This is a daily reminder: You have 64 unallocated stat points
My sister had a long day. She is asleep now. I weave more bandages. I think Leacea is literally wearing them. Bloody elf, every time she asks when I plan to expand the dungeon. My pointing out that she hasn't managed to reach the dryad flower seems not to matter. Only a matter of time, the usual refrain. My thirst awakens, sister is up.
-Want to try to level?
First explain why you aren't imbibing, healing our hands took a lot of our reserves.
I hear her titter.
-Ah that. Killing the hydra showed that I am handicapped. I can't use my curse if I don't take in blood. Don't worry, I feel being at half our reserve will provide plenty of room both ways. I was thinking of hunting some more monsters to increase our limits. Manticore, drake or giant scorpion?
I blanche at that, she means to keep us half starved… and to grow larger. I feel her excitement and my dread mix at the thought. Or is it my excitement…
We already rejected fur and we have scales. I doubt wings would be practical on our current form.
-So you wish to mix yourself further with arachnids, sister? Is it the claws or tails that have you so enamored?
I try to keep the thought to myself. It only increases her tittering. I simply decided to move my stats. Nothing. Annoyed, I pull up my status screen.
Tier 4 : Sara Maxwell Magdeline Tibyder lvl 1, 39 - 64 stat point unassigned.
Title:[Voiceless Adventurer] [Voiceless Soul Tender Priestess] [Matriarch]
[Strength] - 392+ [Constitution] - 384+ [Intelligence] - 620+
[Agility] - 390+ [Presence] - 451+ Soul - 545
[Perception] - 424+ [Mental Fortitude] - 463+
Languages: [T3:English] Intermediate 9 [Math] Intermediate 8 [T3:Common] Intermediate 9 [T3:Quintarl?ne] Intermediate 9
Converts: [T4:Convert Arcane to Soul Mana] Competent 4 [T3:Convert Arcane to Life Mana] Advanced 9 [T3:Convert Arcane to Void Mana] Basic 1 [T3:Convert Arcane to LightO Mana] Basic 1 [T2:Convert Arcane to Mental Mana] Competent 9 [T2:Convert Arcane to Fire Mana] Intermediate 3 [T2:Convert Arcane to Water Mana] Basic 1 [T2:Convert Arcane to Dirt Mana] Basic 1 [T2:Convert Arcane to Lightning Mana] Basic 1
Magic: [T5:Necromancy Magic] Basic 5 <[T5:Body Morphic Magic 2]> Competent 2 [T3:Soul Magic] Apprentice 1 [T3:Sustainer Magic] Intermediate 2 [T3:Illusion Magic 2] Intermediate 2 [T2:Life Magic] Intermediate 6 [T2:Void Magic] Basic 1 [Mental Magic] Intermediate 3 [Fire Magic] Competent 1 [Dirt Magic] Apprentice 3 [Arcane Magic] Basic 1
Strength Skills: [T3:Strength Training 3] Apprentice 1 <[T2:Sword Arm 2]> Apprentice 9 [Yowl] Competent 3 [Strong Grip] Apprentice 9 <[Strong Lungs]> Intermediate 1 [T2:Throw Knife 2] Basic 7 [Pull] Apprentice 3 [Throw Rock] Competent 1 [Desperate Strength] Basic 2 [Mining] Intermediate 3
Agility Skills: [T2:Craft Textiles 2] Intermediate 8 [Cooking] Intermediate 8 [Running] Intermediate 9 <[Light Step]> Intermediate 1 [Fire Tender] Competent 2 [Sewing] Intermediate 7 <[Dodge]> Apprentice 8 [Knife Hand] Basic 1 [Acrobatics] Basic 1
Perception Skills: <[T5:Attention to Detail]> Intermediate 2 [T4:Soul Mana Sight] Competent 1 [T3:Life Mana Sight] Competent 5 [T2:Mental Mana Sight] Competent 9 [T2:Fire Mana Sight] Apprentice 6 [T2:Wider Vision] Basic 3 [Arcane Mana Sight] Competent 9 [Identify] Competent 2 [Herbalism] Apprentice 3 [Scent Memory] Intermediate 5 [Sense Emotion] Apprentice 4
