The study had gone silent after that newest bit of information was stated, and Edwin took the time to read the newest update message that popped up in front of him. It was quite a bit to take in, but the stat boost for his intelligence seemed to make it a little easier on him.

It seems that all the stats influence both his physical and mental abilities here. That's a good thing to know.

Still, the silence drags on, and becomes heavy and even solemn. The two servants, the goblinoid Lucien and the Blue Elf Allisa give all the time they can for Edwin to get use to everything, but it still manages to surprise them when he's the first to speak.

“Alright, so there have been two great wars and the almost literal downfall of the Demon Lands here. I really cannot do anything about that right now. But I guess you both knew that going into this. So why don't we skip the rest for later and get to the heart of the matter. How do we create a Dungeon?”

Edwin could almost laugh at the look that crosses both of the others faces, and it even takes Lucien a moment to straighten up his expression while Allisa is blushing again, not even able to look at Edwin.

“Ah, very well, my...” He stops at the sudden glare from Edwin, and actually gives a short laugh while wiping off his suddenly sweating forehead. “Ah, excuse me, sir. Edwin. That will take a little bit to get used to.” The old man almost stutters, and for a moment he actually thought that they really had summoned a demon from the Void.

“Anyway, constructing and running a Dungeon involves several Skills that you will have to learn and get progressively stronger in. At the start, a Dungeon is an 'Absolute Domain', meaning the creator has absolute control over it. The more knowledge, skills, abilities and other things the creator has, the more the dungeon is able to be developed, and the stronger the demons assigned to it can be.

“The more challenging the Dungeon, the greater its 'Fame', and the more it will draw Adventurers. So long as the dungeon is set up properly, you can make a profit from the entrance fee regardless of how many times the dungeon is successfully raided. And if you manage to kill the adventurers, you also get to keep everything they owned, both within the dungeon in the form of equipment and outside, assuming they'd set up a camp or used the cities facilities, like the Inn or a hotel.”

Lucien was once more giving a lecture, and Edwin was focused and paying attention. It was almost like being back in school, and the thought brought a slight smile to Edwin's face before he nods.

“Sadly, there are very few Dungeon Masters' left. Given their great skills, most were brought into the various armies after the Second Eternal War started. As such we don't have anyone to train you personally, my... Edwin. But we did manage to get a hold of a Skill Tome. Its only the beginning volume though; but it should prove useful. Allisa, if you'd please?” Lucien says then, motioning to one of the few bookshelves with anything on it.

The maid is quick to nod and jumps up from her seat, and rushes over and back again with a grin on her lips.

“Here you go, Sir Edwin.” The woman says, her cheeks dimpling at the unusual words. Edwin had already made it clear that he wouldn't really stand on being called 'lord' yet, so that would just have to do.

“Thank you, Allisa.” Edwin says, taking the rather thick book. The cover is made of some sort of hardened leather, and the pages he can see are thick and yellowed with age.

“Sadly, you'll need to learn the letters of most books in order to read them. But Skill Tomes are different. They are both physical books and magical grimoires at the same time. By opening it you'll be able to read it, and once finished you'll gain the skill related to it. Skill Tomes are very rare and utterly expensive.

“... We actually had several, waiting for when the new Demon Lord was either found or summoned, but we were forced to sell them when we were forced to summon you.” Lucien's tone had become rather shallow and meek, and for a moment Edwin only looks at him before shrugging.

“Its alright. Its why the place here seems so deserted and bare. Still, I thank you.” Edwin says, giving another smile before finally settling into his seat again, still looking over the book in front of him.

“It should take you a couple of hours to read everything in that tome, Sir Edwin. I'll tidy up and see about starting dinner! I'll also bring you a pitcher of water. Lucien knows more about dungeons than I do, so I'll leave it to him.” The maid said after another moment of silence, and jumps up quickly to gather the plates from their 'lunch', although she does leave the glasses.

“Thank you, Allisa.” Edwin says, just managing to drag his attention away from the book held in his hands before Allisa could get out the door.

