A Dungeon’s Survival

Liam

Are you sure about this? I asked my fairy.

“Yes,” my mentor replied with a soft smile, “You'll be fine. Due to the exact nature of this discovery, I can't guarantee it'll work, but I can at least say you won't take any damage from this much.”

Okay, Solfus, I'm trusting you.

I took one last glance at the battered and broken mole-shaped golem underneath me, its core exposed and already cracked. The monster had been reduced to one point of health, and its body had been painstakingly disassembled and reassembled so that I could enchant it in a way that reduced its durability even further. I wasn't feeling particularly confident about this, but with that Dungeon alert about an incoming cataclysm I'd received not even an hour ago, we'd decided it was necessary to push up our timetable.

Do it.

At my command, the humanoid golem that was holding me up let go. It wasn't even half of a second that I fell for, but for as short as the time may have been, it was a horrifying experience. I always did have a fear of heights, and it seemed to have only gotten worse since I'd found myself turned into a Dungeon Core. Before, not even I would have been put off by only a drop only a few feet in height. Then again, much of that worry likely stemmed from something else entirely.

Before I knew it, it was over, though. I didn't feel it, but my crystalline body smashed into the smaller, much weaker core of the golem. It shattered instantly, and notifications filled my vision.

[Mole Golem (Level 1) slain! Error, could not add experience. No experience pool detected. You will now be integrated into the System.]

[Error, you are already integrated into the System!]

[Correcting errors.]

[Generating new experience pool data.]

The list of errors continued to come in for a while, filling me with a sense of dread. I could understand them well enough thanks to my having dabbled in programming a little bit back in my sophomore year of high school, but the exception mentioning someone called Loraine still thew me for a loop. That aside, though, I trusted my fairy. If he told me this was the right move, I wasn't going to question him on it. As usual, that decision proved to be the correct one as the final message appeared at the end of the string of errors.

[You may now select a class.]

It worked! I cheered before heaving a mental sigh of relief.

For as much as I trusted the ex-member of the Fairy Council, messing with the apparent programming of the world itself in unintended ways still deeply bothered me. I didn't want to accidentally break something or, worse, clip myself out of existence, if that was even possible. The idea of going back to that dark void wasn't a pleasant one.

“That's wonderful,” the old fairy said, breaking me from such thoughts as he smiled, zipped over to me, and placed a hand on my core, “Now, do be careful with the next step. This is largely uncharted ground. Unless you want to go with Heroic Summoner, which I do think would be a decent choice for you as it could make up for you largely focusing on traps, there is no currently documented information on how any of them will interact with your powers as a Dungeon, and even if you do go with Heroic Summoner, the information on it is extremely limited. Take your time, and make sure you're happy with whatever you choose.”

I sent the old fairy a surge of appreciation. I was glad to have him walking me through every step of my new existence as a Dungeon. I couldn't even imagine trying to go about it alone. Luckily I didn't need to. Satisfied that he knew how much his support meant to me, I brought up my options. There were three of them.

[Class: Heroic Summoner

Description: A magical class that specializes in contracting with and controlling monsters. This is a Heroic variant of the Summoner class with additional capabilities.]

There it was, the first option. Apparently, one of the other two Summoned Heroes had taken it. I could see how it would synergize well with a monster-oriented Dungeon, but in spite of Solfus's reassurances that it could work, I knew it wasn't for me. I wasn't a monster-oriented Dungeon Core, so I moved on to my next choice.

[Class: Heroic Trapper

Description: A combat and crafting class hybrid that specializes in making and utilizing traps. This is a Heroic variant of the Trapper class with greater versatility.]

It was a good choice, and it played off of my strengths well. I was probably going to end up taking it, but first, I checked the last one offered to me.

[Class: Heroic Enchanter

Description: A crafting class that specializes in enchanting items. This is a Heroic variant of the Enchanter class with additional capabilities.]

That one, I thought as soon as I saw it, I want it.

It was the class counterpart to my Enchanting specialization. I wasn't so rash as to instantly choose it, though. First, I checked with my much more experienced fairy adviser, I like the looks of Heroic Enchanter more, but is there any reason I should go with Heroic Trapper that I'm missing?

“The choice is yours,” came his response, but he did tack on some advice after that, “Do keep in mind, though, that crafting classes are far harder to level than combat ones. While the latter only require experience to grow, crafting classes need a deep knowledge and development of their trade in order to do the same. Experience can expedite the process, but hard work and dedication are by far the most important things.

“Also, since the other Dungeon has yet to be able to acquire any skills, even with a class, I do feel that it bears repeating that it is currently unknown how classes will interact with Dungeon capabilities. There is also the chance that your actions as a Dungeon Core might not translate well into the intended route of progression for mortals. Either of those facts alone could make it impossible for you to advance past level one with such a class, but please, don't feel as though you shouldn't pick it just because of that. If that does end up being the case, it would be good to know sooner rather than later, and the potential of it being a great tool for you, should it function properly, remains. That shouldn't be overlooked.”

