“Master, I was informed you were in need of me.”

  Steven’s eyes flashed open, and he sat up. He hadn’t planned on taking a nap. “Uh yes. I need you to accompany me back to the dungeon. I’m going to talk with Sirus and Goskia about the Naga prisoners and what to do about Eve.”

  Nev looked around. “Will it be just the two of us?”

  “Yeah, just us. I’m leaving Fidah here to deal with the chained women and Silvia is still busy doing something with the adolescent wisps. She also doesn’t like the rain.”

  “Finally, we will get some alone time,” Nev said as she smiled at him seductively.

  Steven forced a smile. “Alright, are you ready?”

  “Yes, I am ready. Though I’m concerned about you.”

  “I’m fine. I’m just worried about Eve is all.”

  The spider Queen nodded, and they headed out.

  Selecting yes, that he did want to leave the domain, he stepped out into the rain. “Did you want to ride me?” Nev asked.

  “Yes, that would be awesome, thanks. Eventually, you’re going to have to teach me how to travel in my spider form in the swamp.” Nev perked up at that before shifting into her spider form.

  Lester Gallion sat at a table with several Undead along with a slew of officials from the Assassin’s Guild. He could do nothing but just sit there in horror as his superiors spoke.

  “Yes, of course General Gurd. Lester will go back to the undead dungeon and collect your fallen.”

  “Excellent.” General Gurd said, “I will be sending two of our mages with him. This will not be an issue, will it?”

  Lester wanted to protest, but his boss spoke up. “Of course not. We will also be sending a few of our members with him as well.”

  “And when shall they be setting out? My King does not like it when his subjects turn up missing.”

  “Tomorrow morning, we are having trouble contacting the Dungeon Lord there. But worry not, we will travel there by carriage if we must.”

  -Under World-

  “Kevin. Tell me why you accepted the request for not one but two undead dragons to be sent to the surface?”

  “Uh… Well, my lord. You see, I…”

  “Just tell me where they were sent and what being requested them so they can be punished accordingly.”

  “Zargwrath, was the one that summoned them,” Kevin stammered out. “He is in the undead dungeon of Sorin Lazor, my Lord.”

  “Zargwrath.” the demon lord said in a thoughtful manner. “Well, whatever the case, summon the dragons back. Zargwrath will just have to deal with whatever is going on without them. You can send him some assassins as recompense. All seven of the undead dragons must be returned to the cavern before the King’s son arrives.”

  Kevin’s eyes widened at the mention of the Demon King’s son. He hadn’t realized it was that time of the year already. “Yes, my lord at once.”

  Riding Nev was much more exciting than Steven would have ever imagined. He rode right behind her human half. At first he tried to sit back so he wasn’t right up against her. But that was no use, as the spider Queen would move in such a manner that would force him right up against her. She grabbed his arms and made him hold on to her as they traveled. Luckily, her skin was just as soft as it was in her human form. Steven was getting used to her spider form, but it was still horrifying to look at. Well, everything other than her human half.

  She stopped, and the pair had a smoke break. Steven didn’t even have to ask her, and she just stopped on her own. After that, the ride was even more relaxing. Nev told him to just let her know if they needed to stop again, as it was no issue at all.

  From what Steven could tell, there was a webbed highway of sorts. He hadn’t noticed the webs from below, and he could barely see them from above.

  Nev was obviously running along something. She was moving quick enough the wind was blowing his hair back. It wasn’t long, and he began noticing drones and even a few larger spiders as well. When he asked Nev about that, she just said that was her younger daughters. A couple even had egg sacks on them. Nev said that those spiders were going to become true Spider-kin princesses once their human form hatched. Steven just nodded. This world was full of odd things. He asked about Nev’s cities. And she said it was his cities and that he could visit anytime he would like.

  She also mentioned that she had sent more Half Naga into the dungeon. One of her daughters had been apparently holding them prisoner. However, it was only a few hundred Naga, and there were surely hundreds more scattered throughout the swamp. Steven told her to send some drones out to search for them, and she immediately did so. She also mentioned that if the Naga went past her territory, the humans and elves would catch them. Or the goblins that were being pushed into the swamp by the humans might kill them.

