CONQUEST: The Dungeon Core Gambit Book One

by Antony W. F. Chow

  The bear growled and suddenly charged at the pack! However, the ground under its feet softened and turned into quicksand. As the bear struggled to break free of the trap, its heavy weight caused the bear to sink deeper. When the bear sank to its neck, Fast Runner slowly padded over.

  Markos created a Supreme Earth Elemental. The minion grasped the enormous body of the bear like a toy and held the creature in the air. The dungeon core activated his Befriend creature ability through the elemental.

  The bear roared its frustration and ignored the request. It struggled to break free but the elemental's grasp was unyielding.

  Markos willed the elemental to squeeze, slowly crushing the bear's ribs and causing it great pain. He asked again. Will you be my ally?

  Let go!

  Only if you become my ally. Or else my elemental will turn you into mush. For good measures, Markos imagined the result and sent the image to the bear's mind.

  The image scared the bear enough for it to cease its struggle. Fine!

  What is your name?

  Big Eater.

  "Befriended: Big Eater, Level 12." I'm Markos Turloch, the dungeon core which controls the land that you stand on. As my ally, you are part of my pack and you will receive my protection. Just like Fast Runner and her pack. So please get along with her. In the meantime, I will offer you some food.

  Markos took notice of the grapevines out of reach of the bear. He ordered the elemental to place the bear on the ground. Before Big Eater could leave, Markos created a platform under the bear's feet and elevated the ground until the bear could reach the grapes.

  Big Eater saw the delicious grapes dangling above his head. He stood on his feet and took big bites out of the grapevines.

  The dungeon core waited patiently for his new ally to eat his fill of the grapes. When the bear ate up all the grapes he could reach, Markos gently lowered the bear to the ground. Come here, Fast Runner.

  The alpha wolf approached cautiously. She sniffed at the female bear, who simply ignored the presence of the wolf. Once Fast Runner felt she was safe, the wolf sat next to the bear.

  Very good. I want you guys to get along because you are now part of my pack. I want to be friends with everyone in this forest. And I'm asking you to help me find other animals that I could befriend to join my pack. Markos created another Supreme Earth Elemental. You're going to split up and one of my minions will accompany each of you.

  I sleep now, the bear replied.

  That's fine. You can rest now and search in the morning. Remember that as a part of my pack, I will grant you protection from humans, goblins, and other hunters of your kind as long as you remain within my domain. I will summon as many minions as necessary to eliminate the threat to my pack. Fast Runner, do you wish to rest as well?

  The wolf growled. The night is young. We search. With a bark, she ran off and the rest of her pack followed.

  The bear sniffed loudly and started lumbering off to her cave.

  * * *

  As the wolf pack conducted its search in the woods, Markos spent the rest of the night experimenting with his summoning ability. He took the bodies of the goblins out of storage and used them to create ghouls via his Create minions ability. There were 9 in total. Jessica, where should I put them?

  The dungeon helper appeared before the primary core a few minutes later. "Master, I suggest that you avoid putting the ghouls in your dungeon at this time," she answered cautiously.

  Why?

  Jessica folded her thin arms across her chest. "So far, your dungeon has only three elements: earth, fire, and water. If we introduce the dark element, then the Holy Temple may seek to destroy you by claiming that you are evil."

  Aren't I evil? I even have the word "Infernal" in my UI.

  The faery rolled her eyes and sighed. "Humans have biases and misconceptions of the true laws of the world of Enwald. They believe that only evil creatures can create the undead but that is simply not true. It's NOT the act of raising undead that is evil but rather HOW the minions are used which matters the most. If, for example, raiders invade a town, a priest may decide to raise the undead from the bodies of those who died and use them to repel the invaders. His original purpose is to protect the lives of the townspeople and thus, he raised the undead for a good purpose. Yet, the Holy Temple will punish this priest for using forbidden magic, brand him as evil, and crucify him."

  I'm glad I'm no longer human, then, because I wouldn't be able to abide living in fear of the edicts of the Holy Temple.

