** ** ** Corrupt Dungeon Core ** ** **

“I declare this as the first official war council. Yes, come gather around. I don’t bite, but you piss me off and my Mutt will. No stop begging. Bad Dog. Ignore him for now everyone and no scraps. I swear to the goddess that I will instigate a guillotine in my dungeon where the first person feeding the Mutt will have their heads roll,” He looked around at the unexpressive faces.

“I think you should move on please. I don’t think they would feed it scraps, so you don’t need to worry”- Mysterious Journal

“Right. I will begin with the introductions. The person you just heard was the Mysterious Journal, he is to be ignored the best you can. He is judgmental and unhelpful. He will only give you ulcers. If you listen to him or obey any order given from him the punishment is beheading as well,” none of the faces had twitched in the slightest.

Wow… Tough crowd… I hope they haven’t all gone deaf.

“You all know the Mutt, here is the Elite Zombie Administrator, in charge of everything undead. We also have Nyx, Thanatos, and Hades. Of course me myself. If I need to introduce my name we will seriously need a guillotine for insubordination,” He watched as the Zombie Elite shifted awkwardly to the side. Sorta hiding his face away from the Goddess of the Dungeon’s face.

In preparation for the meeting he had the Elite Zombie Sculptor desecrate the statue. Just a little. He was now placed in the right eye of the Goddess of the Dungeon. Its effect took a slight toll from the eye gouging. However, he liked his new placement. Why shouldn’t he be imbedded in the most beautiful statue? He would learn how to sculpt a new one eventually. Once he figured out how to sculpt…

Groaning mentally Bastill realized that he had never introduced himself to the Zombie Elite. It wasn’t his fault. How often were you supposed to refer to yourself in third person?

“Bastill is very glad that you all could make it here today,” he said which seemed to raise even more confusion among his leaders. The spiders looked around, while the Zombie found words to speak. His voice was soft yet firm,” Um… Master, which one is Bastill again?”

Goddess of Virginity I’m totally fucked. None of them know my freaking NAME!!!

“I AM BASTILL,” he wasn’t used to the zombie being so talkative.

He had of course always been rather busy building outposts. He had never really taken the time to talk to any of the Zombies before, not to mention they didn’t ever directly ask him anything. They had always just taken orders from him. He wasn’t sure how he felt about this talkative Administrator. Speak of the devil he had began speaking again, “Yes, of course, Mistress Bastill, our beautiful leader.”

Why the hell would he think I am a woman… Oh yeah the statue… That was poorly planned… I feel so emasculated now.

The war council was off to a rough start. He realized that he had been horrible antisocial. That of course was the spiders fault. He lamented. The spiders had no conversational skills so he had figured that the Zombies would be similar. He was proved wrong by the Elite Zombie in front of him.

Since when were the undead so lively? That has to be an error…

Outlining the plan went by quicker than the introductions. Nyx and Thanatos only had to remember to guard the entrance to his core room, while Hades communicated the remaining orders to the one-hundred Overlord Giant Fringed Spider’s that would be controlling the attack forces. He did have to remind Hades several times to stay and guard as well. Apparently, he wanted to battle.

The administrator simply had to organize the seven battle orientated Elites, the Healer Elite, and the three Elite Zombie Rangers. The administrator pointed out that that riding the scythe spiders to the battle and into the battle itself would be an efficient plan. This caused Bastill to change the worsening opinion of the Administration to a more favorable one. The seven close quarter fights already had the Riding skill. He created four more riding skill books for the Healer and the rangers.

The creation of the skill books was actually quite exhilarating for Bastill. He had needed to create tons for all of the common Zombies due to their numbers and amount of skills. He had grown to enjoy the method immensely. He focused on the knowledge of the skill he wanted and by drawing mana into the thought of it a simple book was made. He could even draw several skills into one book.

The Administrator and the Sculptor would of course remain here. The Sculptor had no battle purpose and the Administrator purpose was to train the common zombies. He relayed the information of mounts to Hades. Making sure the spiders came by to pick them up. The forces began preparing for assault. Eleven Scythe Legged Giant Huntsman Spider’s picked up and transported just outside of the sight of the town they would invade. With all the actions in roll Bastill began to distract himself my continuing the building of an outpost, but he was interrupted by the Administrator, “Master Bastill? Why are we attacking the town?”

