Chapter 42: The Little Things
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Chapter 42: The Little Things
------
You cannot hide up here forever.
Delta was idly petting one of the spiders with a shaky finger.
“These aren’t so bad, I m-mean compared to some things, they’re just multi-legged hamsters!” Delta laughed nervously and the spider scuttled off, insulted.
“No, wait!” Delta said and stood up to brush the non-existing dust from her skirt.
“Nu, I will go back down eventually. I just need to get over the fact that I gambled and summoned the hell worm from the blood sea of Mars!” Delta slightly waved her hands and Nu scoffed as he flashed.
It is your monster. I, for one, am greatly pleased to have such a capable monster under our control. Due to the simple fact that it does not have googly eye or a fluffy behind, you dislike it.
Delta put her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes.
“Don’t make me sound so bad. I’m not used to worms bigger than my arm! Or bigger than me for that matter! I’m not used to them looking like they were born in some evil research lab for monsters!” Delta argued and Nu dinged.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
Well.. if we think about it. We technically are a monster laboratory.
Nu joked and it made Delta give up her petulant argument.
“How about we do some needed work on this floor and give the bees a chance to get to work and our new trees time to drop some acorns?” she offered and hid a smile.
Nu was a rather complicated being but if there was something the little box loved more than anything, it was upgrading the dungeon.
Well, it would be a wise choice. Very well, let us get on with before you accidentally summon some four-head goat monstrosity from grass or something equally mundane.
Delta grumbled and went to the pond, flexing her fingers.
“No monsters, just nice little fishies...” she whispered and was about to get to work when her gobs returned. Hob carrying 2 buckets on a stick while Gob dragged a bundle of plants, eggs, berries into the dungeon in a sack.
“Master! Forest gone,” Hob grunted as if this was just something interest. Gob stretched.
“Spiders look angry. Saw much more!” he added happily and Delta closed her eyes slowly and inhaled.
Oh... Delivery monsters... much better.
“Nu, I swear I will drown you,” she threatened and Nu just dinged cheerfully away. Delta thanked her goblins for their work and let them go take a break at the goblin camp. Thankfully, her goblins had already killed anything in the buckets, simply emptying them on the ground caused her dungeon to devour the fading life.
The additions weren’t amazing but it was tiny things to really spruce places up.
Slick reeds added
Tiny Brown Fish added
Moss Fish added
Aquatic insects added.
Duckweed added.
This was welcome as it boosted her mana to a decent 24 mana and this gave some more things to do!
Delta tapped her chin, wondering when someone else would come to her dungeon. Just one or two would be great for her mana gathering.
---
“Vas, there are loud children at the door requesting you,” Japes called over to Vas. It tried to bury itself deeper into its work.
“I’m very busy, Master. Perhaps another time?” Vas responded in a high tone. Japes paused and eyed the frantic golem’s hands. Not actually doing anything except looking busy.
Interesting.
He leaned down, purring as he spoke. Vas froze as if a predator was now lurking over it. Smart child.
“Vas. Are you ignoring these people? Why is that?” Japes asked curiously and Vas shook its head.
“I don’t want to go outside! The loud one thinks I am his friend,” Vas explained with annoyance and Japes was startled to see such a display of open emotion. It wasn’t swaying nor blank acceptance.
“Are you not? You had an adventure together, no? They do build bonds of companionship,” Japes commented lightly which made Vas shiver.
“I don’t think I want these bonds. I am simply to help the fungi stop besmirching the art of pottery... not...that,” Vas tried to explain and Japes was absolutely delighted. The usually unflappable child of his was trying to wriggle out of social interaction!
“Aww... I understand, Vas,” Japes smiled brightly and the golem looked up, looking relieved at Japes’ words. Japes picked it up, opened the front door and neatly deposited Vas at the feet of the grinning child, Deo.
“Have Vas back before dinner, if you will,” he warned and Deo saluted.
“I SWEAR IT! COME VAS! RULI PROMISED TO TAKE US BACK INTO THE DUNGEON!” Deo spoke. Japes felt one of his ears ache before Deo physically dragged Vas away, able to ignore the golem’s polite but futile resistance.
Scary child.
Japes felt his monstrous grin appear as they turned a corner.
His golem was developing faster than he could have ever imagined! These spawn of the people around him had a purpose other than to annoy him!
He simply must thank this dungeon for providing ample fertile room for his child to grow.
Maybe he’d give it one of his old pots he barely cared for? Japes was sure whatever laid within the pots he barely touched would barely be worth a risk or a danger.
Probably.
Maybe...
Japes went back to resealing one of the captured prizes. It had... outgrown it’s current pot.
---
“I see fresh people are very busy around here,” Seth commented as Deo dragged Vas past them. Quiss watched the golem go a little limp and give Quiss a wave. He returned it half-heartedly.
“They’re going to the dungeon. Ruli seems to be growing attached to the little goblins,” he sniffed and Seth nodded.
“Goblins are very attackable. But you said dungeon is... how do you speak... kind?” he tried and Quiss nodded.
