓̞̪̜̙͌͑̄͐̂ͮ ̘̯̞̙̙̠͆͐ͩ̍k̭͍̠̜̅͋̿ͭn̈͌o̳̺̳̰ͭͦw͓̖̯l̫̯̫͔̏̓͂̅̚e̋̈́̏̌d̟͇̼̣͛͗̅ͫ̂̐g̺̋͟e͙̩͍͍̍̊̀̆̈́͐͊.̓͋ͫͮ̓̒̚

If I’m to progress, I need to learn more about this world and its inhabitants.

But more importantly, I need to learn about magic.

The rest of the townsfolk are beginning to wake up now, so I decide to refocus on my dungeon’s development for the day.

Huh, “American Black Swift” is a thing. Apparently, names are borrowed from Earth in addition to this world, that’s unexpected and frankly unsettling. There’s not much else to note about the first two entries but the digger squirrel is kind of interesting. It’s an insectivore with a side-appetite for worms. It’s what you’d get if you were to cross a mole and a squirrel, for whatever reason. Let me reemphasize that, it doesn’t just resemble a cross between the two, no, it has their exact features spliced together. In essence it’s a squirrel with a mole’s star-nose, eyes, and forepaws. Before, I would have simply dismissed it as a fascinating example of convergent evolution, but with what I now know about magic, or rather, my awareness of how much I DON’T know, I can’t help but wonder if there could be another, more arcane explanation for its morphology… Speaking of which, I should test the limits of my species modification ability again in the near future.

But not now, I have other work to do. In the time since I’d last given you an update, the number of dungeon helpers in my swarm has swelled to 8000 individuals, furthermore, I’ve begun work on a new secret weapon. It won’t be long before I’m ready to establish a beachhead in the lush cavern below. I want to start carving out two new chambers, one for growing ember blossoms and the other for archer pods.

Though I have 8000 dungeon helpers to take care of waste removal, I’m not willing to let them outside lest they be seen. However, I see no issue with having them pile up waste material in the former core room while I dig so that when night does come, they won’t have to travel as far. Some plants will be smothered, yes, but with my disk room now dwarfing my birth cavity, the hit to mana absorption productivity will be negligible.

Without further ado, I start working on my latest additions. During my early days, (Who am I kidding, I’m still just a few weeks old!) I had to focus all my attention on stonecutting, now though, the synergy between my uncanny ability to multitask as a dungeon core and practice has enabled me to split my attention between quarrying and other tasks, like eavesdropping on the villagers. Which I’ve naturally been taking advantage of.

And I learned quite a bit. For instance; the townsfolk are citizens of the “Lyrian Empire” and were paid by the “Local Chamber,” which I presume is a local government entity, to settle this land. Furthermore, the local government is bankrolling the colonization effort, funding the construction of an administration building, barracks, and more. Additionally, many of the settlers have already contracted a construction company to build shops and/or homes for them. In fact, almost half of the townsfolk are currently employed by construction companies, of which there are three present. Weston, or “Wes” as his friends call him, is a relatively influential merchant who represents the Watergarde Merchant’s Company, an apparently widespread group who is solely supplying the new settlement in the near future. I can only imagine there must’ve been a prior agreement between the settlers and the company ensuring that the temporary regional monopoly wouldn’t be abused. Wes is the liaison between the two interests, placing supply orders with the soon-to-come Westgarde caravans. For now, the villagers are purchasing goods directly from the traders but there are a couple independent merchants looking to build shops and begin amassing their stocks. Even Wes intends to build a shop, so it appears he has a relative degree of autonomy.

Honestly, I lucked out. As I continue to learn about my new neighbors it becomes more and more apparent that Wes has the most trade connections. Forging bonds with him will be a massive advantage if I want to amass information. I’m going to take a huge risk and attempt to contact him, hopefully the tantalizing allure of more ember blossoms will be enough to buy his cooperation.

If I can’t find a more convenient way to contact Weston, I can always write him letters, I already know they use the English alphabet because I briefly looked through their possessions last night. Speaking of which, there was very little in the way of literature. I found some fictional works, which I plan on reading later, and some farming guides. The builders had design plans which is how I knew what they were constructing, and Weston had ledgers which is how I learned of his connection with the Watergarde Company. Surprisingly, Clifford didn’t own any literature at all.

Before I write a letter, I’d like to try something else first.

…

After about an hour of waiting, Wes is finally alone with Clifford nowhere in sight. I want to see if I can communicate with him mentally, it’s a common trope so I have no reason to check. Executing the now-familiar process, I wrap him in my sense. Upon completion, I feel something “click.” Things are looking promising, if this works, it’ll be almost too easy…

Weston was seated at an ancient wooden desk, bolted to the carriage floor, reviewing his ledgers. I think in Weston’s direction, as little sense as that makes: “Greetings”

He casually glances up from his work and looks toward the canvas flap at the back of his carriage.

Perplexed at seeing no one there, he looks around. As his confusion grows, he finally responds.

“Hello?”

