Two days later, the ranking members of both the Rainlander garrison and the Valleylander trainees found themselves summoned to a meeting at the Association camp - or rather, the Association office, newly constructed. The building was still rather plain, with interior furnishings still being added, and the sign out front had just been affixed that morning, but the foundation was solid, the roof kept out the weather, and a large meeting room had been set up with a conference table sizable enough for all the attendees.
Facilities aside, the summons to 'discuss recent revelations following the latest inspection of Worthy Dungeon' was a rather unusual event. The Association had little in the way of obligations to either government, and rarely shared all of the intelligence it gathered from its Challengers and employees. Rather, information was left to drift out in the usual ways - through gossip and rumor, allowing those Challengers who had made important discoveries the time they might need to sufficiently profit on that information. Occasionally important facts were shared, but usually via letter or messenger. That Field Agent Alizz had called both militaries in for an urgent meeting was a clear sign that something big had been discovered.
The Association itself was represented at the meeting by, of course, Alizz herself alongside her second-in-command Kelsey. The armed forces had each received invitations for three representatives, and for the Rainlanders that party consisted of Commander Paulados, Chief of Staff Harnriel, and Alpine Scout Tafyaf Srooll, as their best personal expert on the dungeon. The Valleylanders had far fewer options when it came to available officers, and so their group was led by Sapper Tinsel Hansliss - now on the verge of advancement to the Expert levels - backed up by Sniper Kalasha of Bug'kurc and the now-healed Vanguard Mesht of Niad'osh, chosen according to their seniority by level ranking.
As the various parties settled into their respective seats, the mood was surprisingly amiable considering the frosty diplomatic relations that existed between the two nations. The mousekin Tinsel clearly cared little for political or 'big-picture' concerns, while Paulados was comfortably the highest-ranking officer in the room, which apparently meant that neither of them felt particularly threatened in any way by the other. Tafyaf and the two orcs meanwhile both appeared a little uncertain as to what they were even doing sitting in on an important meeting like this one, and it was quite likely they'd end up sharing drinks together in the tavern by the end of the night and gossiping about what occurred here, opposing nationalities or not.
After a round of well-natured greetings was exchanged and refreshments were provided, however, it was time to get down to business. Sitting at a drider-designed sofa and sipping at a fresh cup of tea, Alizz cleared her throat to indicate she was ready to begin. "Welcome to all of you, and thank you for coming today. I realize that this meeting was called on rather short notice, but some new information has come to light which may greatly impact both the usage of the Worthy Dungeon, and the development of Grassbrook itself."
Tinsel scoffs, unimpressed. "Really, the town's at stake? What's it gonna do, landslide the mountain on them?"
Alizz quickly shakes her head. "Apologies if it sounded as if I was implying something dangerous, that's far from the case. But, allow me to start at the beginning. Several days ago my team and I performed a scheduled inspection of the dungeon, which is typical for those of about fifty days of age, at least for those which have been discovered at that point. We learned a number of facts which were both revealing and mystifying, and after returning for a bit of research, we performed a second inspection yesterday which confirmed a number of things. To focus on one point specifically - it is well-known to all by now that the dungeon is unusual in several respects, but in particular regarding its second floor boss. A magic-casting slime of her intelligence is essentially unknown, and there's been many theories as to how the dungeon acquired such a boss."
The drider takes a deep breath before continuing. "While the dungeon has been reluctant to disclose the details of how exactly she arrived at Worthy Dungeon, I can now confirm the woman's identity - she is Slime Elementalist Lollyp, formerly in service of the Domain military. I should clarify also that she is not simply a resident of the dungeon, as is somewhat common in the Domain, nor is she simply a boss ensouled with the spirit of a former Elementalist. Rather, she is in fact the woman herself, resurrected in the body of a dungeon monster slime, with all the benefits and limitations that implies."
While there had been a smattering of 'I knew it!'s and 'That explains a few things' as she spoke, the final sentence manages to surprise both parties. There's a brief moment of silence before a number of attendees begin shouting out questions, but the mousekin yells out the loudest. "There's the proof! There's the proof! The Dragonlord did do something to the dungeon, and it's filling the place with its soldiers to kill folks with! Ha, Commando Darrosh is going to love to hear this!"