Constitution Skills: [T3:Resist Crush 2] Intermediate 9 [T3:Blood Alcohol Intolerance 2] Apprentice 6 <[T3: Resist Heat 2]> Basic 9 [T3:Resist Blunt Force 2] Basic 1 [Resist Cut] Intermediate 6 [Resist Venom] Intermediate 6 [Resist Pierce] Competent 6 [Tough Skin] Basic 9 <[Lesser Stanima]> Competent 1 [Resist Cold] Basic 3 [Bottomless Stomach] Apprentice 2 [Triage] Basic 4 [Alcohol Tolerance] Apprentice 7 [Second Wind] Basic 1
Presence Skills: [T10:Permanent Soul Sense] Apprentice 3 [T2:Acting] Basic 7 [Atlas Noble Etiquette] Intermediate 2 [Tell Lie] Apprentice 6 [Mana Aura] Competent 9 [Aura Sense] Basic 3 [Horror Aura] Basic 4 <[Voice Control]> Apprentice 1
Mental Fortitude Skills: <[T3:Resist Mental Attacks 2]> Apprentice 3 <[T3:Resist Drain Mana 2]> Basic 1 [T2:Resist Life] Apprentice 7 [T2:Drain Mana 2] Basic 1 [Resist Fire] Competent 9 [Resist Curse] Competent 7 [Resist Lightning] Apprentice 3 [Resist Water] Basic 3
Intelligence Skills: [T4:Mana Manipulation] Competent 6 [Two Separate Minds] Intermediate 9 <[Health Regen]> Intermediate 2 [Imbue] Intermediate 8
Soul Skills: [T10:Soul Etching] Intermediate 8 [T10:Vampress Matriarch] Basic 1 [T3: Life Mana Core] Advanced 6 [T2:Mental Mana Core] Advanced 5 [T2:Permanent Arcane Mana Core] Advanced 6 [T2:Fire Mana Core] Intermediate 3 [Pariah Aura Manipulation] Competent 1 [Soul Core] Apprentice 5 [T3:Dungeon 3] Basic 9 [T0:Soul Eater] Advanced
Combo Skills: [T4:Enchanted Embroidery 2 Agi 2 Int] Basic 9 [T3:False Soul Pre 1 Int 1 Exp 1] Apprentice 5 [T2:Status Screen 1 Per 1 Men] Intermediate 2 [T2:Shape Metal Str 1 Con 1] Competent 7 [T3: Magical Metal Etching Str 1 Agi 1 Int 1] Basic 9
Earned Titles: [Voiceless] [Maxwell Attendant] [Apprentice Blacksmith] [Voiceless Adventurer] [Basic Mage] [Voiceless Soul Tender Priestess] [Matriarch]
The plus signs are greyed out.
-It's the same here, sister. Perhaps I can level the B's to draw our soul closer.
Alicia's soul has gone to Beatrice, I prefer you not risk them.
-Against hydra and soulless dwarfs, sister?
That just tragedy foreshadowing
-Fiiiiiine. I can't reach them anyways, sister.
Why did you shove those connections to me?
-... Sara, you pulled them to yourself.
O…sorry. I feel her giving my soul a squeeze. We aren't well. I am glad she is out there and not me. She titters at that.
-Don't be so certain about that. I've only stopped from murdering the mistress's extended family because I knew it would make you feel sad, sister. I didn't want to leave you down there were I to be caught and executed.
It's only what I deserve.
-Nope, none of that. I'm going to go get you some new traits for you to freak out about, sister.
Her titters greet my frown.
-----
“You want to go hunt the giant scorpion.”
“Yes, mistress. There is a request for its eyes.”
She nibbles at her eggs while thinking about that. I turned to Lindur who also joined us for breakfast.
“Where can I find this creature?”
“Ah fuck, really? You're going to your death. Fucking thing blends in with its surrondings. One spray of its venom and your skin slough off, Mourns.”
“It sprays?”
“Ya, about a mile away.”
“So unfindable and venom spray, which direction?”
Lindur frowns at that, “‘Bout thirty miles northwest at the mountains. You sure Mourns, it's going to notice you before you find it.”
“Is it nocturnal?”
“Fuck if I know.”
“I'll have to leave you behind, mistress.”
Delores looks annoyed at that.
“I'm not afraid of some oversized bug.”
“It's classified as being tier three, mistress.”
“Which is why you shouldn't be going after it, Mourns. You're a fresh tier two thinking you’re invincible.”