“Yeah, Delta, the core, does not kill,” he stressed his words and Seth followed him as he began to lead Seth around the village.
“Dungeon is not normal. It does not ham?” he asked seriously and Quiss almost miss his step.
“Oh... trust me, she does. But she does not harm. Delta likes people, she makes her monsters talk to us and even lets Ruli fish in her pond,” Quiss explained and Seth choked.
“Ruli do what in what? I feel Ruli must not over excite her person in such a way. I think we should reason to her how such dances do not...” Seth trailed off and Quiss stared blankly at him for several seconds.
“Ruli does not hyonunt, she comunops,” he tried and Seth’s eyes lit up.
“Ah, Ruli swings meaty staff for seabirds!” Seth said sagely and Quiss felt his lips twitch as he felt nostalgic for the old magic school days now long behind him.
“Yeah, sure... close enough. Come on, I’ll show you where the inn is. Prices are fair but the owner is peculiar about how you pay,” he explained.
Increase the richness of its meat. 3 DPAllow the fish to respawn faster. 3 DPEvolve the fishGolden scaled Fish: A fish covered in glimmering golden scales. Tastes good but a little bit faster. It is a very good ingredient for grilling. 10 DP Make the fish respawn faster. 6 DPMake the scales harder and valuable. 8 DPMake the meat to give a slight effect to enhance looks for a short period. 10 DPEvolution locked Make it respawn faster: 3 DPMake the meat inside taste better.Evolve the fishSnapper Crayfish: This crafty critter can snap cheap lines or make diving in to catch fish with bare hands risky. 8 DP Deep pond upgrade(special) Double the space of the room and pond without disturbing dungeon layout! Doubles all fish currently in the pond. 30 DPCrossbreeding: Allow the fish to breed with each other and form potential unique offspring. 30 DPAllow the brave to swim to a secret tunnel below and exit out on the waterfall on the second level. Must have caught either Silvertail or Golden Scale fish to access tunnel. 25 DP
“I need to practise my entrance. Cram will be spreading my legend! Many people will come and I can’t wait to send them scampering!” he cackled. Delta blamed Nu for the goblin’s evil laugh. It just seemed something Nu would encourage.
“I’ll be back later. I’m glad you’re alive,” Delta called and Fran looked confused.
“I’d never die unless you die! Which will never happen cause I will guard you!” Fran laughed merrily and Delta smiled as she left the room to pause at the goblins camp. Numb and Billy were stacking pots as Mr Mushy happily sat listen to Cois wax his love for the eternal fire.
Odd fellows but Delta loved them all.
I have a suggestion if you would hear it.
Delta jumped but turned to see Nu hovering near a goblin hut that was neatly pushed back against the wall.
“You have my attention, number two,” Delta joked and Nu ignored her timely reference and opened a map he drew himself. It looked identical to the current layout Delta had now except one corridor.
It connected the back of the storeroom to the goblin camp.
“Seems nice but kinda defeats the purpose of the other rooms,” Delta pointed out and Nu made a quick adjustment.
Writing next the path was big bold letters.
SECRET PASSAGE
“Oh, that makes sense but how do we make a secret passage?” Delta wondered and Nu made a noise sounded like a small horn.
I simply expect you to try it and for an option to appear. Simply design with the idea of ‘secret’. I do it myself but I feel...unwell when I try to go near the room construction options. I feel like this is borderline usurping your position and I do not want to see what would happen if I pursued it. I took a look and I feel like you should upgrade the storeroomoom to make this work better.
Delta looked at Nu with concern but didn’t voice them when Nu was in building mode. He would just get irritated.
“Oki doki. Later guys,” she waved to the monsters who all called back in various ways. A quick jaunt later and she stood in her somewhat cluttered Storeroom.
Storeroom:
Upgrade the size of the room to be double the size without disturbing the space of the dungeon. 20 DPAllow all container to be repair when dungeon is empty if not stolen. 15 DPUpgrade the walls to be more solid and respectable. Solid wood panels. 20 DPIncrease the amount of mana gained by the mana vent. 70 DP
It was a decent selection. Delta guessed she hadn’t really done too much with the room for it to be offering many options but Delta visibly winced at the mana vent purchase.
That was... more DP than she was willing to pay right now. If it gave her just measly 1 mana for the upgrade... Delta shivered and pushed that thought away. No gambling on upgrades for the unseen future...
Delta tried to stay firm on that decision.
She picked the wall upgrade for now as it would work better with Nu’s plan.
All around, the loosely packed dirt and loose boards shimmers and grew. Solid wood panels and proper wooden planks now formed the wall and floor. It looked really nice and Delta beamed.
She made a corridor that bent into an L-shape and connected the goblin room and the Storeroom. The openly exposed dirt tunnel made the storeroom look odd so she opened the menu again.
“Secret... disguised...hidden...uh... false wall... don’t-let-anyone-see-this!” Delta chanted and the menu appeared.