Before Paulados can join in with any leaping to conclusions of his own, Alizz raises her voice and interjects. "Actually, Sapper, that is incorrect. This is what took us extra time to confirm, but I can state without a doubt that the Dragonlord is not the one that granted the dungeon this ability. Rather...the dungeon has managed to receive a blessing of Divine Favor."
Tinsel seems a little confused about what that means, meaning this time it's Paulados who manages to answer first. "A Divine Favor!? At fifty days old - no, less, perhaps at even the twenty-five day mark? We know little of how dungeons earn such blessings, but even so, such a thing is remarkably rare, if not entirely unheard of. But...a favor from which deity, then?"
Kelsey opens up a book and flips to a section containing divine symbols, before displaying a rune to the room made of a pair of symmetrical curved shapes, joined together by a set of lines pointing downward in the center. It was one famous enough for all present to recognize, as it was largely considered by many to be representative of a womb, and many of that deity's followers even marked themselves using it. Despite the recognition, Alizz made a point to explain it for the record. "The dungeon was able to decorate itself with this rune upon our latest visit, which as you may know, is impossible for dungeons to do unless they have the favor of the god who owns the symbol. Therefore there is no doubt that Worthy Dungeon has been blessed by Kahlia...the Goddess of Fertility."
This time, it's the usually-quiet Harnriel who exclaims out loud. "Kahlia? Since when does she involve herself with dungeons? Why here? Why now?"
Alizz nods. "To my knowledge, this is the first time the Goddess has ever granted a dungeon a blessing, yes. As to 'why', while I cannot speak for certain, the impression I got was simply that, well...the Goddess wanted to try something new." While Xenia had passed on the fact that it was the Dungeon Fuckers who had first caught Kahlia's attention, Alizz was not going to encourage those perverts by ever sharing the information publicly, at least not if she had anything to say about it. Even if soon those perverts might find themselves in growing company...
The orc Sniper furrows her brow. "Kahlia is worshiped in order to bring about children, and livestock...occasionally prayed to alongside Palain for fruitful crops, yes? I don't see what any of that has to do with an exceptionally fatal dungeon monster."
Kelsey gives her a smirk. "Ah, you're forgetting one of the lesser-known parts of her portfolio, girl. Kahlia is the Goddess of new life, and that includes reincarnations. That's the Favor, you see. Under very strict conditions, a mortal can be reincarnated in the dungeon as one of its monsters."
Paulados leans forward. "What conditions, exactly? Was this Elementalist even in the dungeon when she died? Can anyone now wake up one day and find themselves employed by a dungeon for eternity?"
"Much more strict than that." Alizz begins counting off requirements on her fingers, a list that she and Xenia had put together to hopefully prevent a string of suicides from occurring within the dungeon bounds. While Xenia herself was mostly just creeped out and uncomfortable at the thought, Alizz also had a personal concern - a string of willing sacrifices could increase a dungeon's power at unheard-of speeds, and quite frankly, Xenia's dungeon was already fatal enough as it was. "First off, yes, someone does actually have to die within the dungeon bounds to be a candidate. Secondly, somewhat arbitrarily, the dungeon has to consider the candidate to be, well...worthy of becoming a dungeon boss."
Tinsel chuckles at the description. "Guess the place is well-named, then. I mean, all dungeons supposedly judge if someone's worthy of being a Paragon or not, right? But this is like, a whole new avenue of advancement...if ya don't mind dying a lil bit in the process."
"And being confined to a dungeon for eternity, among other costs, yes." Alizz continues her listing. "Third, someone can only be a candidate if they've never had children. This is apparently Kahlia's way of giving a second chance to those who were never able to, ah...'honor' her in more traditional methods. Also, importantly, fourth - the candidate themselves has to consent to the process, before dying."
Paulados starts to ask a question, but then pauses and asks another. "So these requirements...actually, allow me to backtrack for one moment. Just how did you learn all these fine details? Is the dungeon that communicative?"