  "Master, my hope is that you will evolve to the next stage soon and get access to the Light element. That, in turn, would allow you to summon holy minions like the Valkyrie," Jessica said.

  But we don't know what conditions will trigger the evolution.

  The helper shook her head.

  We'll just have to continue doing what we've been doing so far.

  Chapter 23

  Tomb of Ryota the Conqueror

  With the assistance of his dungeon helper, the dungeon core resumed expanding his underground domain horizontally. He focused on expanding toward the west in order to bring the entire forest into his domain.

  However, something expected occurred during this expansion: he discovered an ancient, forgotten tomb. The tomb had stone walls that were 12 feet high and one foot thick. It was also in the shape of a pyramid.

  Markos made a hole in the wall by converting it to raw building material for his dungeon.

  Skeletal guardians started pouring through the opening like ants!

  Markos immediately used Earth Work to trap the skeletons by turning the ground beneath them into quicksand and made the monsters sink to their knees. What's this?

  The dungeon core used his Analyze ability on the structure. He saw the strange writings on the walls that looked similar to Arabic but he couldn't read it. The Analyze ability allowed Markos to peer through the walls as if he had X-Ray vision. It turned out that the tomb was comprised of a sarcophagus placed horizontally on the ground in the middle of the room. The walls were lined with skeletons, each apparently a warrior wearing armor and carrying a sword and shield. On the ground were bodies of apparent slaves; they had neither armor nor equipment but each person had a slave collar around the neck.

  Each wall, except for the one he broke into, was lined with 10 skeletal warriors similar to the ones he had trapped in quicksand. For the particular wall that he broke into, all the warriors had left their positions to fight the intruder--him. Can I take control of these minions?

  Jessica flew closer to one of the skeletons trapped outside the tomb. Since only the dungeon keeper could see her, the helper was not bothered by them. She shook her head. "They appear to be bound by a mix of powerful magic and strong personal loyalty to their liege. Even your Befriend ability will not overcome such bonds. Honestly, you're better off killing them and using their remains to create your own skeletal minions. You CAN use your Create minion ability to make them. However, your minions won't be as strong as these," she observed.

  Markos sighed mentally. He used Earth Work again to sink the minions until their bodies were entirely covered. He then hardened the sand into rocks, fossilizing them altogether. Then he broke each wall, in turn, to lure out the skeletal guardians and fossilized them. When the task was completed, he created an Earth Elemental, with the size of a normal human, to enter the tomb and open the lid of the sarcophagus.

  The elemental snapped the bodies of the slaves wherever it stepped.

  Markos winced at the noise of brittle bones being broken but tried his best to endure it. He created a few stone hands and took a few slave collars off the floor. He wanted to analyze the collars at a later time and replicate them for use in the surface world.

  Markos peered into the sarcophagus through the eyes of his earth elemental. Inside the coffin was the skeletal remains of a warrior dressed in steel plate armor and an open-faced helm. His gauntlets held a massive, two-handed sword. The gear gleamed with a faint blue light.

>   Suddenly, two red eyes appeared inside the eye sockets of the warrior. "Who dares disturb the eternal rest of Ryota the Conquerer?" he whispered.

  Markos sent his thoughts to the awakened undead liege. I apologize for interrupting your eternal rest. I am Markos Turloch, a former human reincarnated by the Gods as a Dungeon Core. I came across your tomb while expanding my domain. Unfortunately, I had to put down all your guards.

  "How long as it been since I was laid to rest?"

  I don't know. I've been alive for only a few months. You are currently in the merchant kingdom of Vessar in the world of Enwald.

  "You said that you're expanding your domain?"

  Yes. As a dungeon core, I need to expand my territory in order to grow and advance. If you wish, I can reseal your tomb and add protections of my own to ensure that your rest will not be disturbed again.

  Ryota was silent for a moment as he pondered the offer. "No, I have rested long enough. I shall leave my tomb and explore this 'Enwald.'"