Storeroom:
Upgrade the size of the room to be double the size without disturbing the space of the dungeon. 20 DPAllow all container to be repair when dungeon is empty if not stolen. 15 DPIncrease the amount of mana gained by the mana vent. 70 DPPlace a fake wall over the corridor. Can be opened by setting a trigger. 15 DP
Delta jumped, cheering at her apparent mastery of the system.
She purchased it and a wall, a perfect replicate of the rest, appeared. Delta saw a new screen appear.
Choose opening method: ____
Delta thought about it and then summoned Nu.
“It’s all your idea, so you should get to choose!” Delta grinned. Nu was quiet for a moment.
Thank you. It...well, I shall accept this task. Torch on the wall is silly. Simply pushing it will reveal it to far too many people. I think... we should set the trigger as a simple knock and password. It has no actual defences, someone can, with force, break in if they wish. For now, knock once and say ‘Mother Delta’. No person will say it, only the monsters.
Delta blinked at the request and the screen flashed as it accepted the trigger.
She moved through it and saw a similar door on the other side. This one was disguised as the rough stone wall of the goblin hut.
“Must be the same opening trigger,” she mused and she invited Billy over.
Given him clear instructions, Billy knocked and spoke the password.
The fake wall swung open silently. There was a pause and Cois whooped with excitement as he no longer had to worry about the mudroom.
The tunnel was smooth but Delta noticed there was a little nub that formed near the middle, an almost turn off. Delta guessed she hadn’t focused enough when forming the tunnel. She eyed the space and wondered what to do with it.
“Kinda lonely in here, I doubt anyone would want to be in here...” Delta mused and then came tug. She turned and followed it to see the Greater Mushy coiled up and waiting. It looked like it had packed its life together and was waiting for some cab to take it to the airport.
It tugged again and Delta eyed it.
“You want to go... into the tunnel?” she tried and the Mushy’s eyes glowed red. It seemed to relish the idea of the isolation, or possibly just the peace and quiet.
“What would you do in there?” she wondered. Greater Mushy put a few stones down and tapped them, making quiet thudding noises.
It would entertain itself. It would tap rocks or make music.
Delta guessed that was all the reason it needed. She spent some mana to lift the monster and send it into the passage.
It fit snugly into the little nub.
Delta was glad to see it stretch out and explore its new surroundings.
She eyed the tiny rocks and objects it used to make music. Feeling like she was a bad caretaker. She focused and a set of drums, a small copper harp with thin wire. It wasn’t tuned and it sounded a little rough but Delta wondered if she could... ask Ruli to get her a piano.
The plant took some tentative smacks on the drum and froze at the clear banging noise. It hit again and one vine played across the harps.
It was definitely rough but the Mushy seemed to shiver.
Delta smiled and walked away. The secret passage closed and once it did. The sounds of drums echoed throughout the storeroom and goblin camp. The sound travelled and meeting in the pond room.
It sounded like a war drum and the spiders all raised two legs and did their ceremonial war dance and the goblins looked relaxed.
Fran roared and yelled for more as he practised his lance jabs.
Delta could only smile sheepishly at Nu’s disapproving box.
“It’s just a drum, it won’t be too bad,” she promised and Nu only moved closer to her face.
Gamble. Giant worm. You. Screaming.
Delta made a face and stubbornly enjoyed the drumming.
She was sure, absolutely sure that the drumming and music was just harmless fun.
All around the dungeon, the mushrooms perked up as if called.
The Lumen mushrooms glowed slightly brighter. The edible mushrooms looked fresher. The gutrot curled and looked nasty.
Deep down, on the second floor.
The Black Bloodcurdling Mushrooms seemed to dance.
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Chapter 42: The Little Things
------
You cannot hide up here forever.
Delta was idly petting one of the spiders with a shaky finger.
“These aren’t so bad, I m-mean compared to some things, they’re just multi-legged hamsters!” Delta laughed nervously and the spider scuttled off, insulted.
“No, wait!” Delta said and stood up to brush the non-existing dust from her skirt.
“Nu, I will go back down eventually. I just need to get over the fact that I gambled and summoned the hell worm from the blood sea of Mars!” Delta slightly waved her hands and Nu scoffed as he flashed.
It is your monster. I, for one, am greatly pleased to have such a capable monster under our control. Due to the simple fact that it does not have googly eye or a fluffy behind, you dislike it.
Delta put her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes.
“Don’t make me sound so bad. I’m not used to worms bigger than my arm! Or bigger than me for that matter! I’m not used to them looking like they were born in some evil research lab for monsters!” Delta argued and Nu dinged.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
Well.. if we think about it. We technically are a monster laboratory.
Nu joked and it made Delta give up her petulant argument.
“How about we do some needed work on this floor and give the bees a chance to get to work and our new trees time to drop some acorns?” she offered and hid a smile.
Nu was a rather complicated being but if there was something the little box loved more than anything, it was upgrading the dungeon.
Well, it would be a wise choice. Very well, let us get on with before you accidentally summon some four-head goat monstrosity from grass or something equally mundane.
Delta grumbled and went to the pond, flexing her fingers.
