A Dungeon’s Survival

The King of the Forest

Things had been quiet, too quiet. Something was coming. I wasn't sure what, but it was coming. Everything from the restless calm of the mortals these past couple of days to the silence of the forest screamed it. The only question was how it would affect me.

My suspicions were only reinforced as I took a deep sniff. No blood had been shed here recently. At most, I could only detect faint traces of iron in the air. It was from my meal the night before, and it was the most recent source of bloodshed in the room. It seemed the calmness extended beyond the reach of the forest. Something was brewing, and it involved this den of power.

A growl left my lips, unbidden but not unwelcome. The thought of devouring that core now was tempting. I could strike before whatever was building had a chance to break. I didn't fear it. Whatever it was was of little concern to me, but I knew better than anyone that change could come fast, and it often brought with it unexpected consequences. It was those consequences I was wary of.

“You're the bear?”

Another change, if the unfamiliar voice was anything to go off of.

“Leave me to my meal, ghoul,” I growled out the words.

I'd come for my dinner, not to subject myself to the reek of death.

“The mistress wanted to speak with you.”

“I said leave me to my food.”

The sight of the undead filled me with disgust. Inedible, an affront to the senses, and mindlessly destructive, his kind were a plague on this land of the likes I hadn't seen since the mortal who gave rise to them fell to his own kind long ago. Nothing capable of rational thought would want anything to do with those rotting corpses. The appearance of one here was almost enough to make me lose my appetite. Almost.

I flexed my paw for a moment before swiping the head from my soon-to-be meal. Blood spewed from the reptile's neck, and its head splattered against the wall. The action was far too easy, providing almost no stress relief. Unfortunate.

“You're the bear?”

My eyes snapped back to the husk of abominable rot. It dared remain after I'd threatened it. Unacceptable.

I lowered my body until I was on all fours. From there, my claws found purchase on something strong enough to resist my strength. The stone still succumbed to my might, but I could at least release some of my quickly building rage into it.

“This is your last warning,” I stated clearly, “Leave.”

Likely, the thing couldn't understand me, but that mattered little. If it continued to anger me, I would simply crush it. The only reason I had yet to was because something about it felt wrong.

Briefly, I wondered if it was responsible for the odd air that had settled over the forest recently. Were this not a den of power and had it not just spoken of the same mistress the mushroom creature had, I'd have suspected another defiler of the natural order was moving into this territory. Had that been the case, I would've needed to dirty my claws with the decaying flesh of an unthinkable amount of carrion. Even knowing that wasn't the case, the temptation to do so anyway called to me. The only reason I didn't was that I'd yet to decide on my next course of action.

“She brings you a gift and warning,” the thing announced, completely unbothered by my implication of a horrendous fate.

That peaked my interest, but not nearly enough to stave off my mounting indignation and fury.

“Speak.”

“This will make you stronger for a time.”

As it spoke, it lifted a wooden lid from a large metal container. The smell that was released instantly assaulted my nose. It didn't smell of death, but neither was its bitter aroma pleasant.

“Why would I trust that?” I demanded.

In response, a mushroom creature strode in behind the ghoul. It produced a mortal's glass container and scooped out a serving before downing it.

“It is a show of good will,” the sack of rot announced.

“Why?”

“To prove our intentions.”

I didn't trust this, but once again, the foul thing's words intrigued me. Was it speaking of what had caused the recent shifts in the forest?

“Tell me this warning before I crush you.”

Again, my threats had no discernible effect on the ghoul. Was it that arrogant, or did it possess some degree of real power? I still couldn't place my claw on what felt so wrong about it.

“Something has been stalking the forest. The Adventurers Guild seems to have sent powerful people to dispatch it.”

That made sense. It explained the oddities, but something felt wrong with that explanation. If there truly was a powerful monster in the area, I should've noticed signs of it. Also, the mortals hadn't been acting scared. Their traces had shifted. They'd been keeping their distance from the forest more than usual, and they'd shown signs of agitation, but they hadn't seemed scared.

“Why tell me this?” I demanded, “What benefit is there to you?”

“If you happened to dispose of this threat, that would mean one less concern for us.”

As I eyed the concoction in the container large enough for my use, things began to fall into place. I snapped my glare back to the pile of rot and growled.

“I will not fight your battles for you. I'm not a tool for you to use as you see fit.”

“Of course not. As your neighbors, we just thought we'd offer you whatever we could against the unknown threat. We don't know how strong it is, but we'd rather ensure our ally won against it if it come to that.”

Ally? Did this thing just call me its ally?

I could feel my blood begin to boil. Slowly, I rose to my hind legs and took a large, lumbering step toward the repulsive being. Its lack of a reaction was only fuel for my anger.

“Let me make this clear,” I spoke clearly, venom dripping from my words, “I am not your ally. We are not equals. You are my source of food and nothing more. I could destroy this place and everything in it on a whim. Do you understand me?”