"The dungeon is unusually personable, yes, when it wants to be. But...well, I suppose you may find out eventually anyways, so I may as well tell you now. Slime Elementalist Lollyp was, is, my sister-in-law. I'm currently widowed, but I was vowed to her brother for some years. It took me a few tries to fully confirm her identity and, ah, open a dialog...our first meeting went particularly poorly, to understate matters a little. But yes, on our last visit I was able to discuss matters and confirm the details I've just described to you."
Tafyaf can't contain his laughter, although his question also contains a fair bit of concern along with it. "Family to the dungeon, ahaha! The family business, one might even say, yes? Although, does this not make a, what would you say, a conflict of interest or something like that, hrmm?"
The Commander seated to his right narrows his eyes. "Yes, that is a good question, actually. Does this impact your ability to manage the local Challengers, Field Agent? I hold no judgment against you if it does, provided you take measures against it."
Alizz's face remains stern in the face of the accusation, mildly delivered as it may have been. "Only in a positive way, Commander. I assure you, the lives of those Challengers within my area of responsibility are far and away my primary concern, and I am certainly not one to, mmm, 'feed' the dungeon or otherwise sabotage my people in favor of a relative who is, to be blunt, already dead. However, this connection has allowed us to learn the information which I've shared with you today, so I hope you'll see what a unique opportunity this represents."
The man nods, before turning his thoughts in another direction. "This actually explains quite a lot, don't you think? If the dungeon has the assistance of multiple mortal 'helpers', that would allow it to potentially develop more quickly than most. More lethally, too." A grin appears below his mustache and the officer chuckles. "Quite a relief, actually, to have an explanation for all this, even if I'm not entirely sure yet what this means going forward. Did you have any thoughts on that topic, Field Agent? You mentioned something about the development of the village earlier, did you not?"
"Indeed. I don't know if Kahlia has already informed her high clerics of her new association with the dungeon, but if she hasn't yet, I am certain it is only a matter of time. While it was also only a matter of time until more, ah, 'devout' Challengers began to appear in larger numbers, I wouldn't be at all surprised if this revelation led to the establishment of a new church in the region specifically for worshipers of Kahlia. I don't know how many of them would challenge the dungeon itself, as they're not a particularly martial organization, but it will certainly have an impact on the makeup and outlook of the growing town."
Tinsel leans back in her seat and crosses her arms. "Gonna get a lot harder to find birth control in the town market, you can bet on that. Somehow that shit always seems to vanish off the shelves when enough of those bunch come around."
Paulados smiles as he turns his attention to the beastkin. "As far as religious 'quirks' go, it's far from the worst one. I once spent time in a small town where worshipers of Ol kept sabotaging the streetlights, to 'keep the night at its proper darkness', you know. Sounds harmless enough, but unsurprisingly, the local crime rate skyrocketed soon after. But how about you and your fellows, Sapper? Does this information satisfy the curiosity your superiors had about the dungeon?"
Tinsel shakes her head. "They'll definitely want to know, but I sure as hells can't speak for them in terms of wanting to cancel our deal or anything like that. Hells, maybe they'll even be wanting to get their own representative in as a dungeon boss or something - just spitballing, don't quote me on shit. But til I hear otherwise, we aren't going anywhere."
"Fair enough, just wondering. Well, thank you for informing us on all this, Field Agent. Was there anything else we needed to know today?"
Alizz leans forward, scanning her gaze across the table and looking each representative in the eye. "As far as the facts go, I believe we've covered everything. But I wish to point out again that we're treading new ground here, with this unusual form of divine blessing and heavenly attention. Everyone who interacts with the dungeon will need to remain wary, and also open-minded. As the camp, the dungeon, and the town continue to expand, I rather suspect things may get...a little weird."
DaScoot
And that wraps up Arc 3! I hope you've been enjoying the series, and if so I'd like to take this opportunity to ask that you consider giving Worthy Core a rating or review! I look forward to hearing your feedback on the story!