  Steven had heard about the goblins before, but had not encountered one. When he asked if they were all bad, she told him yes. And that the goblin race was completely useless. All they did was steal from the other races. When Steven asked what they looked like, Nev said they looked like the goblins in his dreams. However, when Steven said he didn’t know what his dreams predicted them as, Nev stopped and called for some drones to go fetch one. Steven tried to protest, but Nev was adamant, saying he needed to know what they looked like.

  The remainder of the ride was uneventful, and they made it to the dungeon without issue.

  When they entered the rain barrier of the dungeon, Steven shifted into his spider form and then back to his human form. Though he was still drenched.

  “Master, what is it you are trying to do?”

  “Well, I thought it would dry my clothes. It had worked once, although that may have been because I was wet in my spider form when I shifted forms.”

  “I can have the drones make you some webbed clothing.”

  “Uh, no, that’s fine. I have some extra clothes.” Steven said as he pulled out a table from his inventory. He then pulled out some dry clothes and laid them on the table. After ordering Nev to turn around, he began changing. Once he was in dry clothes, they began down the stairs. Though Steven stopped when it started getting dark. ”I should have brought some glow stones.”

  “Don’t you have a dark vision potion?”

  “Well, yes I do, but… I don’t want to drink drone eyes.”

  Nev said nothing and just stared at him. Steven groaned and pulled out a dark vision potion. He nearly gagged as he downed the potion. It’s not like he hadn’t drunk them before. But now that he knew what was in the potions, he really didn’t want to drink them any more. But he had to do this for Eve. Steven fought the urge to puke as they continued down the stairs. Once they reached the actual dungeon barrier, Steven took a deep breath before placing his hand on it. Even though he knew he wouldn’t get trapped, it still felt wrong to go back into the place that had nearly killed him so many times.

  After placing his hand on the barrier, Steven froze as a prompt appeared.

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

  Would you like to enter Dungeon Of Odling’s Little Harem. Yes/No?

  “What the hell Silvia! Why?”

  After a few calming breaths, Steven turned to Nev. “What does it say when you place your hand on the barrier?”

  “I’m unsure Master. I have not entered since we left. I sent the drones to escort the half Naga.” Nev then walked up and placed her hand on the barrier. She immediately stiffened. “Uh, Master. I know this is your dungeon now, but this name is quite misleading.”

  “You think! I’m not the one that did it. This was Silvia!”

  The spider Queen’s eyes narrowed. “What ever the case, we should continue.”

  Steven selected yes and was sucked into the dungeon. After a moment, Nev was next to him in her human form.

  “Shall we?” Nev said as she locked her arm in his and they began walking down the tunnel.

  Once they made it to the main chamber, Steven noticed tons of zombies, and he froze.

  “It would be best to go through the hidden paths.” Nev said.

  “Yea, you’re right.” Steven said as they began toward the waterfall. “Will they attack me even though I’m now technically the Dungeon Lord?”

  “That question is best suited for the wisp, as I’m unsure how it works exactly. I believe they will be somewhat docile towards you. Though I am unsure.”

  “Well, I suppose we will find out.”

  Silviaburlaxatrix pushed the life-force from Steven’s domain into multiple adolescent wisps. The life force was potent, and she now understood what the council was talking about. Channeling it caused her to strain the limits of her light. At times, it would even cause her to flicker uncontrollably. Having the outlet of the adolescent wisps was her only saving grace. Her light would have likely shattered if she didn’t have somewhere to send the excess life-force. Even when she took in the minimal amount, it was still too much. She needed to figure something else out. Eventually, all the adolescent wisps would become full wisps. And with that many wisps pulling from Steven’s domain, she was afraid it could cause problems.