I titter at Lindur's comment.
“Bleeding inherited.”
-----
“Are you going to need me to cut your hair?”
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“Huh, sister trick for battle? No, I already left myself with half my reserves, mother. Burning my hands required some replacement blood from my body stores.”
As did walking around slightly green. Now in the northern forest I was fully green. My blood reserves drain further.
“Why not travel as a Tibyder?”
“I still smell some people following me.”
What was once five distinct smells on a person has become myriad. Try as they might, they still leave new scents in their wakes.
“Ah the alchemist guild no doubt. Surprised you noticed them.”
“The bear's nose is just able to pick up so much more. It's actually ridiculous.”
“Something to look forward to.”
“Depends, sister said Qorth still has a cat nose. I think I might be diverging from what it means to be a Tibyder.”
“Interesting, a pity we can't ask Xena yet, she might have your nose.”
“You think I might be defining what a vampire is now?”
She shrugs. A different thought comes to me as we walk.
“Magdeline, why did you tell the Queen about me crushing the Bronfkin army.”
She stops and laughs, “Oh that's hilarious, your soul in me just tried to force me to answer.”
I look annoyed at her. She waves me off.
“I was asked to explain when I laughed at Sir Krakner's report. Apparently, a Sir Eckhart was raving about a devil [Attendant] named Sara and how we had committed a war crime by setting you loose inside their camp.”
“Did I?”
“What?”
“Commit a war crime?”
“Sara the victor defines war crimes, to punish the defeated.”
I rolled my eyes at her, “Fine, if Bronfkin won the war would they pursue me as a war criminal?”
She thinks on that, “If it was to save face for the general and Sir Eckhart certainly. As for the crime? They would have to change the narrative. Our Queendom did not send you there, you were captured, hostages. No one could accuse hostages for escaping. That you had a bit of vengeance is something to complain to the adventurer guild about not the Queendom. Even then you weren't representing the guild either.”
So it would have been one if I was deliberately sent there to do it. More consequences. They already know I am a Tibyder as well. I sigh.
“How much does the Queen know?”
“Ah, she knows you are why two academy students are Tibyder now and that you wish to remain anonymous until you are older. Which she agreed to. She thought you were funny as well. That you are tier four came from Ophelia not me.”
Guess that explains why Ophelia didn't tell the Sdrea who I was, orders from above. I feel something snap inside me. I fall forward. My reserves start to drain…my soul core is missing.
-----
Sister! Where has she gone?
“My lady, why are you panicking?”
I don't feel her anymore. She was fine and then nothing. Was she shot again? Mags was with her. I feel she is there with another piece of my soul. Is that sister? She is too far away. I must get closer. I will myself out of the dungeon.
My legs immediately snap, my body is thrusted to the ground. My torso and face are all flat against the ground. My body weight is beyond possible, everything not soul generated is weighing me down. I fall unconscious seeing feet.
-----
I had to release my magic, my body a head taller than Mags. My torso is being crushed. I try to will my corset away but my soul won't pull them in. Mags frees me after noticing my distress. My poor corsets cords are now sundered. The back of my dress is in tatters as well.
“Sara what's happening, why did you change without removing your clothes.”
“I think I am too far from sister, it felt like something snapped. My soul core is missing. I couldn't maintain my form on reserves alone. We should head back.”
“Do you wish for those following us to see you like this?”
I look down at my bipedal green body…my dryad form? Am I so far away I can't assume my true body? The adventurers the alchemist hired would report back that I was a dryad, no we must continue. I get up, walk forward and trip. Not used to my exaggerated proportions. Mag catches me. Pulls me into a princess carry and runs towards the mountains.
-----
“If we kill her out here what is going to happen to those inside her?”
“Do we even know if she has anyone inside her?”
I'm still plastered to the floor. My body can't move. So heavy. I scan my surroundings with my skeletal eyes. In a large room with the smell of blood all around me. The adventurer guild halls processing room? They are talking about the pros and cons of slaying me. People inside me? Qorth!?!
Are you alright in there Qorth, tug my soul.
I feel a tug, I sigh in relief. I call Cecelia.
Mom, I think I am in the adventurer guild hall processing room, I need help.
My waiting is answered too soon. The viscount Bradford Xavious enters the room.
