The night came and went, with Veris getting what she desired, much to my ongoing worries. I was also overstocked on DP once again, yet I barely even noticed as the income passed my threshold and added to the ongoing total of accumulated points.

I stopped watching Overstock's growth because it was causing me to look forward to the future and was slightly dampening the joys of the present. However, that's no longer the case anymore as Overstock has almost reached its level cap. Who'd have ever thought that saving up DP was this easy?

Certainly not Me. That's for sure.

I laugh at my joke in the deepest recesses of my mind. A place I've found where I can think without having to share every thought with my mentally-bonded companion. Not that I have anything against our connection, but sometimes I just need a little privacy.

With Overstock currently sitting at level 9, that means I now retain 90% of any DP earned. Another candidate for the most ridiculous dungeon trait, but definitely not one to complain about.

As the light rises over Varona, I watch as merchants offer their prayers to the Bale of Fortune before setting out to sell their wares. I still can't believe the world's most-frustrating feature finally evolved, and into something spectacular no less.

It still looks like hay, but that's what it is. What more should I expect? I mean, I wasn't actually expecting it to upgrade when I paid the ridiculous cost. I was hoping it would, but after so many failed attempts I was beginning to see it as a waste of time and a failed effort. It's a good thing the DP factory started up when it did or I wouldn't have been able to fund it.

Hell, none of this would have been possible if Wheeler and his remaining guards would have chosen any other direction in their moment of peril. Luckily, they came to me and what a blessing that was. Without the well-fed merchant's effort, the citizens of Gorn would have scattered and ended up everywhere else except Varona.

Granted, he has stakes in my city and he isn't spreading word due to the kindness of his heart.

I built Wheeler his own shop on the High Street as requested. He doesn't run it himself and instead, he chooses to employ people so that he can continue to acquire different commodities from across the region, spreading word of a certain, beautiful mountain city on the way.

Wheeler. The man, the merchant, the legend.

On the opposite side of town to the Bale of Fortune, the first rays sunlight begin to creep up the mountain that gives my home identity. The multicoloured landmark has grown three times larger since the addition of my extra floors. However, seeing how clouds mask the top of it, I don't think people have noticed the change.

Even if they have, I haven't heard anyone mention it recently. Unless they've just grown used to the strange occurrences that happen around here. With potions that have a small chance of turning people into a Goblin, the growing mountain isn't as unique as it once was.

Still, at this time of day, just as the leaves and foliage light up in the morning sun, I can't help but think that it symbolizes home. To me the colours of each individual tree represent a different family member. The Mini-Bosses and Bosses that hold power inside me. When I think of them the thought serves to brighten the already-surreal sight to greater heights.

I love my mountain.

I love my dungeon.

And I love my family.

From my tower, I watch the sun rise with my collection of stuffed animals in a harmonious silence. Until the presence of another person brings it to an end, that is.

"I knew you would be up here. You're always in your tower at this time of day." Me's arrival and voice bring me out of the serendipitous state of relaxation I was currently enjoying.

"Yeah. I suppose I am. I can't get enough of watching the sun rise on my mountain. Watching it with Ed and the others has become a bit of a daily routine," I answer honestly and Me actually looks intrigued by my words.

"What's so... special about it?" He asks with genuine interest written across his face. Ever since I placed Me's consciousness into a living body of dungeon-made flesh, he's becoming more and more interested in learning all he can, his thirst for knowledge knowing no boundaries.

"Well... you're a little too late, but I'll show you tomorrow. The way the sun rises is much better if you witness it firsthand, rather than just having me explain it to you. You'll appreciate it more if we watch it together." At my words, Me nods but looks slightly concerned.

"Is it like a date?" He asks, turning slightly red in embarrassment. I open my mouth to say something, but no words come out. I'm sure my face is ten-shades darker than his, but I have to say something to the awkward comment.

"Sort of, but not a romantic date. It's more of a family one. Anyone else that wants to join us is more than welcome to." I smile, hoping that I'm no longer the same colour as Noir's hair.

"Good. I thought you were suggesting something lewd for a moment." Me has already calmed down and now looks unfazed by the conversation.

"Come on, Me. I've been quite good recently. I've even cut back on the innuendos." Fighting my corner, I try to defend my good behaviour. In all honesty though, life is fantastic at the moment. I'm only usually snarky and quick lipped when I'm not happy. I feel bad for Me though, having to put up with Abi The Foul-Mouthed for the first few weeks of his life.

"Last week you asked me to share your futon." As usual though, he calls me out with his perfect memory. He's like Anya. She also never fails to call me out on my bullshit when I'm acting up.

"Yeah, but it was cold. I just wanted to share your body heat." I smile as Me sighs and shakes his head.

"Your body is stronger and more resistant than mine, and I don't feel the cold." Logic prevails over bullshit.

Oh well. It was worth a try.

"Okay, I'll rein it in. So what brings you here so early in the morning?" The sounds of the city waking up and coming alive can be heard as people wake from the slumber of another peaceful night in Varona.