Next time, a new arc begins! Enjoy!
Two days later, the ranking members of both the Rainlander garrison and the Valleylander trainees found themselves summoned to a meeting at the Association camp - or rather, the Association office, newly constructed. The building was still rather plain, with interior furnishings still being added, and the sign out front had just been affixed that morning, but the foundation was solid, the roof kept out the weather, and a large meeting room had been set up with a conference table sizable enough for all the attendees.
Facilities aside, the summons to 'discuss recent revelations following the latest inspection of Worthy Dungeon' was a rather unusual event. The Association had little in the way of obligations to either government, and rarely shared all of the intelligence it gathered from its Challengers and employees. Rather, information was left to drift out in the usual ways - through gossip and rumor, allowing those Challengers who had made important discoveries the time they might need to sufficiently profit on that information. Occasionally important facts were shared, but usually via letter or messenger. That Field Agent Alizz had called both militaries in for an urgent meeting was a clear sign that something big had been discovered.
The Association itself was represented at the meeting by, of course, Alizz herself alongside her second-in-command Kelsey. The armed forces had each received invitations for three representatives, and for the Rainlanders that party consisted of Commander Paulados, Chief of Staff Harnriel, and Alpine Scout Tafyaf Srooll, as their best personal expert on the dungeon. The Valleylanders had far fewer options when it came to available officers, and so their group was led by Sapper Tinsel Hansliss - now on the verge of advancement to the Expert levels - backed up by Sniper Kalasha of Bug'kurc and the now-healed Vanguard Mesht of Niad'osh, chosen according to their seniority by level ranking.
As the various parties settled into their respective seats, the mood was surprisingly amiable considering the frosty diplomatic relations that existed between the two nations. The mousekin Tinsel clearly cared little for political or 'big-picture' concerns, while Paulados was comfortably the highest-ranking officer in the room, which apparently meant that neither of them felt particularly threatened in any way by the other. Tafyaf and the two orcs meanwhile both appeared a little uncertain as to what they were even doing sitting in on an important meeting like this one, and it was quite likely they'd end up sharing drinks together in the tavern by the end of the night and gossiping about what occurred here, opposing nationalities or not.
After a round of well-natured greetings was exchanged and refreshments were provided, however, it was time to get down to business. Sitting at a drider-designed sofa and sipping at a fresh cup of tea, Alizz cleared her throat to indicate she was ready to begin. "Welcome to all of you, and thank you for coming today. I realize that this meeting was called on rather short notice, but some new information has come to light which may greatly impact both the usage of the Worthy Dungeon, and the development of Grassbrook itself."
Tinsel scoffs, unimpressed. "Really, the town's at stake? What's it gonna do, landslide the mountain on them?"
Alizz quickly shakes her head. "Apologies if it sounded as if I was implying something dangerous, that's far from the case. But, allow me to start at the beginning. Several days ago my team and I performed a scheduled inspection of the dungeon, which is typical for those of about fifty days of age, at least for those which have been discovered at that point. We learned a number of facts which were both revealing and mystifying, and after returning for a bit of research, we performed a second inspection yesterday which confirmed a number of things. To focus on one point specifically - it is well-known to all by now that the dungeon is unusual in several respects, but in particular regarding its second floor boss. A magic-casting slime of her intelligence is essentially unknown, and there's been many theories as to how the dungeon acquired such a boss."
The drider takes a deep breath before continuing. "While the dungeon has been reluctant to disclose the details of how exactly she arrived at Worthy Dungeon, I can now confirm the woman's identity - she is Slime Elementalist Lollyp, formerly in service of the Domain military. I should clarify also that she is not simply a resident of the dungeon, as is somewhat common in the Domain, nor is she simply a boss ensouled with the spirit of a former Elementalist. Rather, she is in fact the woman herself, resurrected in the body of a dungeon monster slime, with all the benefits and limitations that implies."