He turned his attention on the courageous Administrator who was multitasking. He was currently keeping the common zombies in their rotation, while mentally communication. Bastill had decided that he liked the Elite. Yes he was questioning his reasoning, but it wasn’t hostile like the Mysterious Journal who deliberated stated his actions were wrong. The Administrator seemed genuinely curious. For that he decided two grant the Elite two favors. One, he could keep his head for now. Two, he’d give him an honest answer, “Well Admin, the answer is on one-thousand seven-hundred and seventy-five. There are exactly one-thousand seven-hundred and seventy-five days left until a catastrophe falls upon me. We all will have to endure a great tribulation. A very strong foe promised my death fifty days ago when I was first born.”

“What? You never told me this? I thought you were just being dramatic when you said you had five years left. You should have told me. This changes everything! First you need to…” -Mysterious Journal

Oh now he seems to care. Too bad there is no changing my opinion now.

He hadn’t ever mentioned his impending death to the Mysterious journal. He preferred to not think about it. As long as he strived forward and made steady progress, he could almost pretend that he was normal. The Elite responded, “I’m sorry I didn’t know. Just know that your forces will be ready when the time comes. We will work to death for you”

Except I’m not normal. I’m a Dungeon Core. Kitsune is dead and not coming back. I HEAR FREAKING VOICES OF A DEAD KING IN MY MIND. That can’t be normal. Oh and he was having a conversation with an undead. He was definitely not normal. His favorite conversationalist was a Mutt that couldn’t understand him… Well that was actually the most human attribute he had. To top it off he had the wrath of some S ranked bitch gunning for his death.

The Mysterious Journal had continued to talk to Bastill about whatever. Bastill didn’t know because he had tuned the asshole out. All he did was critic every little misstep Bastill displayed. The only use he had given Bastill was the attack plan. Every other word was narcissistically about his past or shit advice. He had the nerve to ask Bastill to kill the Mutt. Who the hell kills an innocent dog? What type of filthy murder would do such a thing? Sure Bastill had contemplated it but even he changed his mind. That must just prove how unreliable the ‘king’ was.

There is only room for one King in this Dungeon. He reads a bunch of books and thinks he knows what the hell dungeons are and what they need to do. one-thousand seven-hundred and seventy-five … I can make it in time. I will make it. The sun has fallen, it’s time for battle.

It sucks that it is out of my range to watch. My forces will be fine. I am strong, and they are part of me. Obviously, the spiders were made from a slightly uglier part of me. I mean my back was never that hairy. I can’t watch, but I can still get reports from the Overlord Giant Fringed Spiders leading the battle.

** ** ** Town of Ecressam ** ** **

The Concealed Giant Jumping Spider’s crept forward with surprising speed and yet no sound. They were impossible to see with the curtain of night out. However the torches were still dark so the Overlord Giant Fringed Spider in charge of his one hundred Concealed Giant Jumping Spider’s made sure to be careful. There were two other groups creeping up as well. Failure on the mission would result in facing Thanatos in the coliseum after all.

The Spiders approached the magically risen wall that surrounded the town of ‘meat sacks’. They could tell it was magical in nature due to the mana that resided within the wall. They leaped up the thirty-foot wall landing half way up. With one more leap they were at the very top, peeking over the wall they could see the wall walk. There just barely enough room for three men to walk abreast around the wall.

There were numerous of the ‘meat sacks’ that loved attacking with the fast and long ranged projectiles. Their leader informed them that they were considered archers or classes of scouts or rangers according the master of their leader who they had never spoken too. The master was known to be ill tempered and unpredictable. He might kill you or reward you based off his reward. If you weren’t an elite or a floor boss you kept your mouth shut.

Numerous spiders had been subjected to the coliseums, which could be a great benefit, unless you faced off with Thanatos. Luckily the Concealed Giant Jumping Spiders were never threatened. The mysterious master seemed to consider them on his good side, but they had watched many ‘Scythed Ones’ and ‘Furry Ones’ fall on his bad side. They didn’t want to risk his furry.

Waiting for the ‘meat sacks’ to grow unfocused or distracted they waited impatiently. When a bit of weakness was shown they leapt. They continued a pattern of subduing the meat sacks with their venom. It would only last thirty minutes so they had to act fast after their first attack. They had the forces on the wall walk down to a quarter. Only twenty-five remained.

They peaceful little take over was suddenly destroyed by a loud scream,”SPIDERS ON THE WALLL. ALL FORCES SPIDERS ON THE ARG.”

The ‘screaming meat sack’ fell as he was swiftly taken down, but not before alerting the other ‘meat sacks’ that also began screaming things. They were ordered to retreat back to an outpost while the second phase of the attack took place

…

The Elite Dualist Zombie took spear point position in the formation astride his spider. On the left and right of him were both the spear wielding Vanguards. The remaining Zombies were just behind them focusing on keeping the Healer safe. The Rangers were right next to the healers firing shots on their spidery steeds.

