I was floating in darkness. There was nothing else here, nothing to hear… except… a voice? It was a voice, but it was so faint. I focused on it, closer. oh, now I could understand it, um. Yes? . Over a week? .

A Curse? I recall nothing about being cursed in my status. I suddenly felt cold, ice cold.

.

She was a bit… self-important, wasn’t she? .

So, she was the one who dragged me into this mess? .

OK, but then how did Inlas curse me before this talk could take place? .

Fair enough, I followed so far. That would explain why I was starting from scratch, but not much else. I nodded.

. That would explain a great many things, like why the records seemed to delight in my frustration and suffering.

. No wonder I thought my “Mind Reader” skill was strangely weak. .

.

By giving up my humanity. True, I suppose...

That would explain so many things, like why the records seemed to delight in my frustration and suffering. .

Why? . I suddenly felt a lot better about my choice back in the dungeon. .

Evolve? .

I had heard that name a lot of late. Who was this Rubolg? . Guess that explained why everyone was using his name as a swear word. That last one sounded ominous. . You become symbolic of it. .

So, what would have happened to me if my Resonance with Inlas reached 100% while still cursed by her? I nodded. . That… did not sound like much fun. .

But why me? .

Fair enough, but there was still one mystery remaining. WHY WAS I HERE? .

OK, but why me specifically? . Excuse me? WHAT NOW? .

So, basically I am your plan C? .

What’s the catch There is always a catch, just building a dungeon and growing stronger is too simple. .

Huh? … the damn thing had 3500 intelligence yet was an utter moron!… If I ever got my paws on Inlas, I would wring her neck. Put her through a meat grinder and feed her to the Things in my lake. I relied upon the bestiary to make informed decisions, and she had deliberately messed with it to make me do bad ones?

.

Yeah…ok fair enough, so what was this Taboo skill I had gained, I didn’t seem like a blessing.

. I had no wish to become a deity. It sounded like a far too stressful job. That aside how did I break the curse, anyway? . What did that have anything to do with it?

.

Now that she mentioned it, I did remember that skill. It would trigger if Minos was summoned or entered combat, but how would that break a curse from a goddess? . I had a horrible feeling I knew where this was going.

She wanted Minos for her own, didn’t she? Well, I had made Minos that powerful, hadn’t I? I felt the darkness trembling. .

Sure? Was Taboo any detrimental aside from preventing Divinity Gains, though? . Fair enough, so now what? “Wake up Great One, please wake up, don’t leave Tribe” Pain, stinging pain shot through me as my eyes slowly opened, Ssatassha? The tribe was standing all around me looking exhausted . huh, the Records sounded strangely… friendly.

I raised my head and looked at the little Kobolds. There was still a lot of pain, but my wounds had closed. I could probably heal the rest naturally now, and even if I couldn’t, forcing the little guys to continue would be cruel.

“Thank you for your aid little ones, now go rest and recover. I will not have you get hurt because of my recklessness.” The tribe looked at me in complete silence for a few moments. Shocked at my sudden awakening, then as one they started to hop up and down in celebration of my reawakening, despite their exhaustion. Ssatassha hugged me close before she herded the rest out of the room. “Ssatassha, if Lienru isn’t too tired, have her make some food for me, I am starving.” “Ssatassha understands Great One, it will be done!” The only reason I had asked was because Lienru had not been present.

. GAAAAH what in the- . What in the world? . Right, Penumbra had mentioned something about that, didn’t she?

I actually felt a bit worried as I opened my status window.