While there had been a smattering of 'I knew it!'s and 'That explains a few things' as she spoke, the final sentence manages to surprise both parties. There's a brief moment of silence before a number of attendees begin shouting out questions, but the mousekin yells out the loudest. "There's the proof! There's the proof! The Dragonlord did do something to the dungeon, and it's filling the place with its soldiers to kill folks with! Ha, Commando Darrosh is going to love to hear this!"
Before Paulados can join in with any leaping to conclusions of his own, Alizz raises her voice and interjects. "Actually, Sapper, that is incorrect. This is what took us extra time to confirm, but I can state without a doubt that the Dragonlord is not the one that granted the dungeon this ability. Rather...the dungeon has managed to receive a blessing of Divine Favor."
Tinsel seems a little confused about what that means, meaning this time it's Paulados who manages to answer first. "A Divine Favor!? At fifty days old - no, less, perhaps at even the twenty-five day mark? We know little of how dungeons earn such blessings, but even so, such a thing is remarkably rare, if not entirely unheard of. But...a favor from which deity, then?"
Kelsey opens up a book and flips to a section containing divine symbols, before displaying a rune to the room made of a pair of symmetrical curved shapes, joined together by a set of lines pointing downward in the center. It was one famous enough for all present to recognize, as it was largely considered by many to be representative of a womb, and many of that deity's followers even marked themselves using it. Despite the recognition, Alizz made a point to explain it for the record. "The dungeon was able to decorate itself with this rune upon our latest visit, which as you may know, is impossible for dungeons to do unless they have the favor of the god who owns the symbol. Therefore there is no doubt that Worthy Dungeon has been blessed by Kahlia...the Goddess of Fertility."
This time, it's the usually-quiet Harnriel who exclaims out loud. "Kahlia? Since when does she involve herself with dungeons? Why here? Why now?"
Alizz nods. "To my knowledge, this is the first time the Goddess has ever granted a dungeon a blessing, yes. As to 'why', while I cannot speak for certain, the impression I got was simply that, well...the Goddess wanted to try something new." While Xenia had passed on the fact that it was the Dungeon Fuckers who had first caught Kahlia's attention, Alizz was not going to encourage those perverts by ever sharing the information publicly, at least not if she had anything to say about it. Even if soon those perverts might find themselves in growing company...
The orc Sniper furrows her brow. "Kahlia is worshiped in order to bring about children, and livestock...occasionally prayed to alongside Palain for fruitful crops, yes? I don't see what any of that has to do with an exceptionally fatal dungeon monster."
Kelsey gives her a smirk. "Ah, you're forgetting one of the lesser-known parts of her portfolio, girl. Kahlia is the Goddess of new life, and that includes reincarnations. That's the Favor, you see. Under very strict conditions, a mortal can be reincarnated in the dungeon as one of its monsters."
Paulados leans forward. "What conditions, exactly? Was this Elementalist even in the dungeon when she died? Can anyone now wake up one day and find themselves employed by a dungeon for eternity?"
"Much more strict than that." Alizz begins counting off requirements on her fingers, a list that she and Xenia had put together to hopefully prevent a string of suicides from occurring within the dungeon bounds. While Xenia herself was mostly just creeped out and uncomfortable at the thought, Alizz also had a personal concern - a string of willing sacrifices could increase a dungeon's power at unheard-of speeds, and quite frankly, Xenia's dungeon was already fatal enough as it was. "First off, yes, someone does actually have to die within the dungeon bounds to be a candidate. Secondly, somewhat arbitrarily, the dungeon has to consider the candidate to be, well...worthy of becoming a dungeon boss."
Tinsel chuckles at the description. "Guess the place is well-named, then. I mean, all dungeons supposedly judge if someone's worthy of being a Paragon or not, right? But this is like, a whole new avenue of advancement...if ya don't mind dying a lil bit in the process."
"And being confined to a dungeon for eternity, among other costs, yes." Alizz continues her listing. "Third, someone can only be a candidate if they've never had children. This is apparently Kahlia's way of giving a second chance to those who were never able to, ah...'honor' her in more traditional methods. Also, importantly, fourth - the candidate themselves has to consent to the process, before dying."