The Concealed Jumping Spiders began retreating off to west side of the wall with humans following behind them to drive them off. At this moment the Scythe legged Huntsman Spiders being controlled by the Fringed Overlord Spiders began their assault on the southern wall. They were quick and covered ground fast. Within thirty seconds of breaking cover they had made it to the wall and had begun to scale it.

The humans were flanked as soon as the spiders made it over the wall and onto the wall walk. They had been focusing their efforts off on the west wall and were not prepared. The spiders rushed into town and began to eliminate the humans. They caught up to the tail end of the human defenders driving off the concealed Jumping Spiders and began to cleave their way through the surprised Guards Mages, and Adventures.

After the initial shock the humans gathered their wits and began to fight fervently. The error in the plan began to show its self at this moment. Once the spiders were within the town they could be surrounded in their formation. Taking initiative, the remaining ninety-four Fringed Overlord Spiders began to pour their forces into the town from all sides. Suddenly the humans who had gained the advantage had lost it.

The spiders were quite impressive, but the humans were no weaklings. The five hundred humans that had come to reinforce the town dwindled over the forces. Some began to doubt their success and took off on horses. This only hurt their chances further. In the end the humans had no chance. Between the absurd number of Furry Giant Spiders that surrounded them, and the elite scythe legged Huntsman spiders, the humans began to taste defeat.

The coordination the spiders displayed was just too frightening. It was like they were one entire entity moving in synch. Legs would swing, fangs bared, webbing shooting in faces. The most terrifying part was the long-scythed legs that would sweep in vehemently. It was like they posed the physique of the Rage Goddess. They attacked relentlessly. A single death would be negligible as another would step forward.

Another bizarre scene would be the humanoid figures upon a few of the spiders, there couldn’t have been more than ten in all, but there added strength decimated the humans. They didn’t appear to be humans when they peered into their red eyes, but their bodies resembled humans perfectly. It just added horror into the ranks of the humans.

** ** ** Corrupt Dungeon Core ** ** **

Bastill received feedback from the Fringed Overlord Spiders in charge of the forces. It looked to be going well. In fact, he felt that victory was minutes away from happening. If he could have done a little dance, he would have. He would soon have his own town, which he imagined would greatly improve his strength.

Five years? I think I will only need two years. After two years I will simply hunt down the Bitch myself with my armies! I shall need to make a monument to this glorious battle. It’s a stepping stone to greatness. I will see if the Sculptor can do it… No I will do it myself! I have been practicing and I feel like I am close! Isn’t that right Mutt?

He noticed a new presence within his Dungeon. It was a force of five humans heading straight for the entrance to the room. They were still pretty far off, about two miles but they were making steady progress. What scared him was they were traveling in a line, which would put them on a direct collision course with his core.

How do they know where to go? Could it be some of the retreating humans from the battle? Maybe I should call more forces to me.

He had roughly forty-thousand Giant spiders that weren’t participating in the battle. He immediately ordered them to leave their respective spires and head to the clearing in front of his cavern. He couldn’t help but be careful. He also mentally told the remaining two-hundred Fringed Overlord Spider not involved in the battle to come as well. The last ones to be ordered back were the three-hundred Concealed Jumping Spiders that were done with the battle.

He knew he was being paranoid. He had yet to even observe the five humans. His first reaction was to simply bring his forces not engaged in battle closer to him. He had a deep irrational fear pulsing through his core. There were only five of them, but he was still damaged after the last encounter with a group of adventures in his dungeon. He was fractured and lost his most beloved companion.

Well it can’t be that bad. There is only five. They are probably retreating without even realizing they are approaching more danger. I bet even you could take them on Mutt. Would do you say you wanna go battle?

He used Observe on the first individual. His good humor beforehand left him. Normally when he lost his good humor it was due to being cast into fury, but not this time. Instead he was cast into something new, Fear.

Observe Analysis

Level: 72, Race: Human, Name: Claire Estrand, Age: 42, Vocation: Dark Sorcerer

But I have one-thousand seven-hundred and seventy-five days… This can’t be happening… I’m dreaming aren’t? I don’t sleep… Why would she appear now?

She had a couple more levels than the last time he had met her. He hadn’t even considered her growing stronger. Her companions were equally as strong. Just a level or two below her. He had thought he would be able to gain strength to compete with her, but if she came for him now he was doomed. He hadn’t even considered more than one power house coming in to finish him off, but apparently, she didn’t take chances. Bastill was anxiously trying to solve the crisis. He spoke to his Elite, “Admin, ready all the soldiers. The time has come. Calamity is upon us.”