“Aaah! You are...” And there was no further reply, given the woman managed to trip as she was turning around. The crash of the tray, plates, and silverware that hits the floor a moment later is enough to startle all three of them.

“Wwwwwaah! I did it again!” The woman cries, but the door closes just before she could say anything else, so Edwin misses whatever else she was about to say. Lucien on the other hand hadn't even flinched at the sound, and instead simply shakes his head.

“I apologize, Edwin. Allisa has always been dedicated, but she's also always been a klutz.” The old man says, sounding rather defeated.

“Its alright. I'd suggest getting wood or stone plates and bowls that don't break, though.” Edwin says with a wry grin, shrugging one of his shoulders before turning back to his tome.

“I'll be on standby here if you require anything, Edwin.” Lucien says, leaning back in his seat. The old man is asleep within moments though. It seems everything since the summoning had rather ran them dry in the past couple of days.

But Edwin still felt rested and refreshed after eating, and was rather excited about the Skill Tome in his hands. It was just like any other RPG game, except for the weird way it seems to mesh with reality here. But still, it was freakin' cool!

He was almost drooling. Almost. Definitely almost.

He still has to wipe his chin, though.

Still... for some reason he hesitates over opening the book, and with only himself there still awake... well, lets just say the front he'd been putting on around Lucien and Allisa comes down. It was really too much.

A human who dies and finds himself in the 'Void', only to be summoned into a new world that's obviously filled with strife and hatreds and a bunch of races. And Dungeons! Wasn't that the usual theme of an RPG? And yet he's to be the one controlling the Dungeons. It was almost like that classic computer game, Dungeon Keeper.

He was good at games like that. But that's from a distant, omnipresent viewpoint. It was never supposed to be real. It just all seemed too big. Too real. But he shakes himself after a few minutes of thinking. This was his world now. This was his place. And he has a job to do.

So he straightens up himself and opens the book. At first nothing happens, and then a pale white light shines out. In front of his eyes, the words of the book seemed rather meaningless. He couldn't decipher any of the chapters or the way the words or paragraphs were written.

It seemed all like gibberish to him, much like the way Lucien's and Allisa's words were previously. But as the light dies down, the words start making sense. He didn't instantly learn anything, but the book became suddenly legible. It was if it had been translated into his language, except he could still 'see' the gibberish-like characters underneath.

“Interesting...” He mutters, before he starts reading.

Beginner's Dungeoneering Guide

Book One of FourDungeoneering

The skill required to create the 'Absolute Domain' of a dungeon. By using this skill, the Creator has the ability to set the size of the dungeon to be created. The features found in the chosen location will affect the nature of the dungeon created. Strong stone will reduce the effective size, but will increase overall stability. Valuable materials, ores, etc. That are within the chosen location can be harvested as minable materials or incorporated directly into the dungeons design.Dungeon Mining

The skill required to clear out the interior of the dungeon. Similar to the regular mining skill, this one is specific in its usage within the 'Absolute Domain' of the dungeon. May be granted to others in order to rapidly create, fix, or change the layout of an already established dungeon.Dungeon Filling

A skill used in conjunction with Dungeon Mining. This skill allows the Creator to close in gaps within the dungeon. Sometimes natural faults or cave-ins cause new parts to be added to the dungeon, in which Dungeon Filling is required to fix. This skill generates material already found in the dungeon based upon its location.Dungeon Trapping

The skill required to create various physical and magical traps within the Dungeon. Used along with forging skills to create, repair, and replace traps.Dungeon Command

The skill used to command the various creatures residing within the Dungeon. Within the 'Absolute Domain' of the Dungeon, the Creator's words are law, and all creatures set within the dungeon are governed by such law. As skill level increases, more and more powerful beings can be set and commanded within the dungeon. Beings able to overpower the Dungeon Command skill may choose to leave without other considerations. This skill is also used to create Demon Contracts for freelance beings who may choose to join the Dungeon.Dungeon Treasures

The unique crafting skill of Dungeon Masters. Along with crafting skills, this skill allows the creation of unique treasures which can be used both inside and out of the dungeon. With every death of a creature within the dungeon, the Treasure stored within the dungeon gets progressively stronger and more valuable. Some are considered to be 'living', and provide a variety of effects.