Dungeon Name: Labyrinthia

Dungeon Biomes: Magical Maze, The Depths

Dungeon Level: 4

DEXP: 22/150

Depth: 2/3

Rooms: 43

Essence: 2400/2400

EP: 126

TP: 120

M: 120

Avatar Attributes

Avatar Race: Umbral Sage Sphinx (Tier 2 Legendary Unique Variant)

Avatar Gender: Female

Avatar Level: 1

EXP: 120/150

HP: 150/150

MP: 180/180

Attack: 150

Defense: 150

Magic Attack: 180

Magic Defense: 180

Strength: 15 (Def)

Dexterity: 15 (Atk)

Endurance: 15(HP)

Intelligence: 18 (Matk)

Wisdom: 18 (MP)

Charisma: 18 (Mdef)

Penumbra: 99%

Inlas: 1%

Divinity: Locked by Taboo

Synchronization: 0%

Core Type: Advanced

Cores Eaten: 2

Titles: “Evolved One”

Skills: Penumbral Psionics(Racial), Cleaving Swipe LvMAX(Racial), Roar LvMAX(Racial), Penumbral Archives(Umbral Unique), Dungeon Siege Mistress(Master Compound), Blessing of Penumbra(Mythical Umbral Blessing) Umbral Knowledge Lv1(Umbral), Damage Resistance Lv2, Mud Golem Status Immunities(Core), Fire Resistance Lv2(Core), Deception Lv3(Core), Taboo(Inlasi) Otherworldly Legacy(Umbral Blessing Personal Gift)

Back to level 1 and 0% synchronization, my stats were better though. .

The Archives sounded more… animated and helpful than the Records that were for sure . It did have the same over-proportioned sense of self-import as a certain Goddess I knew, though .

That it did. I looked at myself in the trapped mirror, safe in the knowledge it wouldn’t work on me. I hadn’t changed too much appearance wise. My fur was darker and my wings slowly turned darker and darker until they became pitch black at the tips while my hair-mane had streaks of black running through it.

I left the room and walked into the hive, “Hive Queen Talka greets you, Milady” She seemed happy to see me. I nearly did a rather unceremonious stumble as the queen talked to me. Ok THAT was unexpected, what happened? OK, skip wringing Inlas neck, I am putting her through that meat grinder ALIVE.

“Thank you, Talka, I… apologize if I never greeted you before or acknowledged your presence before, things… happened.” The queen bowed her head. “There is no need to explain, Penumbra told Us everything, you are not at fault, you should tour your realm. Your other servants would likely want the opportunity to greet you properly for the first time as well, Milady” her voice was quite dignified and calm, befitting of a queen. “I think I will do that and Talka. But first, thank you and your Hive for your loyal service so far. You fought bravely and sacrificed everything for me and I didn’t even have the presence of mind to notice how hard you fought.”

I could feel the pride and happiness welling up in her, and every Strider and Swarmling as I acknowledged her and her Hives work for the first time. It was a strange sensation. I nodded respectfully to her and slowly walked out of the hive. Out in the hive proper I made a beeline for the Abyssal Eyes tower, I found all five of my Evil Eyes there; they seemed to play some kind of game with rules I couldn’t quite fathom.

“Mistress? Look everyone, it’s Mistress, hi Mistress!” said the first Elder Evil Eye, it sounded… child like. “She won’t answer, stupid, she never answers”, replied the second one. “You are the stupid one, the voice said she was cursed, remember?” countered the third one. “Enough of your prattling, you are making a fool of yourselves” said the forth. The Abyssal Eye, however, remained silent and didn’t look at me, I could guess why, I had been… harsh, on it.

“All of you, please quiet down, what you have heard so far is true. I have been cursed and thus unable to hear your voices and also unable to realize you were actually alive rather than just constructs made to protect this dungeon. I also wish to personally apologize to you all, I treated you all harshly and said and did things that was quite harsh. Especially you, my brave big friend. You fought your hardest against an overwhelming foe, and I berated you for it.” I flew up in front of the Abyssal Eye, forcing it to look at me. “Forgive me” I lowered my head as I said so.