Wanting a better understanding of his forces he checked in the Creature Menu. He needed to double check the spider’s numbers and abilities.

Creature Menu

Common Creature:

Scythe Legged Giant Huntsman Spider: Level:32 Amount: 300

Skills: Lesser Mana Infused Iron Body- Whole body fortified with Mana Infused Iron. Making it both harder and sharper; Maw- Bite, Pain, Intermediate; Toxin- Numbing Effect, Intermediate; Web-Sharp Shards of hardened toxic web, Novice; Legs-Scythed, Slice, Intermediate

Concealed Giant Jumping Spider: Level:28 Amount: 300

Skills: Black Hearted Duplicate-Can make an identical copy for up to ten minutes; Maw- Bite, Knockout, Intermediate; Toxin- Knockout Effect, Time thirty minutes, Novice; Web-Enforced Stickiness, Novice; Legs-Jump,15 feet, Novice; Active Camo-Unseen in daylight if still, Unseen during night if moving, Intermediate

Furry Giant Spider: Level: 13 Amount: 48,085

Skills: Maw- Bite, Numbing effect, Intermediate; Toxin- Numbing Effect, Novice; Web-Capable of making living corridors or shot at enemy to entangle, Intermediate

Overlord Giant Fringed Spider: Level:36 Amount: 300

Skills: Black Hearted Mind-Able to control spiders hordes of up one hundred, with fine-tuned coordination; Maw- Bite, Numbing effect, Intermediate; Toxin- Numbing Effect, Intermediate; Web-Capable of making living corridors or shot at enemy to entangle, Advanced; Brain-Communicate with spiders, Intermediate

The spider’s and zombies still fighting are too far away to assist in the battle. I will have to use what I have. The Concealed Jumping Spiders also won’t make it in time. The Mysterious Journal might be my only hope. I can’t believe I am even resorting to his council.

Given the circumstance available he decided to use all the options he had. He gritted his mind as he voiced his inquiry, “Mysterious Journal! I know I haven’t treated you to well, but if there is anything that might help me please. I promise… I promise I will be more cooperative in the future. Five S ranked humans are traveling here at the moment to end me. If you have any advice, please let me know.”

“Ha so now that you’re officially screwed you come crawling to me for help? Perfect! You never listened to me, never cared, you treated a Mutt better than me. Why should I help you? Maybe I should have you beg. Maybe your death wouldn’t be so bad. It might benefit me you filthy creature.” Mysterious Journal

Bastill couldn’t believe the level of hostility the Mysterious Journal displayed. He had never treated Bastill that way before. He had always been a pain in his ass, but he never been deliberately hostile. Apparently, the Mysterious Journal’s previous personality had been a façade. He now revealed his true colors. Thank goddesses Bastill had never trusted the asshole, “Name your price you corrupt king.”

He didn’t want to negotiate with him, but he was running out of options. The attack on the town had gone very successful do to the king’s plan. If he had another strategy in his sleeve, then he was willing to grit his teeth and beg for help. However, he fully planned to get his revenge. If he managed to survive. The King responded, “There is only one thing you can do. I will tell you if you make me a body. I don’t care how you do it, just get it done.”

Make a body for the spirit? He wasn’t even sure he could do that but given the pressure he was under he came up with a solution. First, he searched his dungeon for the wisp of essence that was the Mysterious Journal. He hadn’t even been aware that there was essence. He only found it due to urgency and focus. He then gave it a membrane of mana. The last step required a construct or body to place it in. He could use his own creatures, but he still didn’t trust the king.

All though his new body should be spineless. Headless will work just as well.

He forced the mana membrane with the essence in it into the Headless Winged Angel of Victory. The statue struggled alive. It began to step off the pedestal and stroll through the rooms. After entering the core room he continued walking out.,” What’s the only thing I can do? Are you going to just leave me here? Is the word of a King nothing?”

Bastill expected treachery, but it was still difficult to swallow. Now that the Mysterious Journal had a body he could just walk away from the situation. The king surprised him, when he stopped at the exit, “Have fun dying. With this new body I am no longer bound to you. I will be taking my leave, but I would never go back on my word child. There is only one thing you can do. Die.”

With that the statue walked out with Bastill’s last inch of hope. He had given the awful king his own means of betraying him. He had done it to himself. He should have realized it, but he was too busy grasping for the hope of survival. He ignored the man’s escape. He had to prepare. Not a second could be wasted.