Tusk clashes against blade and begins to fracture. Not wanting to be let the chance go to waste, Tweedledum pushes even harder against the Boar. Applying more force, the tusk shatters and he leans in to the attack. Carving a large gash through the side of the creature with his momentum. It's not enough to finish the creature who's squealing in pain. Furiously, it spins around and attempts to gorge it's attacker with its other rusk.

  Turning fast, the Boar catches open air as the Rogue has disappeared. Caught off guard, Tweedledee appears from behind and bisects the creature's rear hoof. His knife gets lodged in the second as he tried to continue the motion and the beast almost collapses on top of him.

  "You're so bad sometimes." Tweedledum falls out from behind the trees laughing. With the threat immobilised he a taken the opportunity to have a sly dig at his partner.

  "It wasn't that bad, I took off one of its feet, didn't I? And I took it down. I didn't see your attack do that." Trying his best to dislodge his dagger from the Boar's bone, Dee gets his own dig in. Smiling briefly at Dum.

  "Maybe not, but did you see all the damage I did? Hahahaha. I'm feeling pretty hardcore right now." He boasts, sticking out his chest and striking a macho pose.

  Dee puts more effort into the task to ignore his friend's stupidity and finally manages to get the knife free, severing the other hoof and breaking the rusty blade at the same time.

  Missing two of its feet, the Boar isn't going anywhere ever again after sustaining those types of injuries. Even if they weren't to finish it off, the creature would still become food for the forest.

  "So, who gets to kill this one?" Dum chuckles at his partner who is still staring at the broken dagger in his hand.

  "You might as well have it. I'll try and find something to carry the Boar with. I don't really want to have to draw it all the way back." Dee pouts.

  "But if we have to, that's your side. You made the mess," Dum laughs.

  "What? We should at least flip for it. It was a stealth attack, I couldn't rightly appear in front of him and..." Dee's words trail off when he hears something.

  The Boar looks at Tweedledum and huffs in satisfaction. Louder and louder with each passing second, the sound of thunder growing closer can only mean one thing.

  "Kill it now and let's go. We don't have time to take it with us anymore!" Dee shouts as a nervous Dum thrusts his blade and half his arm through the Boar's eye socket, silencing the beast forever. Covered in brains, Tweedledum and his partner make a hasty get away.

  "Are we headed back?"

  "We have too. My weapon is broken," The sadness in Dee reply is evident.

  "Ok. But your telling the Boss what happened." Dum states.

  "What? Why me?" Not wanting to explain the circumstances that led to his knife breaking, he tries to worm his way out of it.

  "Because. You're the one with the broken knife. Hahahaha."

  Dee grumbles begrudgingly but accepts his fate. Even if he is a worried about reporting this to his master. The first time they had returned the dungeon she was extremely disappointed with them. She wasn't even happy with the high quality of Goblin they had returned with. Nevermind the Troll that had just been brought back, what's she going to say about his broken his knife.

  With these thoughts, Tweedledee and Tweedledum set off home to report their adventure and accident, probably getting an earful from Abi in the process. This dungeon was strict. Not that they had ever belonged to any other dungeons before to know different, but they wanted to prove their loyalty and strength were beyond measure.

  The Adventures of Dum and Dee.

  Dungeon Stories

  Whenever I feel like I'm getting used to the new life that has been thrust upon me, something new slaps me in the face to assure me otherwise. My sanity rests on a razor blade above an abyss, keeping me on my toes.

  Seriously, can't a girl catch a break?

  I had almost caught up on the features still to placed in my dungeon, but that amount has just doubled in size. Well, not literally. It's not that I'm ungrateful for the bountiful points I earn from my hard-working scouts, it's just getting harder to remember everything.

  Being a Dungeon Core feels like living in the fast lane.

  Its new skill, after feature, after monster, after skill, after... You get where that was going, right?

  Wow.

  I knew I was doing well, but that's a lot faster than I thought.

  It's as though I'm on the Cair Expressway, with no carts in the way to slow me down. Wind magic thrusts me forward and I hardly have time to glimpse the skills and features before they pass.

  Uff. It's a tough life for us Dungeon Cores.

  I'd say we best keep our eyes open, but we definitely have enough of those in the Dungeon now.

  I'm still shocked by how amazing the Vagabonds are, but I need to get a move on since they brought back a ton of DP.

  Even though I saw it not that ago, I bring upy status to see how far I am from the next level.

  Quite far.

  My DP is at its limit and Stockpile managed to claim itself almost a hundred points from Sandy and Senna's tribute. I wouldn't even be able to retain all those points if I had been at 0 when they returned.

  Oh well. Only 1182 points left to go until Stockpile reaches level 9.

  I better get spending before Barry aids my skill rather than myself. I'll have to question those two Vagabonds once I'm done as well. I mean, how the hell did they manage to bring back a full party of adventurers?