“No monsters, just nice little fishies...” she whispered and was about to get to work when her gobs returned. Hob carrying 2 buckets on a stick while Gob dragged a bundle of plants, eggs, berries into the dungeon in a sack.
“Master! Forest gone,” Hob grunted as if this was just something interest. Gob stretched.
“Spiders look angry. Saw much more!” he added happily and Delta closed her eyes slowly and inhaled.
Oh... Delivery monsters... much better.
“Nu, I swear I will drown you,” she threatened and Nu just dinged cheerfully away. Delta thanked her goblins for their work and let them go take a break at the goblin camp. Thankfully, her goblins had already killed anything in the buckets, simply emptying them on the ground caused her dungeon to devour the fading life.
The additions weren’t amazing but it was tiny things to really spruce places up.
Slick reeds added
Tiny Brown Fish added
Moss Fish added
Aquatic insects added.
Duckweed added.
This was welcome as it boosted her mana to a decent 24 mana and this gave some more things to do!
Delta tapped her chin, wondering when someone else would come to her dungeon. Just one or two would be great for her mana gathering.
---
“Vas, there are loud children at the door requesting you,” Japes called over to Vas. It tried to bury itself deeper into its work.
“I’m very busy, Master. Perhaps another time?” Vas responded in a high tone. Japes paused and eyed the frantic golem’s hands. Not actually doing anything except looking busy.
Interesting.
He leaned down, purring as he spoke. Vas froze as if a predator was now lurking over it. Smart child.
“Vas. Are you ignoring these people? Why is that?” Japes asked curiously and Vas shook its head.
“I don’t want to go outside! The loud one thinks I am his friend,” Vas explained with annoyance and Japes was startled to see such a display of open emotion. It wasn’t swaying nor blank acceptance.
“Are you not? You had an adventure together, no? They do build bonds of companionship,” Japes commented lightly which made Vas shiver.
“I don’t think I want these bonds. I am simply to help the fungi stop besmirching the art of pottery... not...that,” Vas tried to explain and Japes was absolutely delighted. The usually unflappable child of his was trying to wriggle out of social interaction!
“Aww... I understand, Vas,” Japes smiled brightly and the golem looked up, looking relieved at Japes’ words. Japes picked it up, opened the front door and neatly deposited Vas at the feet of the grinning child, Deo.
“Have Vas back before dinner, if you will,” he warned and Deo saluted.
“I SWEAR IT! COME VAS! RULI PROMISED TO TAKE US BACK INTO THE DUNGEON!” Deo spoke. Japes felt one of his ears ache before Deo physically dragged Vas away, able to ignore the golem’s polite but futile resistance.
Scary child.
Japes felt his monstrous grin appear as they turned a corner.
His golem was developing faster than he could have ever imagined! These spawn of the people around him had a purpose other than to annoy him!
He simply must thank this dungeon for providing ample fertile room for his child to grow.
Maybe he’d give it one of his old pots he barely cared for? Japes was sure whatever laid within the pots he barely touched would barely be worth a risk or a danger.
Probably.
Maybe...
Japes went back to resealing one of the captured prizes. It had... outgrown it’s current pot.
---
“I see fresh people are very busy around here,” Seth commented as Deo dragged Vas past them. Quiss watched the golem go a little limp and give Quiss a wave. He returned it half-heartedly.
“They’re going to the dungeon. Ruli seems to be growing attached to the little goblins,” he sniffed and Seth nodded.
“Goblins are very attackable. But you said dungeon is... how do you speak... kind?” he tried and Quiss nodded.
“Yeah, Delta, the core, does not kill,” he stressed his words and Seth followed him as he began to lead Seth around the village.
“Dungeon is not normal. It does not ham?” he asked seriously and Quiss almost miss his step.
“Oh... trust me, she does. But she does not harm. Delta likes people, she makes her monsters talk to us and even lets Ruli fish in her pond,” Quiss explained and Seth choked.
“Ruli do what in what? I feel Ruli must not over excite her person in such a way. I think we should reason to her how such dances do not...” Seth trailed off and Quiss stared blankly at him for several seconds.
“Ruli does not hyonunt, she comunops,” he tried and Seth’s eyes lit up.
“Ah, Ruli swings meaty staff for seabirds!” Seth said sagely and Quiss felt his lips twitch as he felt nostalgic for the old magic school days now long behind him.
“Yeah, sure... close enough. Come on, I’ll show you where the inn is. Prices are fair but the owner is peculiar about how you pay,” he explained.