There was a pause before it spoke again, just as casually as before, “Yes, sorry for presuming.”

That tone, that uncaring attitude, and that arrogance, it was impressive how much this thing managed to anger me. It, along with this den of power, was either useful to me or dead. I allowed no room for rivals, not anymore.

“Cower you fool!” I bellowed, activating my spell, Roar of Destruction, at the same time.

Energy blasted from my jaws, eliciting a faint shudder from the stone as it impacted. When the thing didn't react, a stark contrast to the mushroom creature cowering next to it, I took a stop toward it. Then, I took another and another until I was towering over the thing. Still, it showed no signs of fear, and still it maintained eye contact.

Dark Rend!

In the next moment, a large patch of ground was dug significantly deeper by my claws. It pooled with blood as the mushroom creature that'd been there a moment prior was turned to paste. The ghoul looked to the carnage before turning its cold gaze to me. It was uncanny.

“Do not forget your place,” I snarled.

Slowly, I wrapped my paw around the top of the container and turned around. Without looking back, I made my way to the Plated Gator's corpse and grabbed it by the tail. Dragging both it and the potion along with me, I stomped my way to the exit of the cave. As I clambered out, I turned back around and growled one final thing to that mockery of life, “Don't let me see you again.”

Without another word and with unpleasant memories at the forefront of my mind, I began the trek back to my own cave. My appetite was ruined.

* * *

Connie

Oh boy, that was close.

“What was close?” Stein asked.

I could only sigh at the question. I almost regretting using him for negotiations in place of Archie this time around, but Stein's Intimidation was the only way I could think of to project the image of power, and we needed that. The Onikuma was a dangerous threat Twelve had warned me would turn on us the moment it thought we posed a risk to it. From this interaction, I was inclined to agree with that assessment.

Still, I'd needed to confirm that negotiations and a working relationship with it going forward weren't possible, so I'd gauged its reactions. I just hadn't expected them to be so extreme. It made me glad I'd kept what was really going on a secret from it. Now, I could go forward with my plan without reservation, and more that, we'd successfully handed off the cauldron. As close as that was to going disastrously wrong at the end, we'd gotten the best results we could have hoped for.

Okay, I thought in way of calming myself, Preparations here are finished. Now, meeting time.

From there, I sent Stein back to his training duties and assembled the rest of my council. The day had been as hectic as it got, and now, it was time to discuss the last stretch of our preparations. Things were looking up.

Thank you for coming everyone, I started off the meeting once everyone arrived.

A moment later, Archie repeated my words. It was an idea we'd had to streamline communication during these meeting since he, apart from Stein whose presence would've accomplished little while causing more interruptions than anything, was one of the only people present who everyone could understand and, in turn, could understand most of us. After giving him a moment to finish relaying my introduction for the sake of the two Lizard Men flanking Adraugon, I continued.

I know our workload has doubled in light of the news Lawrence just delivered to us this afternoon: that the Hero will be showing up the day after tomorrow, but thank you all for your hard work.

Slowly, I looked to each of my closest confidants and sent warm feelings their way. The amount we'd accomplished in such a short amount of time was staggering.

As usual, let's start with progress reports. I'll go first since the situation with the Onikuma was just resolved. The results were about what we expected. It's an enemy through and through. No peaceful solution exists. That means we're a go on the plan we've discussed.

Also, it took the elixir. Great job getting that ready on such short notice, Archie. That should hopefully balance the scales a bit.

“It was, uh, no trouble at all, mistress,” the Trenti in question said bashfully after having to repeat his own praise out loud.

I chuckled at that before moving on, Noctis, you've confirmed it, right?

“Yes master. As soon as–”

Hold up, sorry. Go a bit slower. I need to relay your words to Archie, so he can relay them to those who can't understand you.

“Ah, yes,” he started again with more pauses this time, “Once it got dark enough for me to move around, I went to the location Prism indicated. I've already updated the map with the location of the bear's den.”

Excellent work, you two! With this, Operation Friend or Foe is a go!

“Blurb!”

“Thank you.”

No matter how things went with that bear, I'd planned to make it help with the upcoming defense. It was only a matter how how I planned to go about it, which led me to the next report.

Archie, care to go next?

“Certainly. As you've instructed, we've switched our focus to producing as much of the requested potions as possible. The Liquid Shadow shouldn't be a problem, but we'll be pushing our resources thin preparing that much Floral Accelerant. I'll do what I can about the others, but unfortunately, I cannot assure you of anything.”

That's fine. You've already done so much, but remember, according to what Lawrence said, it looks like solving things with permanent enhancers isn't likely to work after all. Just focus on the other stuff instead.

“Actually, about that mistress, I was meaning to bring this up, but I believe I may have actually hit a breakthrough with the enhancers.”