You know, I considered playing the role of a dark and mysterious entity who makes threats and takes what he wants. But ultimately, it’s just not me.

In a jovial tone, I say, “Hi Weston, I’m interested in making a deal with you.”

That was probably way too blunt. I never was socially adept…

Weston looks around his carriage and asks, “Where are you? I can clearly hear your voice, but I can’t see where you are.”

Well, at least Wes doesn’t seem to be one for exuberance either, that’s a relief. It’s upsetting that I have to play along with this cliché, but I suppose it exists for a reason.

“Do not be alarmed, you can’t see me because I’m not physically here. I am using magic to remotely speak with you right now. I’d like to sell you some rare herbs and make a few purchases.”

I sure hope he buys my excuse; I may not be an expert on magic, but neither is he.

Clearly shaken at my revelation, Wes replies with the professionalism I expected of him, “I’m always open to hearing-out new business ventures, but I have to ask, why are you going through the effort of contacting me this way, I can’t imagine how expensive it must be.”

“Wes, can I call you that? There are reasons for my actions that I’m not willing to divulge at this time, however, I can assure you, my intentions are perfectly legal,” I said, assuming that my intentions were, in fact, legal.

Seemingly unfazed by the surreal situation, Wes said, “Understood, and yes, you may call me Wes. I’m all ears so please go ahead and state your interests. Also, how might I refer to you?”

“You can call me Ike. I have some ember blossoms I wish to sell; I’ve already given you a complimentary one so you should understand I’m being sincere. I’d like to sell you 3 specimens in exchange for 2200 pieces total,” I said. I probably could have gotten a better deal, but I wanted to earn a bit of goodwill and, frankly, I couldn’t be bothered to haggle.

Glancing over at the burning bush potted in a wooden bucket by a window, Wes pauses to consider the deal. Seemingly making up his mind, he counters, “I’m afraid 2200 pieces is a little… high… However, I would be willing to buy them from you for 2000.”

Yeah, I’m not going to let that one slide, therefore I respond, “Weston, you and I both know an ember blossom is valued at 900 pieces each, my deal leaves you with a profit margin of 500 pieces which should be more than enough, to say nothing of the extra ember blossom I’ve given you for free. There are countless other merchants who’d happily take my deal. You’re not my only option.”

Eventually Wes said, “Fine, I’ll buy your herbs on behalf of the Watergarde Merchant’s Company, I’ll pay you in 6 days, which is when the next caravan will arrive. Where can I pick up the ember blossoms?”

“I’ll have them delivered tonight in the same manner as before,” I said, suppressing a chuckle.

Sighing, but making no comment on my previous statement, Wes said, “OK, earlier you mentioned that you’d like to make some purchases, so what are you looking for.”

Now, 2200 pieces will go a long way. My prior eavesdropping has given me some sense of the coin’s value, I should be able to buy a respectable stack of books with my earnings.

In my usual tactless manner, I reply, “Books. I’ll look at what the next caravan brings with them and buy what I need. However, I’d like to go ahead and place some suggestions for the group coming after that, if that’s alright.”

“That’s perfect, what would you like?” said Wes.

“I need books on magic, really it doesn’t matter what kind of magic. Though I’d like to buy guides as well, I’m really looking for literature that delves into the theory and nature of magic. Also, to a lesser extent I’m interested in books about geography, history, and politics, if that’s alright,” I said. “Actually, let me add to that, I’d also like to buy some stock iron, ingots or otherwise, as well as some cheap functional magic wands. Oh, I almost forgot, a map of the region would be great as well!” I said.

Overwhelmed, Wes said, “I’ll make the requests as soon as the next shipment arrives, will you show up in person or send someone to pick up your payment and purchases in 6 days?”

“Actually, about that, I’ll look at the items on my own and make a list of what I want but for reasons I am unable to disclose, I’ll need you to buy them in my stead. You can then deduct the good’s cost from what you owe me. Then just hold on to the purchased items and I’ll pick them up soon after. Do this for me and I’m sure there will be plenty more business interactions between us in the future,” I explained.

Nodding slowly, Wes asked, “I think I can manage that. You seem like a good person and, all things considered; I’m looking forward to working together. I won’t hide that I’m curious about you, I understand that you can’t say, but I do wish I knew who you are, why you were doing business out here, of all places, and why you needed all of these things. Might I at least ask why you need books on magic when you are clearly quite adept and undoubtedly have access to powerful equipment to be speaking with me like this?

After taking a moment to consider my options, I decide to take a small risk, “Wes, I’ll answer your question if you’ll answer one of my own.” Seeing his approval, I continue, “In truth, I’m not communicating with you via a ritual, instead I’m using an innate magical ability of mine. I was born with it, you see, so I see no reason not to utilize it. I’m not as good at magic as you might think, which is why I need those books, though I will add, I have many agents, so please don’t try to cross me.” I’m not lying; I have more than 8000 agents hehehe.

Now asking my question, I said, “Dungeons fascinate me, but I’ve never had the opportunity to research them. I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about how they work, what they’re like, and if there are any nearby?”