Increase the richness of its meat. 3 DPAllow the fish to respawn faster. 3 DPEvolve the fishGolden scaled Fish: A fish covered in glimmering golden scales. Tastes good but a little bit faster. It is a very good ingredient for grilling. 10 DP Make the fish respawn faster. 6 DPMake the scales harder and valuable. 8 DPMake the meat to give a slight effect to enhance looks for a short period. 10 DPEvolution locked Make it respawn faster: 3 DPMake the meat inside taste better.Evolve the fishSnapper Crayfish: This crafty critter can snap cheap lines or make diving in to catch fish with bare hands risky. 8 DP Deep pond upgrade(special) Double the space of the room and pond without disturbing dungeon layout! Doubles all fish currently in the pond. 30 DPCrossbreeding: Allow the fish to breed with each other and form potential unique offspring. 30 DPAllow the brave to swim to a secret tunnel below and exit out on the waterfall on the second level. Must have caught either Silvertail or Golden Scale fish to access tunnel. 25 DP
“I need to practise my entrance. Cram will be spreading my legend! Many people will come and I can’t wait to send them scampering!” he cackled. Delta blamed Nu for the goblin’s evil laugh. It just seemed something Nu would encourage.
“I’ll be back later. I’m glad you’re alive,” Delta called and Fran looked confused.
“I’d never die unless you die! Which will never happen cause I will guard you!” Fran laughed merrily and Delta smiled as she left the room to pause at the goblins camp. Numb and Billy were stacking pots as Mr Mushy happily sat listen to Cois wax his love for the eternal fire.
Odd fellows but Delta loved them all.
I have a suggestion if you would hear it.
Delta jumped but turned to see Nu hovering near a goblin hut that was neatly pushed back against the wall.
“You have my attention, number two,” Delta joked and Nu ignored her timely reference and opened a map he drew himself. It looked identical to the current layout Delta had now except one corridor.
It connected the back of the storeroom to the goblin camp.
“Seems nice but kinda defeats the purpose of the other rooms,” Delta pointed out and Nu made a quick adjustment.
Writing next the path was big bold letters.
SECRET PASSAGE
“Oh, that makes sense but how do we make a secret passage?” Delta wondered and Nu made a noise sounded like a small horn.
I simply expect you to try it and for an option to appear. Simply design with the idea of ‘secret’. I do it myself but I feel...unwell when I try to go near the room construction options. I feel like this is borderline usurping your position and I do not want to see what would happen if I pursued it. I took a look and I feel like you should upgrade the storeroomoom to make this work better.
Delta looked at Nu with concern but didn’t voice them when Nu was in building mode. He would just get irritated.
“Oki doki. Later guys,” she waved to the monsters who all called back in various ways. A quick jaunt later and she stood in her somewhat cluttered Storeroom.
Storeroom:
Upgrade the size of the room to be double the size without disturbing the space of the dungeon. 20 DPAllow all container to be repair when dungeon is empty if not stolen. 15 DPUpgrade the walls to be more solid and respectable. Solid wood panels. 20 DPIncrease the amount of mana gained by the mana vent. 70 DP
It was a decent selection. Delta guessed she hadn’t really done too much with the room for it to be offering many options but Delta visibly winced at the mana vent purchase.
That was... more DP than she was willing to pay right now. If it gave her just measly 1 mana for the upgrade... Delta shivered and pushed that thought away. No gambling on upgrades for the unseen future...
Delta tried to stay firm on that decision.
She picked the wall upgrade for now as it would work better with Nu’s plan.
All around, the loosely packed dirt and loose boards shimmers and grew. Solid wood panels and proper wooden planks now formed the wall and floor. It looked really nice and Delta beamed.
She made a corridor that bent into an L-shape and connected the goblin room and the Storeroom. The openly exposed dirt tunnel made the storeroom look odd so she opened the menu again.
“Secret... disguised...hidden...uh... false wall... don’t-let-anyone-see-this!” Delta chanted and the menu appeared.
Storeroom:
Upgrade the size of the room to be double the size without disturbing the space of the dungeon. 20 DPAllow all container to be repair when dungeon is empty if not stolen. 15 DPIncrease the amount of mana gained by the mana vent. 70 DPPlace a fake wall over the corridor. Can be opened by setting a trigger. 15 DP
Delta jumped, cheering at her apparent mastery of the system.
She purchased it and a wall, a perfect replicate of the rest, appeared. Delta saw a new screen appear.
Choose opening method: ____
Delta thought about it and then summoned Nu.
“It’s all your idea, so you should get to choose!” Delta grinned. Nu was quiet for a moment.
Thank you. It...well, I shall accept this task. Torch on the wall is silly. Simply pushing it will reveal it to far too many people. I think... we should set the trigger as a simple knock and password. It has no actual defences, someone can, with force, break in if they wish. For now, knock once and say ‘Mother Delta’. No person will say it, only the monsters.
Delta blinked at the request and the screen flashed as it accepted the trigger.
She moved through it and saw a similar door on the other side. This one was disguised as the rough stone wall of the goblin hut.
“Must be the same opening trigger,” she mused and she invited Billy over.
Given him clear instructions, Billy knocked and spoke the password.
The fake wall swung open silently. There was a pause and Cois whooped with excitement as he no longer had to worry about the mudroom.
The tunnel was smooth but Delta noticed there was a little nub that formed near the middle, an almost turn off. Delta guessed she hadn’t focused enough when forming the tunnel. She eyed the space and wondered what to do with it.