“Mistress, not angry at Unguul anymore and Unguul did good?” At the question, I nearly cried. His voice was deep and loud. But he was like the simple yet friendly giants you could read about in children’s stories! I silently nodded and then flew up further and petted him on the head. “You fought bravely, Unguul, more bravely than anyone could ask of you. And I am very sorry I yelled at you when you worked so hard” he seemed so happy when I petted him it broke my heart.

Oh, Inlas, if I ever had you at my mercy, the horrors I would inflict on you making me mistreating my own creatures like I had. It would make even demons quail in shock and disgust. You made a terrible mistake there, a terrible, TERRIBLE mistake giving me that curse. . After just a twitch of annoyance, I buried my anger. This was not the time to show such emotions.

After petting Unguul for a while, I floated down to the others. Psionic flight was so much more handy than using solely my wings. “I also wish to thank you four, you fought and died and fought again over and over for me. Without hesitation, despite being outnumbered and out powered several times over, thank you.” “Hey guys, I think we got praised.” “We did, stupid.” “You’re the one whose stupid.” “Shut up all of you, of course we got praised, we did great!” They all unanimously bobbed up and down, chanting. “We got praised” over and over even Unguul joined in after a few moments. It was a heartwarming scene.

After a short deliberation and a few questions to the Archives, I removed the top of the tower so that Unguul could wander the dungeon. His gaze would not affect those who were viewed as friendly. I should have realized this, yet another thing the Curse had utterly clouded my mind to. Dungeon creatures could not harm one another, which also likely meant the Umbral Spiders didn’t eat Striders.

. I was so beyond outraged at Inlas I couldn’t even come up with other ways to increase the suffering I would inflict on her. If I ever got some demons, I could probably ask them for ideas.

My next stop was the Geode Caverns and the Starsilver Crag. I needed to calm myself down. Both places did wonders. They looked absolutely marvelous and while the Amber Crawlers were not sentient enough to understand my presence. The Pharos Wings sure were “Greetings, Mistress, welcome to our humble home.” their voices was strangely out of tune with their size. They were somewhat high-pitched and feminine, not something you would expect from a creature the size of an elephant that was also made of light and fire.

“Thank you, I hope you can forgive any previous… Indiscretions against you if I made any. Because of a curse, I was not in my right mind.” I started to explain. “There is nothing to forgive, Mistress, Mother Penumbra explained it all to us, we cannot hold against you what Inlas’ curse made you do. Besides, only ignoring us is a small slight given how bad it could have been.” I didn’t even want to entertain that thought.

After another short chat, I received a notification. . After apologizing to the Pharos wings that I had to cut the conversation short due to some prior engagements I had to attend. I returned to the Core. The Pharos Wings seemed delighted just to have been able to talk to me, though, and didn’t seem to mind that it was a short talk.

Lienru stood there as I ate, I had asked her to wait, because I had something to tell her. I was tempted to just scarf it down, but this was too tasty to waste in such a careless fashion. Yep, it was decided. “Lienru…” I took another bite of my Mushroom Bread and swallowed, then I downed it with some more tea. “Your skills at cooking are incredible. I would wish to extend to you the position of being my personal chef.” Lienru looked at me for a few seconds… then dropped to the floor, unconscious. What the hell? I quickly called Ssatassha over and explained the situation. She looked at me for a few moments. “Ssatassha thinks she knows why Lienru passed out. Lienru said it was her dream to be able to cook delicious foods for Great One who had taught her the joy of meal making and learning. I think she never really expected it to ever be more than a dream.” I smiled down at the two Kobolds. “I see, well, when she wakes up inform her that I was serious in my offer and expect her reply at the earliest convenience.” Ssatassha nodded happily. “Of course, Great One, Ssatassha will make sure Lienru knows!”