He went silent after that, and I knew he was done. Now, he expected me to do whatever I considered to be best with the information he'd given me. I wasn't sure what the right choice was, but I did know he would be disappointed if I made my decision halfheartedly. I didn't like disappointing him.

On the few occasions I'd done so, he'd made it seem like it wasn't a big deal, but that only served to bother me more. He was a far cry from my parents back home who'd get on my case for even the smallest shortcoming. Instead, he reminded me much more of my grandpa before he'd passed. For that reason, I felt an instinctual need for my newfound father–or grandfather–figure's approval. That was why I did something I didn't like to do. I took a risk and chose the class I actually wanted, Heroic Enchanter.

* * *

Valentine

[You may now select a class.]

“Hmm, that's interesting,” came the voice of my fairy as she looked through the notifications she'd had me send her.

Should I be concerned about any of that?

“No, I think it should be fine. Back in the day, my old Dungeon and I ran into errors on occasion. There's some stigma behind them, but they're mostly harmless. They can even lead to greater power, much like this, if you take advantage of them correctly.”

Right.

I mostly tuned out her ramblings after that. When she started talking about her old Dungeon, she didn't tend to stop any time soon. In the meantime, I decided to check out my options for a class.

[Class: Heroic Tamer

Description: A magical class that specializes in making bonds with and empowering monsters. This is a Heroic variant of the Tamer class with stronger capabilities.]

I liked it. Petalli already had me infecting monsters with parasites in order to add them to my ranks. That process was a bit unsettling, but it worked, and this option would double down on that advantage. It seemed good to me.

“Hey, are listening to me?” the sudden rise in pitch of the fairy's voice snapped me back to my senses.

Ah, sorry, I sputtered out as I clambered for an excuse I thought she might find acceptable, I got a bit distracted by the class options.

In the end, I decided to stick with the truth. Had I claimed that I was listening to her, I knew she would have started quizzing me on the details of whatever she was yapping about like an irate school teacher, and I figured that, since she seemed to care about this whole class thing so much, she'd find that understandable. I was wrong.

“You're looking through them without me? Com on, I've taught you better than that!”

Yep, I thought to myself, making absolutely sure not to let my words leak through my bond to her, she really is just like Ms. Brown. All she needs is glasses, a pointer stick, and an outdated chalkboard.

Those were my internal thoughts. My external ones were, You're right. I'm just so excited!

I was not, in fact, all that excited, but the false enthusiasm I had mustered seemed to be enough to pacify her.

“Of course, that's only natural. We're doing something groundbreaking here after all. Go ahead. Send them over.”

With a deep mental sigh that I also hid from her, I shared my first class option.

“No. This won't work. We already have parasites for that. The boosts might be useful, but they won't be worth dedicating an entire class to. Moving on, what's next?”

So much for an alternative to the creepy parasites, I thought to myself as I both looked at and shared my second option with her.

[Class: Heroic Leader

Description: A utility class that specializes in leading others. This is a Heroic variant of the Leader class with magical aspects.]

I stared discontentedly at it. It seemed alright, but by all rights, it was underwhelming.

“Perfect!” my fairy exclaimed, “Pick this one. Now.”

But, we haven't even looked at the last option yet. What if it's better?

“Humph, fine. We can at least look at it, but this one is exactly what we need. It has the potential to empower our entire army. No one will be able to stand in our way with it.”

I deflated slightly at her words.

Please, I found myself hoping inwardly, be something better.

Then, I brought up the last option.

[Class: Heroic Enhancer

Description: A magical class that specializes in bolstering others. This is a Heroic variant of the Enhancer class with greater versatility.]

I stared at the option for a moment before lighting up.

Hey, Petalli, I exclaimed, see? Isn't this one much better?

“No.”

I froze, stunned in surprise at her answer for a long moment before I tried again, But, it would make our army stronger, wouldn't it? Also, it's a powerful magic class! What's not to love about it?

“The fact that it can only be used on a select few monsters at a time and, also, because it would likely come with range limitations. Heroic Leader, though weaker overall, is much better suited to empowering an entire army from afar. It will be crucial for when we start our large scale operations, so it's better. Choose it.”

But, couldn't Heroic Enhancer help with our defenses? You said people aren't going to like it when we start attacking, didn't you?

“Heh,” she scoffed, “since when are you the expert here? I was once the fairy of one of the largest and most powerful Dungeons to have ever existed! It reached the status of one of the Great Dungeons, level one hundred, tier five, the limit of power, before it fell.

“Have I led you astray yet? No, I haven't. I'm leading you to greatness that you could only dream of without me. I didn't go through the trouble of making sure you weren't bound by the limitations that the Fairy Council imposes for you to not take full advantage of it. Heroic Leader is better. Take it.”