  See what I mean?

  This Core can't catch a break.

  Dispersing my Manifestation, I'm sure I've grown slightly bigger but don't have the time to check right now. Swapping picture images for my overview, I bring up the first floor.

  There's loads to do again now that I've levelled up multiple times. Instead of one of my new features, however, I start with the most promising. The first building I created has already undergone two upgrades and even looks respectable as it is now.

  The most advanced feature I own is going to cost quite the sum to upgrade again though.

  Nevertheless, upgrade it I shall.

  Taskmaster Talia.

  That has such a nice ring to it.

  Contracts too? She's the real deal now!

  I've unlocked my favourite drink, but I can't take part and enjoy it. What a let down.

  I don't get chance to complain as the Tavern's size increases drastically. When it stops, two thirds of the room have been covered by the spectacular-looking feature. I almost couldn't believe my metaphorical eyes as the building grew. It was so shocking, that it might not fit after another upgrade.

  Not that I'll be purchasing that anytime soon. The next upgrade is more than 300DP! I know my points are looking quite good at the minute, but that's a lot for one feature.

  Costs aside, the Retreat looks amazing as Light Clusters shine down in it from above. Gaining a little height, stairs lead the way to the establishment's entrance beneath its new awning.

  No longer crooked, double doors lead inside where not a single speck of dust can be seen. Black and red banners line the walls and the letter A, surrounded by a ring of knives, is featured on them. Identical to the chain Dungeon Disciple Avos wears.

  Behind the banners, the walls look to have been painted. Even though I know that's not the case, the decor inside is starting to look good. The stairs inside have been upgraded to oak and a golden banister spans the entire upper floor which now holds twice the amount of rooms than it did before. A two-person couch has been placed where I had my mishap with Veris and the rest of the gang.

  Ahh, good times.

  The Tavern wasn't the only thing that changed. Talia is gifted a long, black leather cloak from The System with the letter A embroidered on the back and almost looks like she's wearing one of the banners. I won't say that to her though. She's still annoyed from the first time I opened my mouth.

  The inside of the cloak is made of a soft, light blue material that matches her colour of her hair. Now held up in bun, it puts her new jewelry on show for all to see. A gold choker was what The System decided for some reason, but it makes Talia look legit and I'm not complaining.

  She also has the Silver Rapier I just unlocked in a scabbard at her side. The crude-looking Rusty Dagger sits on her other hip looking outdated.

  I can't wait to give everyone better equipment, but I know now isn't the time to do that. Even without a high-quality dagger, Talia looks the part of a Guild Master now.

  A damn good looking one too.

  What an upgrade!

  I'm super pleased that the Retreat is in tiptop condition. I mean, it's about time. Talia was already beautiful but now the feature matches the proprietress.

  Although a quarter of my DP disappeared in the space of a confirmation, it was certainly worth it. I feel giddy and it's hard to pull myself away, but I need move on. Next, I'll fill the room between the Acolytes and the Shop of Secrets with a new feature.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  I don't want to be known as the Hoarding Dungeon.

  Me, what buildings are there to place?

  Nope. I just want you to tell me.

  I don't want to see the list.

  Air a minute. Are you trying to avoid talking to me?

  Okay then, how about this. You can list them to me...

  ...one by one.

  Nope. I don't need another useless hut just yet, thank you.

  The Pit? I remember seeing that one, but I didn't get chance to Examine it. What does it do? I mean, what use will I have for it?

  That's the reason I asked you to tell me instead of choosing from the list, Me.

  It would have taken me longer to decide and, knowing my luck, probably wouldn't have been happy afterwards.

  What you said sounds great though.

  Let's do it.

  That wasn't three bad, but I'm not finished yet. A ring made of stones appears in the floor as the soil darkens. Before the feature has a chance to get any further, I hit the upgrade button.

  That's the first piece of decor I've earned that lower resistance and it's already been upgraded to 40%.

  I'm on a roll today.

  A circular platform of solid stone rises from the Dungeon floor, creating the arena for the Sparring Grounds. Weapon racks line the outside and pikes signify the feature's boundary.

  Out of everything that was created, my attention is fixated on the weapon racks. There is quite a lot to choose from and there are even a few weapons that I'm not able to summon yet.

  How's that possible?

  Fair enough. What's next then, Me?

  Should I do another building or a monster? What do you think?

  Yeah, I'm fine. It's you that I'm worried about.

  Are you though, Me? Are you really?

  Who judges your performance? The System?

  It always comes back to death, doesn't it? That damn System, she's going to get a piece of mind one of...

  Wait a minute. What was that last part? You never mentioned that before. Helping humans?

  What war? There wasn't a war when I was still alive.

  Hmm...