“This is what you found at the Bandit’s Suicide instead of the entrance.”
I hear Charles voice answer, “Yes sir, it's the smith monster that has been doing cheap work for the various adventurers. It took everyone to load her onto the cart. She broke the first one, we had to get a dragon certified one.”
I weigh enough to be considered a dragon.
“She?”
“Ah her top half is that of a young woman.”
Charles comes over and lifts my hair, showing my face.
“Sara?”
Shit. I will the fairy illusion out.
“Ah ha, is that the um name of the face I bear? I saw a fetching [Attendant] once and made myself look like her. Do you think I did a good job?”
“You're a poor liar, even through illusion.” The viscount is not buying it.
“You must be mistaken, there is no way that I am this Sara person.”
Cecelia enters the room. She rushes to me.
“SARA!”
My fairy illusion grips the bridge of her nose. She has to do it for the both of us.
“Why can't you move, Sara?”
“I think all the non soul matter in me is weighing me down. I'd go back in but I'm not sure the guild would want the dungeon to be here.”
“How are you here Sara, you're supposed to be in the capital with Delores.” The viscount.
Right, audience of more than two.
“I have two bodies. There is still a Sara in the capital. This is just a manifestation of the dungeon.”
“So the entrance will reappear if you go back into the dungeon.”
“It should.”
“And if we should slay you?” Charles asked.
Cecelia gets between me and the others.
“I don't know? The entrance may appear and I come back in three days or I could stay dead and no more dungeon.”
“We aren't killing the economic boon of my lands for a one time slaying.”
There is shouting from outside. A new voice enters the room.
“I demand you slay that thing.”
A second concurs.
“Yes the abomination needs to die.”
And a third.
“I'm fine with whatever the Lord decides.”
“Xin, were you not complaining about the life bandages cutting into your profits?” The first voice
“It was an issue but there has also been an influx of herbs. Rumor has it that there are dryad flowers even.” Xin.
Is my life being decided on whether I am an economic boon or not. I return to my soul space. The fairy remains. She will need to speak for me.
“I prefer not dying so the guild hall process room it is.”
“Damn it, we can't have the dungeon inside my hall.” The adventurer guild master?
“Why not, seems to be a convenient location as any.” Xavious.
A growl from the guild master, “There are reports of real monsters inside it. You want to risk a breakout inside your barrier?”
“Real monsters?”
“Gaint Maknor spiders.”
“How do you know?” I ask, curious.
“They appear to be learning and are giving more exp then they identify as.”
Ah my babies. Voice number one speaks up.
“More reason to slay it.”
“Frederick, why does the blacksmithing guild really want to end the dungeon?” The Viscount.
“Is the danger to the town not enough?” Frederick.
“Fred, the last danger to the town had you crowing about the profits you made.” The guild master points out.
“Fine, the blacksmithing monster has been undercutting the guild on maintenance, and weapons.” Now Fred.
“Technically the weapon was only one time. I don't really have a sense of proper prices.”
“Amateur, this is why guilds exist.” I don't like Fred.
“I'm more than willing to join your guild and follow guidelines."
“As if I accept a monster in the guild.” I really don't like Fred.
My fairy just shrugs.
“Well, is this the same reason the tailoring guild is here?” The viscount asks.
“There has been a demand for silk products that we can't fulfill even as more products keep appearing. We can't compete with the dungeon.” The second voice.
I scream inside my dungeon, my soul burns for a moment. Cecelia feels my distress. Qorth hugs my body asking what's wrong. I shake my head and concentrate on my illusion.
“Are you not able to make silk products from what the adventurer brings in?” The guild master.
“Only in white or blood red, the dungeon itself produces undergarments of any color requested.” The second voice complains.
“So if I make more silk colors available you won't be on the ‘kill the dungeon’ wagon?”
My illusion sits on Cecelia's head, I hope it eases her tension.
“You are still pricing your goods too low.” The second voice answers.
“Which I am willing to adjust, I will still price less but that's a consequence of being a dungeon. The only ones who can buy from me are decent adventurers.”
“Still not good enough, we must slay the thing.” Fred again.
“I already said I would adjust prices, what more do you want?”
“A mithril vein.” Fred asking the impossible.
“I can't produce that much mithril for five instances.”
“What about the mithril hare?” Charles.