Yes, Petalli, I sighed out in defeat.

Taking one last look at the class I much preferred, I shoved down my own desires and picked Heroic Leader. In the end, it was for the sake of the world, right?

* * *

Sean

The massive greatsword, rippling with power, came down toward me. I ducked the blow, allowing it to strike the ground to my side. When it landed, a blast of darkness burst forth from it. I only barely activated Protection of Light in time to shield myself from the attack. That was my chance, though. In that brief moment where the bandit leader was recovering from his powerful blow, I capitalized on his inaction.

Power of Light and Light Slash!

I activated the two abilities in tandem. My blade connected with my opponent's armor, and my unique ability, Heroic Judgment, bolstered my power, using the countless evil deeds the man had committed against him. The result was a deep gouge being carved through both his armor and flesh.

He was experienced, though. No one who wasn't could have ever risen to his level of power. He wasted no time in countering me. Even as my sword was cutting through him, he kicked at my shins and swung his blade toward my side. Both hits connected, and I found myself sent tumbling away from him. My defensive ability and the powerful, enchanted armor I wore might have dulled the pain and damage from his attack, but it still hurt. I'd probably broken a rib from that.

I gritted my teeth as I forced myself back to my feet. He was already upon me, and I didn't have the mana to keep both Power of Light and Protection of Light active for much longer. I also didn't have the strength or defense to keep up with my opponent without them. All I could do was give it my all and hope I could finish him off before my stamina and mana both zeroed out.

Flashing Whirlwind!

I used the ability I'd gained back when I was only a Heroic Swordsman to strike out all around me at once. It wasn't enough to do much on its own, though. That's why I paired it with another ability.

Deflect!

As one of my many simultaneous strikes connected with the mass murderer's blade, the second ability redirected it away from me. A Light Slash to the face later, I had him stumbling and screaming. I followed it up with a ranged Piercing Light. That took him off his feet. After that, all I had to do was get on top of him and land a few more Light Slashes to his head. Then, it was over. I was spent, but I'd done it.

[Orc Dark Knight (Level 48) slain! You have gained 345,600 experience!]

[You have gained 3 levels!]

Huh, must have been just short of the forth level up, I thought before I collapsed to the ground in relief.

I probably should have been more concerned with the battle going on around me, but I wasn't. That fight had lasted much longer than just those final few exchanges, and despite having reached level thirty-three from it, I was still the weakest person present by far. The others could handle the rest of the criminals. I'd taken down my target after all.

“Well done,” a stuck-up voice commended me from behind.

“I'm just glad this is finally being taken care of,” I remarked offhandedly, “I can't believe it took an impending war to get the kingdom to do something about this.”

“Oh, you know how it is,” he brushed off my jab, “There's always something more pressing to worry about than petty crime.”

“Petty!?” I growled out in challenge before reining in my emotions and continuing, “Anyone who's done enough evil for my ability to let me make up for a seventeen level difference against an opponent with a rare class is not just some petty criminal.”

“Maybe, but that changes nothing,” he stated dismissively, “There is still always a matter of greater concern that needs to be attended to.”

Like stuffing your noble faces, I thought to myself, more than one of the obese tyrants among the nobility coming to mind.

“Regardless,” he continued, “the soldiers should have things covered from here. Come on, we need to get to our next stop.”

I rolled my eyes as I finally stood up and turned to face the speaker. He was a tall, thin, and weaselly man with immaculately styled, medium hair of a dark color I couldn't help but assume must have matched his soul. He wore some of the fanciest robes I'd ever seen and also some of the thickest glasses. I, intentionally, had yet to learn his name.

“Which group's next?” I asked as I made to follow him.

“None,” came his voice, entirely unbothered by the bloodshed going on around us or anything else.

“What?”

“We aren't hunting criminals anymore. There aren't enough high-leveled ones left for it to be worthwhile. It's why we saved this one for last. He was the strongest. Between his high level and rare class, we wanted you to be at as powerful as we could get you before taking him on. Besides, most of them have gone into hiding since word got out that we were helping you to hunt them down, Executioner of the Wicked.”

“I told you not to call me that.”

“And I still can't understand why. It's an excellent title, one that fits you perfectly and strikes fear into the hearts of your enemies.”

“It's a title I don't deserve. I only got it because you've been handing me the worst scum society has to offer on a silver platter for the past couple of months.”

“That's exactly what an executioner is, though, and you've been fulfilling that role perfectly. Also, isn't it only natural for us to do our best to empower a resource as strong as a Hero with the power to strike down the wicked before going to war with a country as vile as the empire?”

“Whatever. So, if not to hunt more criminals, where are we going?”

“It would seem that the Adventurers Guild wants to speak to you.”