  In that case, I have two requests. First, I ask that you accept my Befriend request and become my ally. This allows me to create a telepathic link with you and remain in contact even if you leave my territory. Second, I have two human companions who are on a quest on the surface. A female witch and a teenage boy who is her apprentice. Neither is a fighter and both could benefit from your protection as a warrior. The boy, in particular, is a target because he is very attractive and females will want to mate with him.

  The skeletal warrior chuckled. "Are the women here really that desperate for a fine cock?"

  The sex ratio is 4 girls to 1 boy. Some females were desperate enough to raid the boy's village and burn it down in a failed attempt to capture him.

  Ryota stopped laughing. "Ouch. Back in my day, the ratio was very close to a 1 to 1. Something must have happened in this world since I was laid to rest in my tomb."

  Apparently so. In my homeworld, the ratio was also 1 to 1. May I have your decision now?

  "Yes to both requests," the warrior answered.

  Markos activated his Befriend creature ability.

  Ryota immediately accepted the request.

  "Befriended: Ryota, Level 20."

  The new ally climbed out of his tomb. "How will I find your servants?"

  I will create a tunnel to lead you to them. My Earth Elemental will accompany you.

  "Very well. I will leave now." Ryota stepped through the opening in the wall and entered the tunnel.

  What do you think, Jessica?

  "Very hard to say, master. It is true that your party on the surface is missing a warrior and Ryota will fulfill that role if he wishes to. However, I am uncertain of his loyalties. He may decide to turn against Sibolt and Yozka or even use them against hostages against you."

  That's why I had an Earth Elemental accompany him and watch him.

  "Ah! Nicely done, master!"

  Chapter 24

  Departure from the Mountains

  The revived undead lord walked through the night unencumbered by the lack of light. His senses were somehow attuned to the life energy of his surroundings and he felt the air current as he walked along the tunnel. He continued following the earth elemental until the duo reached the surface. It was already daybreak.

  Ryota looked up and saw a mountain looming above. He mimicked taking and exhaling a deep breath. Despite his undeath, he still had the mind of a human.

  The elemental pointed at the mountain and started following a trail.

  Ryota wondered how much control the dungeon core exerted over the minion and how far his new ally could control it. The two had exited the dungeon and it was unheard of, even back in his time, for a dungeon core to have such influence. The undead wondered if having a human soul embedded within a dungeon core was the reason for its unusual abilities. Resolving this mystery was part of Ryota's motivation in allying with Markos.

  While the two climbed the mountain, Sibalt awoke. He felt the soft, tender flesh of his new wife resting nestled against his chest. The young lad brushed back Alethea's dark brunette hair and kissed her gently on the forehead.

  The hot breath on her skin awoke the dwarfess. Her eyes opened and stared directly into Sibalt's. She kissed him on the lips and said, "Good morning, husband."

  The human tried to get up but discovered that she was too heavy for him to push off with his meager strength. "Can you get off me, please? We need to get dressed and prepare to leave."

  Alethea grinned mischievously. "Well, since you did say 'please,' I shall do as you wish, husband." She rolled off his chest and stood next to the bed. Her eyes lowered to his woody, which had hardened again. Before he could roll off the bed, she pressed against him and started engorging his morning wood in her mouth.

  Sibalt tried to push her off, but Alethea resisted. He was helpless against her morning assault and the inevitable happened as he dumped his entire load into her mouth.

  The wife slowly swallowed the hot semen and smiled at him. She stared deep into his eyes as she did so. And while maintaining eye contact, she cleaned him off with her hot, rough tongue. Once she finished her task, the dwarfess grabbed his hand and pulled him off the bed. "We're gonna be late," she tsk-tsked at him.

  "And whose fault is that?" he huffed. Nonetheless, Sibalt hurried to put on his clothes. When he was done, he saw that his wife was still putting on her own clothes. He couldn't help but stare at her young and wondrous body with lust and admiration.