And with that the book comes to a close, leaving Edwin to sit back and sigh after rubbing his eyes. It was fairly hard reading everything, even with the magic translation provided by the Skill Tome. But he did it, and after learning about the basic skills and their use, he actually feels like he can do something now.

*DING*

Beginner's Dungeoneering Learned!Dungeon Mining Skill Learned!Dungeon Filling Skill Learned!Dungeon Trapping Skill Learned!Dungeon Command Skill Learned!Dungeon Treasures Skill Learned!+1 Intelligence+1 Wisdom+1 ConstitutionNow able to create and operate a Small Dungeon!Now able to command level 0 – 1 creatures!New information about Dungeons has been added to the Codex menu.

Quite a few things pop up before him, but he makes sure to read it all, although for a moment his vision becomes rather blurry. But it clears quickly, and for some reason Edwin thinks it has something to do with the magic from the Skill Tome he just read.

He puts the thought aside though and stands, stretching his stiff muscles. He almost knocks into the coffee table, which has that pitcher of water Allisa had promised. He was so caught up in reading that he hadn't even realized she'd been there and gone again.

He smiles though and pours himself a drink, downing it with slow sips. “Aaah.” He lets out another breath. It was almost as refreshing as when he got his Status Crystal. It seems that things like sleeping, eating, and drinking are still required in this world. In fact, given how much Lucien is storing, you could almost say it was exactly the same.

The old man said he was a Goblinoid, and yet he looked completely human as far as Edwin could tell.

Hmmm. With nothing else to do for the moment, he sets the Skill Tome on the coffee table and walks around to the bookshelves, the vast majority of them completely empty. It was a rather sad sight. There should be hundreds or thousands of books on those shelves.

But the books he does find he cannot read at all. He picks up several, but once again the words are all gibberish to him. He actually lets out a long sigh. He'll really have to learn to read the language here to have access to everything he's curious about.

He shrugs his shoulder though and moves back to his seat, taking the quiet time to think. Dungeoneering is fairly straight forward. But it touches on such things like mining and crafting, and while he had experience as a miner back on Earth, he isn't sure if it will be any help here at all.

Oh, that brings something to mind.

“Status Screen.”

STATUS SCREENNAMEEdwin CastRACEVoid DemonCLASSLEVELDemon Lord / Master of Dungeons1Physical AttributesStrengthDexterityConstitutionTotals101011Mental AttributesIntelligenceWisdomCharismaTotals131210Applied AttributesHealthManaStaminaTotals105520105LeadershipLuck110

With his stat gains, its fairly easy to see how it influences everything on the screen. He gains mana from both Intelligence and Wisdom, and gains health and stamina from Constitution. He probably also gains those from Strength, but at what ratio he doesn't know yet. Still, to bump up so many points in a single day is surprising. But then, perhaps it shouldn't be. He's also a summoned person. If he's anything like the 'Heroes' told about in the history he'd learned, he probably operates under the same guidelines.

He waves the Status Screen closed, and thinks for a moment more.

“Skill Screen.” Better give it a shot.

For a moment nothing seems to happen, and then another large screen opens up in front of him.