As I ate, the Doppelgänger entered the room and sat down beside me. She was looking at me with a curious expression, “Hmm? Is something wrong?” I asked, as she shook her head. “No, you just seem more… alive than before. You would always be so distant, aloof, cold, like a construct. But after your curse was lifted, you now seem more animated and emotional.” I did? . Ouch, “Well, I am feeling much better now, hmm.” I thought for a moment. “Mistress?” The Doppelganger looked at me with a curious expression. “I just realized I never gave you a name, I should fix that. You certainly deserve it after your hard work.” the Doppelgänger looked at me utterly baffled. “You really are more alive. The old you would not even have been able to think in such ways.” She responded after a lengthy silence. “What can I say, I got better, wouldn’t you agree… Duplica?” I smiled at her.

She looked at me for half a second, not understanding what I was on about. “Duplica… Duplica… I like it, thank you, Mistress, I will treasure my Name and yes, you got better.” she bowed her head in reverence, then with a smile ran out. No doubt to tell some friends she had made, but I had never noticed she had, that she now had a proper name.

As she was on the way out, however. I spotted the reflection in the mirror, the scout. Cursed to forever be Duplica’s reflection unless I freed her. What to do there. On one end I could just kill her, but then she had helped me survive, even if that had never been her intention. I owed this woman my life. Without her, I would not have been informed of the impending attack. That meant that I would likely not done the preparations I needed and been nothing more than a glorified slave or worse.

No matter how I looked at it, I owed this woman; I owed her far too much to let her stay in that mirror or kill her. As much as I hated to say it I would have to let her go. .

I scoffed, if I had been knocked out for 3 days they would have noticed her disappearance by now. There was no way they would not notice if I kept her mind controlled in some fashion. The bestiary opened on its own and showed a specific creature. After reading its entry, I could not help but smile. That was useful, very useful. The Archives was infinitely more useful than the Records. I would get to that immediately after finishing reintroducing myself to everyone, I still had the first floor to do.

I had called together all the creatures on the first floor in the room just before the stairs room; I was standing in the hallway leading to the stairs. Boy was it noisy, the squeaky voices of the swarms of rats, to the grindy voices of the Worms and the bubbly liquid like gurgles of the Slimes. How in the world did the curse drown out all this?

“I am sure you have already been informed about this, but I have been under a curse practically my entire time here. Until now, this curse had several adverse effects on me, not only physically but also mentally. One of its effects made it impossible for me to view you as little more than pawns. Now that I am free of its influence I am deeply ashamed of my earlier view of you. My loyal companions in our shared home, so I ask you now, can you find it in you to forgive me?” I bowed my head, awaiting their response.

As one, everyone chanted “Mistress!” over and over while the Typhoid rats started to lovingly nudge themselves against my paws. Nothing to forgive, I guess, even as tears ran down my cheeks.

I spent some time there in that room, loosely chatting with them about various topics. They all had a surprising love for tactics and would go on and on about it with me. Before I knew it, I had been talking with them for nearly three hours, after realizing how much time I had I excused myself. I had other important matters to take care of as the Archives informed me that dawn was approaching and so the best time to return the woman, Alessa. I returned to the room and contacted Duplica; I wanted her here for this so it would not surprise her. Then I bought the creature that the Archives had shown me, the Seeker.

Monster: Seeker

Genus: Insectoid Aberration Monstrosity

Biome: The Depths

Unlock cost: 6EP

HP: 20/20

MP: 10

Attack: 2

Defense: 20

Magic Attack: 2

Magic Defense: 20

Strength: 2

Dexterity: 2

Endurance: 2

Intelligence: 15

Wisdom: 10

Charisma: 2

Upkeep: 3e/d

Skills: Seeker Invisibility(Racial), Burrow(Racial), Soundless(Racial), Master of Stealth(Racial), Undetectable(Racial) Truesight(Racial) Seeker Infestation(Racial Unique), Share Senses(Racial Unique), Regenerate Tendril(Racial Unique).