  Traversing the dungeon was a simple matter. Steven did his best to avoid killing any of the undead or send them to inventory. It would just be a waste, as Charles would have to create more. Once he killed all the undead in his inventory, he planned to come back and create some to keep on hand. Having a horde of undead on stand by would no doubt be useful. Although, from what Silvia told him, he would be limited by how much essence the dungeon had. It would apparently slowly accumulate essence naturally, but it took a long while and if he took too many undead away from the dungeon, it would no longer be a dungeon. Or something like that. Steven really didn’t understand everything when Silvia was explaining things. He was just not supposed to use up too much of the dungeon essence. He was extremely curious about creating undead, but he would have to wait till he was next to the dungeon core to access the dungeon essence. Though he did have the domain so he could use his personal essence. Did this mean he was a necromancer now?

  Nev continued to flirt with him through most of the dungeon, but she eventually caught on that he was in no mood to be seduced.

  Once they reached the third floor, drones came to escort them the rest of the way. Steven was glad for this as he had no idea where the other hidden paths were. The drones apologized for not being there when they entered to escort them. Steven told them not to worry as they didn’t know he was even coming. It felt odd being treated like royalty, but he was starting to become accustomed to it.

  Steven learned a lot while traveling through the dungeon. Such as he no longer gained any essence from the dungeon monsters. There was also a new tab for the undead he sent to inventory. It was labeled: Undead from the Dungeon of Odling’s Little Harem. This was annoying, and the longest name in his inventory, but there was nothing he could do about it. Hopefully, he could have Silvia change the dungeon name back, as it was quite embarrassing. He didn’t want everyone to think he was forming a harem. Hopefully, no one noticed the name change yet.

  The only monsters that tried to attack them were the abominations which Steven just sent to inventory. This made him really miss his portal ability. Nev asked why he was no longer using the portals and he had to explain what happen with Jabriel. He had completely forgotten to tell her anything about it. She asked about his new shard ability that replaced it and Steven explained it the best he could. He told her he hadn’t tried it yet because he had no idea where he would end up. A random location within a mile of the destination was a bit vague and in the swamp it was likely he would end up in the swamp water.

  Steven’s eyes widened when he entered the room that they had fought the Elder Demon in. It was full of Half Naga. With all the makeshift tents, it looked like some sort of refugee camp. Which he supposed that’s exactly what it was.

  “It’s hard to believe just a week ago we were in here fighting an Elder Demon.” Steven said.

  He then remembered the undead half of the Elder Demon in his inventory. That was something he needed to deal with, as he could likely gain a good chunk of essence from it.

  “My king!” A joyful Spider-kin called out as he ran over to kneel in front of Steven and Nev.

  It took Steven a moment to recognize the drone. It was Charles; he had on Naga gear and looked like a proper warrior.

  “Hey Charles, I’m glad to see you are doing well. Please stand up.”

  “I have done as you asked and have done the best I can to protect the Half Naga.”

  “And you have done a fine job. Could you point me in the direction of the Elders?”

  “I will lead you there myself.” No sooner than Charles said this, another drone ran over and nodded in respect to Charles before kneeling before Steven. “Please allow me. Mr. Charles need not worry himself with such simple matters.”

  Charles looked a bit let down and Nev looked a bit confused at the exchange, but didn’t say anything.

  “Alright, then lead on.” Steven said, “And Charles, you are doing a fantastic job. Keep it up.” This seemed to put a smile back on the drone’s face. They began following the other drone towards what used to be Sorin’s throne room.

  This, too, looked like a refugee camp. However, this section had a few luxurious looking tents set up in it.

  “Would you like me to gather all the elders?” The drone asked.

  “Yes, that would be great.” No sooner than Steven spoke. A couple more drones dropped from the ceiling and began to go into the tents.

  “It will just be a few moments.” The drone said as he too ran off.

  “Wow, you have been busy creating drones.” Steven said.

  “Does this please Master?”

  “It does. I like the drones. They are very loyal.”

  “Yes.” Nev said, “They have really taken a liking to their King. Ever since you turned into your spider King form, the drones have been talking about you nonstop. You are the only male to ever achieve a spider form. They look up to you.”

  “Why? It’s not like I done anything. You're the one who gave me the shard. All I did was absorb it.”

  “It was your soul that took that power and turned it into the Spider King form. That shard could have very well given you any sort of ability.”