SKILL SCREENNAMEEdwin CastRACEVoid DemonCLASSLEVELDemon Lord / Master of Dungeons1

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:DungeoneeringF10.0%The skill required to create the 'Absolute Domain' of a dungeon. By using this skill, the Creator has the ability to set the size of the dungeon to be created. The features found in the chosen location will affect the nature of the dungeon created. Strong stone will reduce the effective size, but will increase overall stability. Valuable materials, ores, etc. That are within the chosen location can be harvested as minable materials or incorporated directly into the dungeons design.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon MiningF10.0%The skill required to clear out the interior of the dungeon. Similar to the regular mining skill, this one is specific in its usage within the 'Absolute Domain' of the dungeon. May be granted to others in order to rapidly create, fix, or change the layout of an already established dungeon.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon FillingF10.0%A skill used in conjunction with Dungeon Mining. This skill allows the Creator to close in gaps within the dungeon. Sometimes natural faults or cave-ins cause new parts to be added to the dungeon, in which Dungeon Filling is required to fix. This skill generates material already found in the dungeon based upon its location.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon TrappingF10.0%The skill required to create various physical and magical traps within the Dungeon. Used along with forging skills to create, repair, and replace traps.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon CommandF10.0%The skill used to command the various creatures residing within the Dungeon. Within the 'Absolute Domain' of the Dungeon, the Creator's words are law, and all creatures set within the dungeon are governed by such law. As skill level increases, more and more powerful beings can be set and commanded within the dungeon. Beings able to overpower the Dungeon Command skill may choose to leave without other considerations. This skill is also used to create Demon Contracts for freelance beings who may choose to join the Dungeon.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon TreasuresF10.0%The unique crafting skill of Dungeon Masters. Along with crafting skills, this skill allows the creation of unique treasures which can be used both inside and out of the dungeon. With every death of a creature within the dungeon, the Treasure stored within the dungeon gets progressively stronger and more valuable. Some are considered to be 'living', and provide a variety of effects.

There were actually quite a few of them. At the top were the Dungeoneering skills he'd just learned, but below them were several others, like 'Language Apprehension' and 'Mining Expertise', but they were listed as 'Locked' on the screen. He couldn't select or get any other information about them.

He ponders on that for several minutes before putting it aside as one of the already numerous things he'd have to learn as he goes.

His time thinking over everything is interrupted when the door to the study opens and Allisa comes in, although the sneaky way she walks is utterly suspicious. It actually raises a grin on Edwin's features when he sees the young elf woman tiptoeing about.

“Its alright, Allisa. I've already done reading. I was just checking up on my skills.” He calls to her, which provides another chance to see the blue-skinned woman nearly jump right out of her skin. She even goes so far as to fall on her ass.

“Aah! Sorry, Sir Edwin. You scared me.” The girl says in a fluster, standing up and blushing once more. Edwin can only give a wry chuckle.

“Its okay, Allisa. The same thing happened this morning when you found that I was already out of bed and dressed, didn't it?” He of course knew the answer already, and the maid nods her head.

“Yes. You'd been asleep for almost four days after the summoning. It was rather surprising, truth be told. Most others are up and about within hours!” The woman nods to herself and moves to take the left seat, which she'd vacated earlier. “Ah, but the summoning was really hard, too. Several of the wizards collapsed during it and had to be replaced. They'd never even tried to bring something like you into the world. You're the first being summoned to ever become the Demon Lord. Until now its always been a hereditary title.”

“Ah, so that's why only yourself and Lucien are here. I take it the idea wasn't very popular?” Edwin cannot help but ask.

“Yep! The Demon Lord has to be the strongest in order to rule. It isn't just the 'class', but the title as well. The only way for one Demon Lord to rise is to kill the previous one in combat. But with the last Lord killed by the Summoner's Guild, there was no one left to fight against. The candidates to become the next Demon Lord each returned to their own races and raised themselves up to fight against the others and establish their own Dungeons; but most of them failed in either endaevors.

“The only reason Jottenhiem survived was because it still had a large amount of wealth, and a council of the lesser nobles that were left made sure to secure all they could. But that started to run dry about a decade ago, so the city has been in decline ever since.”

Allisa's information was much as Edwin suspected, but it still brought a frown to his face.

“Is there any centralized government at all here? The Demon Lord rules absolutely, but a single person cannot control everything, especially with so many different races spread across the Northern Lands.” Edwin had to ask, but he wasn't sure that Allisa would know the answer.