“Kinda lonely in here, I doubt anyone would want to be in here...” Delta mused and then came tug. She turned and followed it to see the Greater Mushy coiled up and waiting. It looked like it had packed its life together and was waiting for some cab to take it to the airport.
It tugged again and Delta eyed it.
“You want to go... into the tunnel?” she tried and the Mushy’s eyes glowed red. It seemed to relish the idea of the isolation, or possibly just the peace and quiet.
“What would you do in there?” she wondered. Greater Mushy put a few stones down and tapped them, making quiet thudding noises.
It would entertain itself. It would tap rocks or make music.
Delta guessed that was all the reason it needed. She spent some mana to lift the monster and send it into the passage.
It fit snugly into the little nub.
Delta was glad to see it stretch out and explore its new surroundings.
She eyed the tiny rocks and objects it used to make music. Feeling like she was a bad caretaker. She focused and a set of drums, a small copper harp with thin wire. It wasn’t tuned and it sounded a little rough but Delta wondered if she could... ask Ruli to get her a piano.
The plant took some tentative smacks on the drum and froze at the clear banging noise. It hit again and one vine played across the harps.
It was definitely rough but the Mushy seemed to shiver.
Delta smiled and walked away. The secret passage closed and once it did. The sounds of drums echoed throughout the storeroom and goblin camp. The sound travelled and meeting in the pond room.
It sounded like a war drum and the spiders all raised two legs and did their ceremonial war dance and the goblins looked relaxed.
Fran roared and yelled for more as he practised his lance jabs.
Delta could only smile sheepishly at Nu’s disapproving box.
“It’s just a drum, it won’t be too bad,” she promised and Nu only moved closer to her face.
Gamble. Giant worm. You. Screaming.
Delta made a face and stubbornly enjoyed the drumming.
She was sure, absolutely sure that the drumming and music was just harmless fun.
All around the dungeon, the mushrooms perked up as if called.
The Lumen mushrooms glowed slightly brighter. The edible mushrooms looked fresher. The gutrot curled and looked nasty.
Deep down, on the second floor.
The Black Bloodcurdling Mushrooms seemed to dance.
Chapter 42: The Little Things------You cannot hide up here forever. Delta was idly petting one of the spiders with a shaky finger.These aren't so bad, I m-mean compared to some things, they're just multi-legged hamsters! Delta laughed nervously and the spider scuttled off, insulted.No, wait! Delta said and stood up to brush the non-existing dust from her skirt.Nu, I will go back down eventually. I just need to get over the fact that I gambled and summoned the hell worm from the blood sea of Mars! Delta slightly waved her hands and Nu scoffed as he flashed.It is your monster. I, for one, am greatly pleased to have such a capable monster under our control. Due to the simple fact that it does not have googly eye or a fluffy behind, you dislike it. Delta put her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes.Don't make me sound so bad. I'm not used to worms bigger than my arm! Or bigger than me for that matter! I'm not used to them looking like they were born in some evil research lab for monsters! Delta argued and Nu dinged.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.Well.. if we think about it. We technically are a monster laboratory. Nu joked and it made Delta give up her petulant argument.How about we do some needed work on this floor and give the bees a chance to get to work and our new trees time to drop some acorns? she offered and hid a smile.Nu was a rather complicated being but if there was something the little box loved more than anything, it was upgrading the dungeon.Well, it would be a wise choice. Very well, let us get on with before you accidentally summon some four-head goat monstrosity from grass or something equally mundane. Delta grumbled and went to the pond, flexing her fingers.No monsters, just nice little fishies... she whispered and was about to get to work when her gobs returned. Hob carrying 2 buckets on a stick while Gob dragged a bundle of plants, eggs, berries into the dungeon in a sack.Master! Forest gone, Hob grunted as if this was just something interest. Gob stretched.Spiders look angry. Saw much more! he added happily and Delta closed her eyes slowly and inhaled.Oh... Delivery monsters... much better. Nu, I swear I will drown you, she threatened and Nu just dinged cheerfully away. Delta thanked her goblins for their work and let them go take a break at the goblin camp. Thankfully, her goblins had already killed anything in the buckets, simply emptying them on the ground caused her dungeon to devour the fading life.The additions weren't amazing but it was tiny things to really spruce places up.Slick reeds addedTiny Brown Fish addedMoss Fish addedAquatic insects added.Duckweed added. This was welcome as it boosted her mana to a decent 24 mana and this gave some more things to do!Delta tapped her chin, wondering when someone else would come to her dungeon. Just one or two would be great for her mana gathering.