  Steven didn’t get a chance to reply before a drone came running over, telling them it was time. The pair were then led to one of the luxurious tents. Steven paused before entering as he heard voices. “What is the meaning of this? I am an Elder you cannot just summon me here like a commoner.”

  Steven thought he recognized the voice, but couldn’t be sure.

  “It is fine. The Spider-kin would have not summoned us here if it wasn’t for good reason.” This voice, Steven recognized it was Elder Vasuki.

  “Shall we?” Nev said as she locked arms with Steven.

  He nodded, and they walked into the tent. All eyes turned towards them. Steven recognized several of them. Sirus, Goskia and even the arena master were present. However, Steven couldn’t remember his name. It was kill something.

  Elder Vasuki stood up and pointed a finger at Steven. “Its you. The one that impersonated Shirem!” Elder Vasuki began to look around wildly. “Guards! Arrest him immediately.”

  One guard took a step forward, but when he noticed that no one else made a move he quickly stepped back.

  “Elder Vasuki.” Goskia said, “I believe there is some sort of misunderstanding. This is Steven the Dungeon Lord that took us in after the humans attacked our home.”

  Elder Vasuki sat down with a confused look on his face.

  “Time has not treated you well, Vasuki.” Nev said with a seductive smile.

  “And who are you supposed to be?” another one of the Naga asked.

  Nev smiled viciously and began to shift into her spider form.

  “Nev! Stop that.”

  Steven took a deep breath. “I have come here today to discuss two matters. The first is about your home.” All eyes turned from Nev and locked onto Steven. “It still stands. There is also a contingent of knights held up there along with several Half Naga prisoners.”

  “Do we know how many prisoners?” Sirus asked.

  Sirus and Goskia seemed to be the only ones that weren’t still freaking out about Nev’s identity.

  “I’m unsure Captain Sirus.” Steven said. “Although...”

  “That is Elder Sirus now.” One of the guards said.

  Steven's brow creased at the Naga that spoke. “Is that Shirem?”

  The guard’s eyes widened, and he took a step back. “Yes,” Shirem stammered out. “I- I would like to know where Miss Evesakia Swift Tail is.”

  “She is Master’s property now and…”

  “Nev. Shush.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  “Eve is the second thing I wanted to talk about. But we can move on to that if you’re not interested in reclaiming your home.”

  “Shirem, leave us,” Sirus said.

  “But.”

  “I agree with Sirus. This is no place for you.” Goskia said.

  Shirem glared at Steven as he left.

  “Let us discuss reclaiming our home,” Goskia said.

  The rest of the meeting was uneventful. Steven called for a smoke break halfway through. He hated politics. The Naga just stayed seated. It was obvious that they didn’t want to take a break, but Steven was getting overwhelmed. He wished Silvia would have come with him. But the spider Queen was also good at negotiations. Steven mostly sat as they talked.

  Eventually, it came to an end. Steven was annoyed by the amount of time wasted on nonsense. He could have come up with the plan in five minutes. Nev would go say that the area was hers and most likely the humans would just leave. Then the Half Naga could resume their life as normal. Well, normal as it could be with so many of their clan being enslaved and killed. In tribute for this service, they would become subjects to the Spider Queen. This was Nev’s part of the deal. If she was going to offer them protection, she wanted something in return. This would be a treaty that would last throughout the generations. As for now, Steven had become the King of the Half Naga. This was something Nev would not budge on and Steven just accepted. As for Eve. Goskia and a couple other Half Naga would come to check on her condition. Goskia said they would figure something out.

  Steven was also happy to find that Goskia had been working on growing the plant he confiscated from him. He said he would let him know when it was ready. Though it would be different, as he didn’t have any seeds and had to use an ability to make it grow. Steven didn’t mind, and it gave him something to look forward to.

  Once that was over, Steven was going to create some undead with his new domain powers. But after talking with Charles, he decided he would wait. The Spider-kin told him the Dungeon Of Odling’s Little Harem’s reserve of essence was low from creating all the new undead. Charles apologized profusely, but Steven told him to not worry about it. He would just come back later. He also ordered Charles to refer to the dungeon as just the undead dungeon.