  Alethea noticed his stare. She turned her back to him and bent over to put on her brown leggings. She exaggerated her hip movements as she wiggled to pull the leggings up her legs. Then she put on her yellow priestess robe. She offered a wolfish grin at the bulge in his pants. "Too bad we're running late, or else I would take care of that condition for you," she teased and winked at him. "Come on. Let's go!" The Earth Singer grabbed her husband's hand, opened the door, and left the room.

  The two entered the dining hall, where many dwarves were still sleeping on either the tables or the floor.

  However, Yozka and Iyelda were eating breakfast at a table. There were three female dwarves also eating with them.

  The head of the Bulddinger clan noticed their arrival and waved her head. "Come, join us!" Iyelda invited.

  Alethea walked over to the big pot burning on one side of the wall and poured two bowls of vegetable soup. She handed one bowl to her husband, and the two joined the table. "Good morning, everyone," she said.

  One of the younger dwarves spoke up. "Didn't think you'll be up and bright so early after your first night as a newlywed," she teased.

  "What can I say? We are both blessedly young and energetic, Lemia," Alethea replied. "So why are you, Pewma, and Tensa up so early?" she asked in puzzlement.

  Her grandmother held up a hand. "These three will accompany you on your journey," Iyelda announced.

  Alethea shot her an angry look and slammed a fist on the table. BAM! "I don't need babysitters!" she protested.

  "You're not the one in need of protection," the elder responded calmly.

  The hotheaded dwarfess narrowed her eyes as she considered grandmother's words. "You mean my husband?"

  Iyelda nodded. "Raiders invaded your husband's village trying to capture him. All the women in his village died defending him. As a man, he is very precious to the Bulddinger Clan and we must protect him," she explained.

  Alethea bowed her head. "Forgive me, grandmother. You are right. I want my precious husband to be protected. But I won't tolerate Lemia, Pewma, and Tensa trying to seduce him. Is that understood?" she glared at the trio.

  "We won't," they promised in unison.

  Yozka raised her hand. "Master Markos has gained another ally who has agreed to accompany us. He is a mighty warrior by the name of Ryota. He is climbing the mountain as we speak. He will wait for us outside the entrance of your clan home," she announced.

  Iyelda nodded in approval. Normally, she would be alarmed at the notion of an outsider awaiting at the entranc
e. But she trusted the judgment of the dungeon core and knew that Markos would only ally with the strong and trustworthy. "You will depart as soon as you finish your breakfast, then."

  The group at the table ate their meals in earnest, took their travel gear, and then headed straight for the exit.

  Markos, through the eyes of Sibalt, was surprised to see the trio of bodyguards carrying crossbows along with their axes. But he kept quiet and allowed Lemia, the apparent leader of the group, to lead the way.

  Iyelda accompanied them to the exit. "May the Great Earthmother guide you on your journey," she blessed them.

  The dwarven guards and Alethea saluted the elder with a left fist over the heart.

  Lemia stepped through the illusionary wall and the rest of the group followed her out of the clan home. She was surprised and frightened by the appearance of the skeletal lord, Ryota, and immediately pulled her ax from her belt.

  "Hold!" Sibalt yelled out and stood in front of the dwarfess. "This is Ryota, my ally," he announced.

  Ryota chuckled at the frightened dwarfess and then offered a salute. "Indeed, I am an ally of the great and mighty dungeon core, Markos Turloch. I have agreed to accompany you younglings and see what the world is like now. I believe I have been asleep in my tomb for a few centuries," he explained.

  Lemia, Pewma, and Tensa reluctantly put away their weapons.

  Lemia turned to face Markos. "Milord, it would be difficult for us to enter the human lands accompanied by this ally of yours. Many living creatures will attack him, and us, on sight," she explained.

  Yozka raised her hand. "He can wear a cloak to hide his face. If necessary, I can cast an illusion to make him appear human; however, the magic will not last long but it should be enough to past an inspection at the gatehouse," she suggested.

  Markos activated his Create minor object ability to create a long cloak for Ryota to wear. The cloak was black and had a hood.

  The skeletal lord accepted the cloak and wore it. He pulled the hood up to cover his head.