The Seeker itself was an interesting creature, was grayish purple in coloration. It was about the size of a house cat, and it had a pair of huge mandibles specialized for burrowing next to its small tunnel shaped mouth. Its body was drop shaped, with 4 sinuous legs that kept its short main body perfectly balanced. 2 antennae grew from its back, curving behind the long tail that made up most of its body. The tail itself was long and muscular and added in a three-pronged, hollow tip. Inside these hollows were three long tendrils that functioned as the Seeker’s eyes and ears. They were also why I planned to unlock it.

While the Seeker was not made for combat at all. It was practically helpless if it was attacked. It had another thing that made it extremely useful, besides its obvious stealth skills. Its ability to infest other creatures with its tendrils, doing so, would temporarily render the Seeker unable to see or hear. But would also grant me and the infested target a skill each, I would get “Receive Linked Senses”(Gift). While it would give the infested target “Send Linked Senses”(Hidden). The Hidden marker meant that you would need divine tier detection to even see the skill was there in holders skill list.

The tendrils would essentially merge with the target and become a part of them, unable to be detected by anything. While allowing me to see and hear whatever the target did whenever I felt like it. The target would not feel this intrusion. And I did not intend for Alessa to know about this at all.

I unlocked the Seeker and summoned one. It slowly appeared in front of me and I looked down at it with a friendly smile. “Hello little one” It pointed its tail at me. “ThiS, oNe grEeTs YoU, MIsTrEsS” its voice was grating and sharp, like nails on a chalkboard, but I didn’t mind. “I am sorry to ask this of you after just summoning you little one, but I have a very important task for you, if you are willing.” The Seeker looked at me for a few moments, “YoU wISh For ThIS OnE to iNFeSt a SomEONe fOr yoU?” I nodded. I knew doing so would render the seeker temporarily blind and deaf while its tendrils regrew. It looked at me still, “ThiS onE wOuLd bE DelIGhtEd” I nodded before turning to Duplica. “Sorry to take your human form away from you” Duplica just smiled. “It is for the good of the dungeon. Besides, it’s not like I cannot assume that shape again should I so desire through my own shape shifting.” I nodded and instructed the Seeker to hide, I wanted no trace of its existence to be in Alessa’s memories.

It was surprisingly simple to free her, even as she tumbled out of the mirror with a disoriented look. Upon seeing me she flinched, the fear radiating from her in waves. “Fear not little one, I have no intention of harming you. In fact, I intend to let you go soon. Before I do, however, I will erase all memories of this place.” As I talked Duplica deliberately walked past behind me. Pretending to go about some other business, it was important for my plans that Alessa should see her. Even if her memory of this encounter would be hazy at best.

With the theatrics out of the way, I used Will Binder on her and scrubbed her memories from her time inside the dungeon. Leaving only this encounter. I bid the Seeker do its job. It was… disturbing to look at as it latched onto Alessa’s head. Two of its tendrils disappearing into her ears, while the third went into her mouth. I could see her body twitch on its own accord as the process continued, even with my control over her will.

After triple checking that Alessa would have no memory of that event. And after thanking the Seeker telepathically, I had Duplica carefully guide the now deaf and blind seeker into the Hive to rest and recover. While having its needs looked after by several Swarmlings, by my request. Apparently, most Seekers would starve to death while their tendrils recovered. I did not intend for that to happen on my watch. And the Queen had been delighted to lend her aid.

With the job done, I guided Alessa out of my dungeon and flew her to the edge of my domain. Then simply ordered her back to the city, sharing her senses I could easily know when she arrived. The rest was pretty much a formality for me. I gave a small speech and released her. Then I watched the ensuing chaos through the eyes of a very confused Alessa. They did not go easy on the poor girl either with magical scans. Interrogations and even a case of light mind reading before they actually realized she was the real deal.

I actually felt sorry for her, it was not like she had volunteered the information I gained from her. Yet there they were, treating her as a damned criminal. I then turned my thoughts to other things, like the free staircase room in my inventory that was waiting for me. It was time to once more go deeper.