"Well. Your points are..." Before he can finish his sentence, I press my finger against his lips. Silencing the words he has on repeat. To be honest, there's no way I can spend all the points I have without exhausting myself in the process. Because of that fact, I've decided to take it easy 4 days out of 7 for the foreseeable future. In turn this has led to more visits from my ever faithful, ear-bashing companion.

Although, sometimes I think his visits to talk points are just so he can join in on activities with myself and Anya. Which I don't mind. Other than my best friend, Me has always been there for me ever since I became a dungeon. I know The System created him for me, as she does for all dungeons, but I'm grateful nonetheless. Without him, I might have ended up as Abi The Extremely Sad And Lonely.

My family members and the contracted Tironians all look at me as though I'm some sort of higher power, all because I created the dungeon and the city that stands outside. But that's not the way I see it at all.

Without Me's multiple and repeated explanations, without my Rogues and their early scouting parties, without Wheeler and the DP Factory, none of us would be where we are today.

"I know, I know. My points are just sat there in abundance. I suppose I should spend some, but what do I spend it on? More floors? Now that I'm open, distancing my core from the surface should be priority number one. The only problem is that means more Goblins and I've already got enough of the ugly-little shits as it is. I've even got the bloody Goblinator!"

I shouldn't complain, but how can I not? Goblins are involved and I really don't want any more of them. Maybe I can find some other unintelligent monsters for the humans to level up on. I'm sure I remember unlocking a Troll somewhere down the line.

With that said, instead of teleporting off to create new floors, I find myself standing in front of the Rogues' Retreat. The first feature I ever built is one of the most popular buildings in town and Talia gets no end of customers lined up for a quick drink. The Task Master runs a tight ship all on her own, unlike the other business owners who now have multiple staff members to help them out.

As there's no one around yet, I hit confirm on the upgrade and watch as the already well-designed building becomes a work of art. My words can't do justice to how spectacular Talia's feature has become.

The theme being red and black. Banners hang from the roof outside, displaying the dungeon insignia and the universal symbol for taverns on them. Large windows let potential patrons see the fine establishment's interior and well stocked racking. Looking through, I can also see the owner of the establishment jumping up and down at the sudden alterations.

Above the door, a large sign displays the new name of the business. The same one my notification displayed right after I confirmed the upgrade. One that couldn't be anymore fitting, even if I thought of it myself.

Rogues' Retreat has been upgraded to One For The Rogues':

Task Master Talia has been upgraded and will now reward Monsters with more XP upon completion of her contracts

A place for the weary Rogues to rest their heads

Whilst on the same floor as the bar all Rogue type monsters have their attributes increased by 80%

Any alcohol consumed on the premises will intoxicate the drinker with happiness and joy

Anyone one who gets drunk on love from the Rogue's ale will grant double DP for 24 hours

Task Master Talia:

All attributes have been increased further

New Skills have been acquired

A new Contract has been unlocked for Task Master Talia:

Increased Contract Limit: 200DP

New features have been unlocked:

Assorted Spirits: 16DP

New Loot unlocked:

Golden Dagger: 80DP

Reward:

32 XP

Maybe The System deserves some credit for that one. I don't like how she still calls my family members monsters and the loot seems pointless when each fourth-tier upgrade comes with their own signature weapon. Her naming skills have advanced a bit at least, so there's that.

Another bonus for the Assassins means even more strength for Varona. I pity the first city that tries to wage war on us, whatever their reasons are. I mean, it will probably happen at some point. Stupidly greedy people always want what others have, and in this case I have a lot for them to want.

The ability to get double DP on anyone who's had a drink is something I would have been grateful for earlier. I've only got myself to blame for that one though, but it's not like there was a rush on the need to get drunk. Not back then anyway. Now, every night needs to be finished off with a drink at Talia's before heading home. Some alone and some off to increase the population a little bit more.

As I'm lost in thought, staring at the building I've just upgraded, Veris' voice snaps me out of my blissful state of mind. My heart jumps as I see her skipping down the street towards me. A black cape fluttering behind her and a mischievous look in her eye.

"Hey, Boss. Holy shit! Look at the Retreat. One for The Rogues?" She reads the sign as I look her over. The added cape at least covers more skin than before, even if it is only around the back.

"I thought it was quite good. What are you doing today, Veris?" At my words she smiles and bows at me.

"Thank you, Master." The phrasing catches off guard as Veris never calls me Master. It's always Boss this and Boss that. Is she that happy with the building I made for her last night? It was only the equivalent of three-houses combined.

"I was looking for you to say that. So... now that I have, I'll be on my way." Blushing slightly red, which is also very out of character, Veris rushes off to be anywhere else other than with me.

Does everyone have the love bug? The strange irking that I've been feeling? No. It's probably just a me thing. Although, if Veris is feeling it, then I must be emitting some extreme love today.

Oh well. There are worse things to emit.