  Abi the Ignorant. I like that one. She could pretend to have not seen any of that. No Gods. No Demons. No System. Abi the Ignorant has it good.

  Lucky Bitch. I'm jealous.

  Abi the Current, can't stop thinking about what she read and it's stressing her out.

  I'd really like to jump back into my 'I don't care' attitude right now, but it's not working. Plus, it's my own stupid fault. I should have upgraded blindly instead of trying to find out what's going on with Me. I certainly didn't expect our conversation to involve lazy Gods and that bitch System.

  I don't know why, but she just grinds my Core. Even when she gives me what I want, it makes me frustrated.

  I'd like to forget about her if I could. Unfortunately, she always in the conversation one way or the other.

  What if the System's running on outdated programming thanks of the Lazy God's lack of care?

  In that case, you shouldn't worry about The System either. Forget her. You're your own System now. Well, you're still mine, but you know what I mean.

  Dungeon Abi is where it's at. Think about how lucky you got being partnered with me. I was lucky too, being with you and all. I could have ended up with a right grouch. That would suck. You, on the other hand, have been invaluable, Me, I honestly don't know what I would do without you?

  Wailing.

  Hehehe.

  I feel better now that Me seems a little more relaxed, so it's time to press on.

  I'll do another building and then we'll see how many points we're left. The Sparring Grounds cost quite a bit after all. Me, what's the cheapest building I can purchase.

  That is cheap. I also remember seeing that one too, but it was another I jus didn't get around to Examine. That's another reason why Me's indispensable. He looks over everything I have and knows what they do.

  Seriously, my list is that big I don't even want to look at it anymore.

  With tributes like those last two patrols, I could even put a stop Barry's digging if I wanted to. Not that I will, this Core likes to spend. Ignoring another stupid idea, I confirm my purchase and put it next to the Shop of Secrets.

  It makes sense to keep them together, right?

  A small cottage builds itself beside the wooden stall that Tara and Lara run and is finished in seconds.

  Missing a few bricks, as most first-level features do, it's the missing roof that's bugging me. It also looks like someone has pulled a well up from the ground, smashed a hole in the front and then decided to make a business in it. So yeah.

  It's about what I was expecting for a 20 point purchase and needs a Rogue to fill the vacant position. Should I try a Vagabond? Would that work?

  Opting for a Rogue -I do as instructed, because I'm good like that, and name her Lucinda. Assigning her to the Cracked Cauldron, Lucinda's armour changes to robes and I'm reminded of when Talia went through her own transformation.

  That seems like forever ago when in reality it was only the other day. When constant events and no sleep become your world, your very existence, time loses its concept and everything blends into one gorgeous... Slime!

  "Hey, Peaches."

  I pop Manifestation on and beckon the cute, pink babe over. She's watching Lucinda's transformation very closely for some reason. Veris and the four Vagabonds I sent to her have also accompanied Peaches.

  Looking at Veris, and then the four Veris-wannabes behind her, is weird as hell. But I'll let it slide because they all look good.

  They're lucky I'm so understanding.

  And I wouldn't even know where to begin on that subject. Things are already strange enough around here.

  Anyway, they may be beautiful, but Peaches is an absolute idol. I hope she stays with us forever. Tara and Lara are also present since I placed this feature next to theirs. Everyone watches as Lucinda's transformation ends when Peaches shuffles over to me on her Slime half to ask me a question.

  Cute.

  "What happened to her body?"

  Huh? Her body?

  I was confused for a second there. Until I saw two large reasons why she thought Lucinda's body had changed. And it wasn't because she's only just gained the joy of sight.

  "Veris!" I can't help but raise my voice.

  "What's up, Boss?" My Boss Monster, who for whatever reason likes to refer to me in the same way, skips over after congratulating Lucinda.

  "What did I say to do when Peaches wakes up?" I'm sure she remembers. It wasn't even that long ago.

  "Hmm. I don't remember?" You little liar. It's written all across your face that you do.

  "Let me ask then. What is she missing?" Without missing a beat, two of the four Veris clones raise their hand. They lower them when glared at by Veris, however, who then continues to play dumb.

  "She's missing clothes, Veris. Clothes! I don't wanna see those big-ol' things jingling around every few seconds. How is anyone supposed to concentrate when that's happening?"

  "Oh, that. I remember now. I thought you were joking. Didn't you say she looked cute?" Veris corners me with her wit. Sly fox.

  I create a quick robe for Peaches. Altering it slightly with DP, a pink dress is what she ends up with and I feel much better.

  Lucinda has darker skin than the others so far with bright red lips and dark black hair.

  Gone is the Rogue, hidden away in her layers of stealth. Instead, goggles, overalls and a pair of dextrous yellow gloves, finish off the Potion Brewer's apparel. With thick, black hair tied behind her and dark skin, that's one more sexy lady to add to the roster.