Wait, really?

The news completely took me aback. To my knowledge, he'd been stuck making little to no progress all day. With what information Lawrence had delivered to us about the Adventurers Guild no longer being as likely to spare us if we could produce the potions–something about corruption on the highest level or something–I'd mostly written that plan off. If it was possible, however …

“Yes,” Archie continued, “Our primary limitation has been the poor quality of our Mandrakes, but I have found a suitable substitute for mortal blood. As it turns out, according to preliminary testing, Lizard Man blood, specifically the blood of Adraugon's new servants here, seems to have the desired effect. For some unknown reason, the blood of other Lizard Men does not.”

My gaze shot to the three reptiles. For a brief moment, Adraugon looked as surprised as I felt. In retrospect, there was something about Lizard Men once being a mortal race in the System's description of them, but I hadn't considered that would actually mean anything for us. I also didn't know why Adraugon's would be different from Rose and the others in that regard, but I missed my opportunity to bring any of that up as the meeting went on without me. Adraugon's shock quickly turned to a look of accusation directed at the alchemist, forcing a response from him.

“Do not worry. I traded for the samples. I trust you found your new underlings' tributes to be acceptable.”

“Humph,” Adraugon averted his gaze, “Yes.”

“Then, if you would not be opposed, Hunt, Rein, I would like to continue our previous trades. I assure you, I will make it worthwhile.”

The two Lizard Men standing next to their master had vastly different reactions to the proposal. Hunt immediately looked uncertain and distrusting of Archie. In complete contrast, Rein, the second Lizard Man Adraugon had convinced to serve him, smiled at the request.

“It would be my pleasure to contribute to the defense of my new home,” she said with a smile and a small bow before adding, “and to secure more treasure for my liege.”

“Perfect! Mistress, would you like me to continue working on it, or should I do as you previously suggested and devote myself to the other tasks?”

Keep trying, but do it on the side. Lawrence said it was less likely to solve our problems, not that it couldn't. Great job Archie, and great job Adraugon–also Hunt and Rein! Thank you. This could be game changing!

With a smile, Archie said, “As you command.”

In a much less humble display of pride, Adraugon swelled and went, “Heh.”

Do you want to go next Adraugon? I offered him, I think we're all curious about this whole overlord business. Also, we need proper introductions for Hunt and Rein, of course.

In response Adraugon shared a System screen with all of us.

[Title: Patron

Description: You have acquired vassals through means of dealing for their souls.

Effect: While this title is equipped, the holder benefits from +10% of their vassals' base stats. Upon receiving this title, its holder also receives the overlord classification. Please note that, once this classification has been achieved, the holder is barred from unlocking any other titles that grant it.]

Well, that's not disturbing at all, I lied.

To be honest, I hadn't actually realized monsters could get titles. After seeing that, though, I figured I would've been better off not knowing. There was no denying it was powerful, but if I had a body, I would've shuddered just reading it. That was horrifying.

“It is an honor to be in the service of such a mighty dragon,” Rein boasted with an out-of-place cheer.

Rolling his eyes, Hunt added, “For this power, it's worth it.”

As long as you two are okay with it, I guess. So, um, Adraugon, you benefit from ten percent of their stats now, right?

With a mad cackle, our resident dragon-turned-soul-collector corrected, “More than that. They are part of my hoard now. Dragon's Greed gives more power. Also, this.”

He shared another message.

[Boon: Pact of Draconic Blood

Description: You offer your vassals access to your draconic bloodline.

Effect: At the cost of a small portion of your potential, you grant your vassals access to draconic power. For each vassal you offer this boon to, you will require 10% more experience to level up, but their class or ability will become draconic, and more powerful abilities may be offered to them.]

“It is as it describes,” Rein explained, “After accepting, our species changed to Draconic Lizard Men. We received boosts to our stats and a new ability.”

[Ability: Dragon Scales

Description: You are protected by your draconic scales.

Effect: You benefit from 10% reduced physical damage and 15% reduced magical damage.]

Wow.

“This is the might of dragons!” Adraugon screeched.

Yeah, that's impressive.

He started cackling again, but this time he showed no signs of stopping. I took that as my cue to move on.

So, Vie, Loot, you want to report what we've been working on?

“If you want us to, our queen,” Vie responded.

“If you will it, master,” Loot also responded at the same time.

After an awkward moment of the two looking at each other, it was Vie that delivered the report for the sake of Archie's translating ease, “With the new information that the Hero's party lacks coordination, we have been helping our queen to update the traps to sow as much chaos as possible. Everything has been carefully updated to be more effective now.”

Yeah, that about sums it up, I agreed, Uh, that just leaves Pee. Anything to report?

“Nope!”

Cool. Then, onto the next order of business.

The meeting continued well into the night as we established the final details of our plans. After only one more day, it would come time to see what we could really do when we all came together.