“That's just a dungeon iron rabbit I fed mithril too, once it dies its back to being an iron rabbit. Also my pet.”
“Would a regular iron rabbit?” The guild master.
“Would it what?”
“Come back as an iron or mithril.”
“A regular monster returns as it was prior to death. So yes if I converted a real iron rabbit that would work.” Until it grows old and dies but perhaps I can just make them at that point.
My soul tears a bit.
You have gained [Dungeon 3] Apprentice 1
Apprentice - nothing grows older inside you pass adulthood, and a new key
Gain 6 exp
But why?
-----
The fire snaps at the air, a pop sounds as I stare into it. I got the notification about the dungeon. It burned my soul a bit for it to appear. I had tried earlier to view my status which had just resulted in my screams. Mags throws another log onto the fire.
“You look even glummer now, Sara.”
“My dungeon skill just leveled, it hurt when the notification popped up. She can gain skills while I just burn us for being so far away.”
She looks sadly at me, “I'm sorry my suggestion hurt you so.”
I shake my head, “You couldn't have known that I can't look at my status screen.”
She looks haunted, “I felt your soul pain, Sara. I think you are pulling apart again.”
I was afraid of that. I feel my soul get tugged by her. I look up with a questioning brow.
“Your sister just asked me if you were still alive.”
I tug the soul myself.
-----
At least she is still alive.
I'm on the dragon rated cart. It's much larger than my manifestation. The team of adventurers are dragging me to the Bandit’s Suicide new location. I had wanted to send a message directly to my sister but I felt that if I talked to her as a [Supplicant] we would truly be severed in twain. A distinction acknowledged. I must be patient.
“This is most glorious, a new instance and a new location.”
My eyes pan to the [Kargnia Adventurer Guild Master] Peter. A Croman of blue plumage, still only the tips. I should be able to pluck the dryad flower from my head and grow it new roots. Another hydra on the other hand will be more difficult. My illusion pops out.
“I would request that I keep it to five for now, if I cannibalize the space for the sixth I can make the other five instances longer.”
Annoyance radiates off Peter, “I prefer an increase in total output over areas none can reach yet.”
“You pointed out that the monsters are real in my cave, it's not like I have spare hydras lying around.”
He considers that, “Fine, I'll hold onto your sixth key. We will use it as a way to talk to you. No monsters in that one.”
“I will create a conference room as the first part of that instance. Beyond that room, I may use the area to breed monsters for other instances of my dungeon.”
“Plan to make yourself more prone to a monster breakout?” Peter agitation grows.
“I don't understand. What is a monster breakout?”
Cecelia answers, “From time to time a dungeon will vomit forth its monsters, I didn't know it was because they were real monsters though.”
“Oh yes, it's because the real monsters inside grow tired of their confines and want new territory. Usually its territorial monster types that breed and grow to be too many. Your Maknor spiders fit that bill. So would the hydra if they are real as well, which I think you suggested are.”
“All my babies are girls.”
The guildmaster is startled at that. Was it because I referred to them as babies or because they are all girls? He huffs a sigh.
“Well that will prevent the spiders but what of the hydras?”
“I can make sure the path out is too small for them to traverse.”
“Perhaps when they are bigger, for now I prefer we can move carts through you. Can you ensure that the paths are accessible for the size you set your entrance."
I smile, “I'll make it so [Guild Master].”
“Good, I'll try to pop in every week to discuss matters with you, possible improvements and such. I can collect your guild dues then.”
They wouldn't confer the titles to me but still demanded I pay weekly dues. When they said I needed to use their marks on my goods, I simply brushed them off. Maybe when they recognize me as a member. The [Viscount] wanted to impose a tax on me as well but I pointed out that guild dues were used to pay his tax. He grumbled at that until I reminded him that I was still an economic boon. He relented at that.
We arrive at a clearing off the side of the road. I'm unceremoniously pushed off the oversized cart. I form my new entrance. I take a moment to set my seventh instance to the conference room. The guild master need not know that he was missing a key. He enters a moment later.
“A bit bigger perhaps? I may bring others from time to time to discuss matters with you.”
I expand the area further. He nods and leaves. I return to my own personal instance. Qorth and Cecelia are there. They hug me as I give in to my feelings of sadness and isolation. I didn't have to sleep but the day was too much. I laid down and rested.