  Damn, I was actually thinking of creating a roster.

  Her eyes are like Violet's, extremely alluring, and I have to look away. I don't miss the Dungeon insignia stitched onto her left chest pocket though.

  "Wow. She's... Beautiful. Just... Like us." Peaches declares, loud enough for the entire dungeon to hear.

  Not missing her chance, Veris adds, "You know what the Boss is like. Only the finest."

  What is it with Veris?

  I wasn't perfect, but I wasn't that crass either. I pick my moments carefully.

  Veris... Is something else.

  Lucinda bows, "Thank you, Master."

  I feel gratitude flowing from her, but her words were enough.

  "I hope you do well in your new position." I hope to encourage her to be anything-but like Veris.

  "So anyway, Boss. The reason we came over was because... I want to go out with the scouting parties. Now that I've got the girls, they can hold the fort down whilst I rack in some levels. I'll stay and defend the Dungeon if that's what you want, but I think I could protect the dungeon better if I was stronger. To do that I need levels, to get levels I've got to go kill shit. I just really want to get stronger!"

  Gods! Just bloody go.

  Maybe being in that room all day is getting to her? Or maybe this is just what she's like? At this point though, I need her to go out more than she wants too.

  Still, I'm glad she's my Boss Monster. Veris stands out amongst the Vagabonds since she's the only one with snow-white hair. The rest all have sandy shades.

  With how she acts, I wouldn't be surprised if she wanted to go out just to flaunt her beauty. Being in that room nobody's likely to reach for a while, I can understand why she wants to go out.

  "Sure, why not." I try my best to sound as casual and gracious as possible without shouting, please.

  "Really? Yes! Thank you, Boss. You won't regret it!" She attempts to embrace me by diving at my Manifestation, but passes straight through. Landing in the bosom of the Vagabond behind me.

  I thought she had me for a second there, although that could have been my imagination. Maybe if I level I a few more times it might become possible.

  Touch!

  I can't wait.

  I tell Veris to choose two members to accompany her, but state that Peaches is off limits. She has to remain here since we have a contract. She doesn't completely human yet either and her lower half is just Slime. Adventurers will attack her on sight. She looks like a unique monster. Hell, she is a unique monster!

  I could come up with a million reasons for why Peaches won't be going with Veris. But the truth of the matter is she's just too cute to let go.

  Veris doesn't seem as bothered as I thought she would and only sops to point at two Vagabonds before skipping away.

  "I'll be back soon, Boss. I'll bring something good back too." She's gone before I can respond and I'm only left worrying. Peaches listens in as the two remaining Vagabonds speak to Lucinda about potions whilst Tara and Lara look inside the Cauldron.

  I'm getting quite the population going now.

  I may as well keep spending.

  Next on my list are two Shadow Walkers. There were two reasons for this. The first was based on the performance of the Rogues and Vagabonds. They bring back some serious DP. The second reason is to unlock the next line in their class. Advancing in your class is natural for any Adventurer, but I'm able to summon them as tier 4 Rogues.

  The reason there's two of them, isn't what your thinking. Instead of being added to the scouting parties and sent out to farm DP, they will work independently from the rotations. They'll have the freedom to come and go as they please and in return, I expect them to learn as much as they can about what's happening outside the Dungeon.

  Making the purchase sends tingles up my Core. This light of creation, which I'm quite familiar with now, is a soft yellow instead of blue. I'm guessing it's because of their tier? Either that or it's because each one of them is worth the price of a building. Once the light has faded, my new additions are mixed gender and neither are wearing armour, but what look like rather-expensive clothes.

  The males has long, red hair and wears a dark mask that only covers the skin around his bright, amber eyes. He's outfit, a rich white with golden stitching, is made from all silk. Gold cufflinks featuring the Dungeon insignia and a red sash finish his appearance, the only thing he's missing is a cape.

  I don't know wether to bow or ask why he looks so outrageously lavish.

  The woman, however, looks rather elegant. She has a low cut, black and white dress with ruffled sleeves and lace gloves stretching up her arms. Her light blue hair is braided back in french plaits and a Dungeon Insignia hairpin sits in place. Like her companion, a mask is hiding her face and looks to be made of crystals.

  Why do the Shadow Walkers look like they're going a masquerade party?

  I'm more shocked at the lack of armour than anything else. The masks look quite cool, but how is she going to defend herself in that dress? And this guy... I don't even want too. I can already see some thin going wrong here.

  "Master!" As though he had read my mind, the male drops to one knee and places a fist across his chest, "I am here to serve!" He declares boldly for everyone to hear, catching the attention of everyone who wasn't already paying attention.

  The woman next to him throws an icy flare his way and I end up feeling sorry for him. This guy is going to have it hard because she already looks like she's exhausted with him.

  What a handful this is going to be.

  I suppose I should name them then.