“Ah... Well, from what I understand the Demon Lord would pick a handful of the most powerful nobles from the various races to act as regents over the territories claimed by their races. The Demon Lands' are not a unified government, like the Imperium is in the Southern Lands. In most cases the lands claimed by each 'demon' race is independent and self-governed, usually based around their own capital city.”

“Hmm. That sounds like the City-States period of the world I came from. Each city was its own kingdom and controlled its own land and vied for dominance against its neighbors.” Edwin mused, causing Allisa to nod her head.

“Yeah! Just like that. The various races also fight against each other, and there has been more than one 'demon' war to happen over the years. The last of them were stopped by the first Demon Lord before the First Eternal War.” The woman was rather bubbly about it all, and Edwin cannot help but laugh at the look on her face.

*DING*

Demon Race WarsThe various Demon Races are not a unified society. They are a motley collection of City-States spread across the vast Northern Lands who'll go so far as to even wage war on one another.

Without a strong leader to unite them, they are unable to work towards prosperity, and cannot withstand the constant dungeon raids of the humans from the Southern Lands.New information has been added to the Codex menu.

Another window had popped up, and after reading it Edwin waves it closed.

“Aaah, you keep getting new status messages, don't you? I'm rather envious. I only have a Language Crystal!” The playful tone in Allisa's voice draws Edwin's attention, but there's still a slight reddening of her cheeks.

“Lucien did mention that not everyone could use a Status Crystal. What's the difference between them? I'm still unsure about that.” Edwin admits with a slight shrug, and for a moment Allisa can only looked perplexed, before it clears up.

“Oh, that's right. Sorry, Sir Edwin. Everyone born in Eternia gets a Language Crystal when they turn five years old. Its a crystallization of mana from their own body. Status Crystals are different though. They are larger and more powerful crystals that have been specifically prepared via magic. Once implanted in someone compatible, it connects to both their body and mind. But its rather rare to find someone who's compatible. About one out of every thousand people or so.

“Most of those born in the Southern Lands who are found to be compatible become Adventurers, cause the Status Crystal is able to keep track of all of their skills, abilities, and stat updates. Without it, no one really knows what their stats are.” Allisa explains, before starting to search through her maids' uniform before pulling out a dull silver-colored metal card.

“This is a Status Card. For those without compatibility, this card is enchanted to provide just the basic information. Its used as an ID card in most cases, but can only show a rough estimate of the true stat numbers.” She says then, holding out her card to him. He reads it with a rather serious expression.

STATUS CARDNAMEAllisa EvatonessRACEBlue ElfCLASSLEVELHead Maid?Physical AttributesStrengthDexterityConstitutionTotals30?12?45?Mental AttributesIntelligenceWisdomCharismaTotals25?12?15?Applied AttributesHealthManaStaminaTotals???

“You see? Your Status Screen is much more accurate and gives even greater information. There are cases were a person who was incompatible before was suddenly able to use a Status Crystal, but that's only after gaining specific Skills or some other perk.” The woman explains, before putting up her card.

“Lucien also has a Status Card, and his stats are way before mine. Then again, the old coot has been here for nearly two hundred years already! He was supposed to return before the last Lord was killed, but after the war he came back as if nothing had happened and has stayed around all that time.” Allisa puffs out her cheeks after glancing affectionately at the man in question; who was still sleeping and snoring on the other side of Edwin.

“Well, once he wakes up, we might as well go over a few other things and set to work tomorrow. I imagine I'm going to have to create a Dungeon before anything else, right?” Edwin asks after another moment, and Allisa fidgets in surprise before shaking her head.

“I don't know, Sir Edwin. There was a rather large uproar over summoning you. If you tried to go and make a Dungeon now, you'd probably be mobbed out in the streets before you get out of the city gates. I think Lucien plans to teach you how to defend yourself and perhaps even some magic. I'll be helping you with that...” The woman actually lets out a sigh, and even slumps down a bit in her chair.