---Vas, there are loud children at the door requesting you, Japes called over to Vas. It tried to bury itself deeper into its work.I'm very busy, Master. Perhaps another time? Vas responded in a high tone. Japes paused and eyed the frantic golem's hands. Not actually doing anything except looking busy.Interesting.He leaned down, purring as he spoke. Vas froze as if a predator was now lurking over it. Smart child.Vas. Are you ignoring these people? Why is that? Japes asked curiously and Vas shook its head.I don't want to go outside! The loud one thinks I am his friend, Vas explained with annoyance and Japes was startled to see such a display of open emotion. It wasn't swaying nor blank acceptance.Are you not? You had an adventure together, no? They do build bonds of companionship, Japes commented lightly which made Vas shiver.I don't think I want these bonds. I am simply to help the fungi stop besmirching the art of pottery... not...that, Vas tried to explain and Japes was absolutely delighted. The usually unflappable child of his was trying to wriggle out of social interaction!Aww... I understand, Vas, Japes smiled brightly and the golem looked up, looking relieved at Japes' words. Japes picked it up, opened the front door and neatly deposited Vas at the feet of the grinning child, Deo.Have Vas back before dinner, if you will, he warned and Deo saluted.I SWEAR IT! COME VAS! RULI PROMISED TO TAKE US BACK INTO THE DUNGEON! Deo spoke. Japes felt one of his ears ache before Deo physically dragged Vas away, able to ignore the golem's polite but futile resistance.Scary child.Japes felt his monstrous grin appear as they turned a corner.His golem was developing faster than he could have ever imagined! These spawn of the people around him had a purpose other than to annoy him!He simply must thank this dungeon for providing ample fertile room for his child to grow.Maybe he'd give it one of his old pots he barely cared for? Japes was sure whatever laid within the pots he barely touched would barely be worth a risk or a danger.Probably.Maybe...Japes went back to resealing one of the captured prizes. It had... outgrown it's current pot.---I see fresh people are very busy around here, Seth commented as Deo dragged Vas past them. Quiss watched the golem go a little limp and give Quiss a wave. He returned it half-heartedly.They're going to the dungeon. Ruli seems to be growing attached to the little goblins, he sniffed and Seth nodded.Goblins are very attackable. But you said dungeon is... how do you speak... kind? he tried and Quiss nodded.Yeah, Delta, the core, does not kill, he stressed his words and Seth followed him as he began to lead Seth around the village.Dungeon is not normal. It does not ham? he asked seriously and Quiss almost miss his step.Oh... trust me, she does. But she does not harm. Delta likes people, she makes her monsters talk to us and even lets Ruli fish in her pond, Quiss explained and Seth choked.Ruli do what in what? I feel Ruli must not over excite her person in such a way. I think we should reason to her how such dances do not... Seth trailed off and Quiss stared blankly at him for several seconds.Ruli does not hyonunt, she comunops, he tried and Seth's eyes lit up.Ah, Ruli swings meaty staff for seabirds! Seth said sagely and Quiss felt his lips twitch as he felt nostalgic for the old magic school days now long behind him.Yeah, sure... close enough. Come on, I'll show you where the inn is. Prices are fair but the owner is peculiar about how you pay, he explained.Increase the richness of its meat. 3 DPAllow the fish to respawn faster. 3 DPEvolve the fishGolden scaled Fish: A fish covered in glimmering golden scales. Tastes good but a little bit faster. It is a very good ingredient for grilling. 10 DP Make the fish respawn faster. 6 DPMake the scales harder and valuable. 8 DPMake the meat to give a slight effect to enhance looks for a short period. 10 DPEvolution locked Make it respawn faster: 3 DPMake the meat inside taste better.Evolve the fishSnapper Crayfish: This crafty critter can snap cheap lines or make diving in to catch fish with bare hands risky. 8 DP Deep pond upgradespecial Double the space of the room and pond without disturbing dungeon layout! Doubles all fish currently in the pond. 30 DPCrossbreeding: Allow the fish to breed with each other and form potential unique offspring. 30 DPAllow the brave to swim to a secret tunnel below and exit out on the waterfall on the second level. Must have caught either Silvertail or Golden Scale fish to access tunnel. 25 DP I need to practise my entrance. Cram will be spreading my legend! Many people will come and I can't wait to send them scampering! he cackled. Delta blamed Nu for the goblin's evil laugh. It just seemed something Nu would encourage.I'll be back later. I'm glad you're alive, Delta called and Fran looked confused.I'd never die unless you die! Which will never happen cause I will guard you! Fran laughed merrily and Delta smiled as she left the room to pause at the goblins camp. Numb and Billy were stacking pots as Mr Mushy happily sat listen to Cois wax his love for the eternal fire.Odd fellows but Delta loved them all.I have a suggestion if you would hear it. Delta jumped but turned to see Nu hovering near a goblin hut that was neatly pushed back against the wall.You have my attention, number two, Delta joked and Nu ignored her timely reference and opened a map he drew himself. It looked identical to the current layout Delta had now except one corridor.It connected the back of the storeroom to the goblin camp.Seems nice but kinda defeats the purpose of the other rooms, Delta pointed out and Nu made a quick adjustment.Writing next the path was big bold letters.SECRET PASSAGE Oh, that makes sense but how do we make a secret passage? Delta wondered and Nu made a noise sounded like a small horn.I simply expect you to try it and for an option to appear. Simply design with the idea of secret'. I do it myself but I feel...unwell when I try to go near the room construction options. I feel like this is borderline usurping your position and I do not want to see what would happen if I pursued it. I took a look and I feel like you should upgrade the storeroomoom to make this work better. Delta looked at Nu with concern but didn't voice them when Nu was in building mode. He would just get irritated.Oki doki. Later guys, she waved to the monsters who all called back in various ways. A quick jaunt later and she stood in her somewhat cluttered Storeroom.Storeroom:Upgrade the size of the room to be double the size without disturbing the space of the dungeon. 