Dug nodded in satisfaction at the barely recognizable corpse that fell from the sky to land at his feet a ways away. Even as he did so he felt the air itself quiver before a presence tried to invade his very soul. He let it breach the first layers of his defenses just to get a sense of what he was dealing with and flinched in surprise at the sudden barrage of words that flooded his vision.

  You have defeated: Toliaro, The Son of Sunlight

  You have gained XP!

  Error! Non-System Entity confirmed.

  Unable to gain XP until full integration.

  Attempting integration.

  It was at this point that Dug felt the power attempt to penetrate his defenses with the intent to emblazon itself upon his soul. With a snort, he drew upon his Waag’s Aspect of Freedom inherent within the depths of his spirit and flicked the attempt away like someone might a bug or insect. It came back, more insistent this time. He flicked it away again impatiently and gradually became more and more annoyed as the feeling grew in power and persistence.

  “Enough!” The old goblin spat as his eyes ignited into green sparking flames. “Yousa leave Dug alone! I notta let you in tah make Dug slave. Isa not undah you!” At the finishing of his speech, he latched onto the power and forced it out before hardening his barriers to keep it away for good. He smirked and turned to the beast in the crater and patted its massive jaws in a comforting way. “Now now beastie. Letsa get you inside. Isa gotta shrooms that will heal yousa up. Come come.” Turning he motioned to the beast to follow him and somewhat reluctantly the beast did so.

  Unknown to Dug, The System was running its programs like normal. It was not thrown off by his refusal, nor did it have the emotions to care. It was programmed into the very world through its Aether leylines and that programming now compelled its next actions.

  Non-System Entity Remains Unregistered

  Conclusion: Power Level Unknown

  Finding Solution

  Bonded Weapon Found

  Analyzing

  Awakening in Process: 32%

  Experience Being Funneled Through Bond

  Successful

  Integration Has Succeeded

  Contacting Administrator

  Confirmed

  New Dungeon Core Beginning Awakening

  Bond With Non-System Entity Confirmed: Still Exists

  Reinforcing Bond

  Integrating

  Integration of Non-System Entity Through Bond Unsuccessful

  Contacting Administrator

  Confirmed

  Non-System Entity Confirmed as Sub-Administrator Per The Overpowered Protocol

  Dug had just about entered his home when a great tingling shot through him and straight into his staff. It shuddered, the gemstone at the top igniting with green flames. Words flickered across his vision, congratulating him on becoming a Sub-Administrator whatever that was.

  This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Dug’s immediate reaction was one of anger as he attempted to purge the influence of whatever this thing was. His Waag flared to remove it only to be halted by the bond tying him to his staff of office. Words began flickering across his vision and despite his anger, the words halted his actions.

  Dug simply huffed at that final message before heading inside his home. Obu continued to shoot out sparks here and there but the original flame had begun to die down. Even as he walked his gaze was continuously bombarded with information as the “System” showed it to him. He was both surprised and annoyed to find that his home had become “Integrated.” Everything now sported a short description which included its history and experience.

  Experience appeared to be a physical representation of each item’s age as well as how long it had been used. For example, Dug’s favorite spoon said exactly that and had a higher Experience count than his other spoons that were used less frequently. Even as he looked around a thought sent him hurrying into the back where he groaned in consternation. His fungal garden had also been Integrated with each entry carefully laid out as if he himself had written it.

  “Wait a minidd…I did write dese!” Annoyed now for a very different reason he hurried to find his book and halted when he saw it. Halted because it was now shining like a beacon to his new form of sight.

  “Yousa change dis right now! Dis is not proppah gobbo speak attall!” Dug roared at the System and to his surprise the System responded with another window.

  “Bah!” Dug stewed for a moment but relented after looking once more at the description of his beloved book. “Fine den! Yousa can have a looksie.” So saying he let down a part of his mental defenses.

  The System didn’t wait long. It rushed in and poured over his memories. It was a weird sensation, like being high on a Mindbender Sporecap. He kept some memories safely hidden away like the origins of his powers or how they were gained but in general, he allowed the System to peruse his mind. Apparently satisfied it withdrew and he received another prompt.

  Dug looked from the words in front of him to the still-glowing staff in his hand. The System now considered it 72% complete in its awakening process. He considered what the administrator had said and moved to find his sitting chair. While doing so he manipulated some Healingcap Spores to begin entering the beastie who had been diligently following him this whole time. While he sat in his comfy chair he motioned to the beast to lie down which it willingly did, already feeling the effects of the Healingcap. Soon it was slumbering away and Dug was free to relax at last.

  Bringing his staff down onto his lap, he began to stroke the gemstone set into the top lovingly. “Yousa will awaken soon Obu. Den we can find out whatta we supposed to do now.”