“You'll probably have to fight for control of the city here first, my lord. Only then will you get access to the city's coffers and start your first dungeon. Its a rather large undertaking, regardless of the simple explanation given from the Skills. Even a small Dungeon can cost thousands of Xim.”

“Xim is the primary currency here?” Edwin asks, interrupting the woman; but she nods.

“Yes. A Xim is basically a solid gold coin. A Vim is a silver coin, and a Cim is a copper coin. A hundred Cim can be converted to a single Vim.” She says, pulling out the first two coins to show him; but not a gold Xim. They were rather broke, after all.

“Okay, I got that. Thank you, Allisa.” Edwin says, standing up, and watching the blushing woman do so as well in a fluster. “I think I'm going to follow Lucien's example and take a nap before dinner. Thank you for your help.”

“Aah! Its my pleasure, Sir Edwin. Leave it to me!” The blue-skinned woman says, taking another pose that makes Edwin smile again before he leaves the study before Allisa does. Making his way back to his room is rather simple from there, and soon enough he flops down in his absolutely ridiculously large bed.

“A fight... huh. That's a pain.” He mutters.

-|- -|- -|-

And here is Chapter 2! I hope you guys enjoy it!

There's quite a bit of new information here, as well as unique things as well as the listing of Dungeoneering Skills!

The story may be a bit slow to start, but I promise its going to pick up soon. I may not post Chapter 3 today, but I'll definitely do that first thing tomorrow.

Feel free to comment, leave suggestions, criticisms and reviews.

I'll also be leaving an updated Status chart here in the credits after each chapter. So far its only the Status Screen, but I'll eventually add others like Skills and the Codex.

Status – Chapter 2

Spoiler :

STATUS SCREENNAMEEdwin CastRACEVoid DemonCLASSLEVELDemon Lord / Master of Dungeons1Physical AttributesStrengthDexterityConstitutionTotals101011Mental AttributesIntelligenceWisdomCharismaTotals131210Applied AttributesHealthManaStaminaTotals105520105LeadershipLuck110

Skills – Chapter 2

Spoiler :

SKILL SCREENNAMEEdwin CastRACEVoid DemonCLASSLEVELDemon Lord / Master of Dungeons1

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:DungeoneeringF10.0%The skill required to create the 'Absolute Domain' of a dungeon. By using this skill, the Creator has the ability to set the size of the dungeon to be created. The features found in the chosen location will affect the nature of the dungeon created. Strong stone will reduce the effective size, but will increase overall stability. Valuable materials, ores, etc. That are within the chosen location can be harvested as minable materials or incorporated directly into the dungeons design.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon MiningF10.0%The skill required to clear out the interior of the dungeon. Similar to the regular mining skill, this one is specific in its usage within the 'Absolute Domain' of the dungeon. May be granted to others in order to rapidly create, fix, or change the layout of an already established dungeon.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon FillingF10.0%A skill used in conjunction with Dungeon Mining. This skill allows the Creator to close in gaps within the dungeon. Sometimes natural faults or cave-ins cause new parts to be added to the dungeon, in which Dungeon Filling is required to fix. This skill generates material already found in the dungeon based upon its location.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon TrappingF10.0%The skill required to create various physical and magical traps within the Dungeon. Used along with forging skills to create, repair, and replace traps.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon CommandF10.0%The skill used to command the various creatures residing within the Dungeon. Within the 'Absolute Domain' of the Dungeon, the Creator's words are law, and all creatures set within the dungeon are governed by such law. As skill level increases, more and more powerful beings can be set and commanded within the dungeon. Beings able to overpower the Dungeon Command skill may choose to leave without other considerations. This skill is also used to create Demon Contracts for freelance beings who may choose to join the Dungeon.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon TreasuresF10.0%The unique crafting skill of Dungeon Masters. Along with crafting skills, this skill allows the creation of unique treasures which can be used both inside and out of the dungeon. With every death of a creature within the dungeon, the Treasure stored within the dungeon gets progressively stronger and more valuable. Some are considered to be 'living', and provide a variety of effects.

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