20 DPAllow all container to be repair when dungeon is empty if not stolen. 15 DPUpgrade the walls to be more solid and respectable. Solid wood panels. 20 DPIncrease the amount of mana gained by the mana vent. 70 DP It was a decent selection. Delta guessed she hadn't really done too much with the room for it to be offering many options but Delta visibly winced at the mana vent purchase.That was... more DP than she was willing to pay right now. If it gave her just measly 1 mana for the upgrade... Delta shivered and pushed that thought away. No gambling on upgrades for the unseen future...Delta tried to stay firm on that decision.She picked the wall upgrade for now as it would work better with Nu's plan.All around, the loosely packed dirt and loose boards shimmers and grew. Solid wood panels and proper wooden planks now formed the wall and floor. It looked really nice and Delta beamed.She made a corridor that bent into an L-shape and connected the goblin room and the Storeroom. The openly exposed dirt tunnel made the storeroom look odd so she opened the menu again.Secret... disguised...hidden...uh... false wall... don't-let-anyone-see-this! Delta chanted and the menu appeared.Storeroom:Upgrade the size of the room to be double the size without disturbing the space of the dungeon. 20 DPAllow all container to be repair when dungeon is empty if not stolen. 15 DPIncrease the amount of mana gained by the mana vent. 70 DPPlace a fake wall over the corridor. Can be opened by setting a trigger. 15 DP Delta jumped, cheering at her apparent mastery of the system.She purchased it and a wall, a perfect replicate of the rest, appeared. Delta saw a new screen appear.Choose opening method: ____ Delta thought about it and then summoned Nu.It's all your idea, so you should get to choose! Delta grinned. Nu was quiet for a moment.Thank you. It...well, I shall accept this task. Torch on the wall is silly. Simply pushing it will reveal it to far too many people. I think... we should set the trigger as a simple knock and password. It has no actual defences, someone can, with force, break in if they wish. For now, knock once and say Mother Delta'. No person will say it, only the monsters. Delta blinked at the request and the screen flashed as it accepted the trigger.She moved through it and saw a similar door on the other side. This one was disguised as the rough stone wall of the goblin hut.Must be the same opening trigger, she mused and she invited Billy over.Given him clear instructions, Billy knocked and spoke the password.The fake wall swung open silently. There was a pause and Cois whooped with excitement as he no longer had to worry about the mudroom.The tunnel was smooth but Delta noticed there was a little nub that formed near the middle, an almost turn off. Delta guessed she hadn't focused enough when forming the tunnel. She eyed the space and wondered what to do with it.Kinda lonely in here, I doubt anyone would want to be in here... Delta mused and then came tug. She turned and followed it to see the Greater Mushy coiled up and waiting. It looked like it had packed its life together and was waiting for some cab to take it to the airport.It tugged again and Delta eyed it.You want to go... into the tunnel? she tried and the Mushy's eyes glowed red. It seemed to relish the idea of the isolation, or possibly just the peace and quiet.What would you do in there? she wondered. Greater Mushy put a few stones down and tapped them, making quiet thudding noises.It would entertain itself. It would tap rocks or make music.Delta guessed that was all the reason it needed. She spent some mana to lift the monster and send it into the passage.It fit snugly into the little nub.Delta was glad to see it stretch out and explore its new surroundings.She eyed the tiny rocks and objects it used to make music. Feeling like she was a bad caretaker. She focused and a set of drums, a small copper harp with thin wire. It wasn't tuned and it sounded a little rough but Delta wondered if she could... ask Ruli to get her a piano.The plant took some tentative smacks on the drum and froze at the clear banging noise. It hit again and one vine played across the harps.It was definitely rough but the Mushy seemed to shiver.Delta smiled and walked away. The secret passage closed and once it did. The sounds of drums echoed throughout the storeroom and goblin camp. The sound travelled and meeting in the pond room.It sounded like a war drum and the spiders all raised two legs and did their ceremonial war dance and the goblins looked relaxed.Fran roared and yelled for more as he practised his lance jabs.Delta could only smile sheepishly at Nu's disapproving box.It's just a drum, it won't be too bad, she promised and Nu only moved closer to her face.Gamble. Giant worm. You. Screaming. Delta made a face and stubbornly enjoyed the drumming.She was sure, absolutely sure that the drumming and music was just harmless fun.All around the dungeon, the mushrooms perked up as if called.The Lumen mushrooms glowed slightly brighter. The edible mushrooms looked fresher. The gutrot curled and looked nasty.Deep down, on the second floor.The Black Bloodcurdling Mushrooms seemed to dance.