Paulados starts to ask a question, but then pauses and asks another. "So these requirements...actually, allow me to backtrack for one moment. Just how did you learn all these fine details? Is the dungeon that communicative?"
"The dungeon is unusually personable, yes, when it wants to be. But...well, I suppose you may find out eventually anyways, so I may as well tell you now. Slime Elementalist Lollyp was, is, my sister-in-law. I'm currently widowed, but I was vowed to her brother for some years. It took me a few tries to fully confirm her identity and, ah, open a dialog...our first meeting went particularly poorly, to understate matters a little. But yes, on our last visit I was able to discuss matters and confirm the details I've just described to you."
Tafyaf can't contain his laughter, although his question also contains a fair bit of concern along with it. "Family to the dungeon, ahaha! The family business, one might even say, yes? Although, does this not make a, what would you say, a conflict of interest or something like that, hrmm?"
The Commander seated to his right narrows his eyes. "Yes, that is a good question, actually. Does this impact your ability to manage the local Challengers, Field Agent? I hold no judgment against you if it does, provided you take measures against it."
Alizz's face remains stern in the face of the accusation, mildly delivered as it may have been. "Only in a positive way, Commander. I assure you, the lives of those Challengers within my area of responsibility are far and away my primary concern, and I am certainly not one to, mmm, 'feed' the dungeon or otherwise sabotage my people in favor of a relative who is, to be blunt, already dead. However, this connection has allowed us to learn the information which I've shared with you today, so I hope you'll see what a unique opportunity this represents."
The man nods, before turning his thoughts in another direction. "This actually explains quite a lot, don't you think? If the dungeon has the assistance of multiple mortal 'helpers', that would allow it to potentially develop more quickly than most. More lethally, too." A grin appears below his mustache and the officer chuckles. "Quite a relief, actually, to have an explanation for all this, even if I'm not entirely sure yet what this means going forward. Did you have any thoughts on that topic, Field Agent? You mentioned something about the development of the village earlier, did you not?"
"Indeed. I don't know if Kahlia has already informed her high clerics of her new association with the dungeon, but if she hasn't yet, I am certain it is only a matter of time. While it was also only a matter of time until more, ah, 'devout' Challengers began to appear in larger numbers, I wouldn't be at all surprised if this revelation led to the establishment of a new church in the region specifically for worshipers of Kahlia. I don't know how many of them would challenge the dungeon itself, as they're not a particularly martial organization, but it will certainly have an impact on the makeup and outlook of the growing town."
Tinsel leans back in her seat and crosses her arms. "Gonna get a lot harder to find birth control in the town market, you can bet on that. Somehow that shit always seems to vanish off the shelves when enough of those bunch come around."
Paulados smiles as he turns his attention to the beastkin. "As far as religious 'quirks' go, it's far from the worst one. I once spent time in a small town where worshipers of Ol kept sabotaging the streetlights, to 'keep the night at its proper darkness', you know. Sounds harmless enough, but unsurprisingly, the local crime rate skyrocketed soon after. But how about you and your fellows, Sapper? Does this information satisfy the curiosity your superiors had about the dungeon?"
Tinsel shakes her head. "They'll definitely want to know, but I sure as hells can't speak for them in terms of wanting to cancel our deal or anything like that. Hells, maybe they'll even be wanting to get their own representative in as a dungeon boss or something - just spitballing, don't quote me on shit. But til I hear otherwise, we aren't going anywhere."
"Fair enough, just wondering. Well, thank you for informing us on all this, Field Agent. Was there anything else we needed to know today?"
Alizz leans forward, scanning her gaze across the table and looking each representative in the eye. "As far as the facts go, I believe we've covered everything. But I wish to point out again that we're treading new ground here, with this unusual form of divine blessing and heavenly attention. Everyone who interacts with the dungeon will need to remain wary, and also open-minded. As the camp, the dungeon, and the town continue to expand, I rather suspect things may get...a little weird."
DaScoot
And that wraps up Arc 3! I hope you've been enjoying the series, and if so I'd like to take this opportunity to ask that you consider giving Worthy Core a rating or review! I look forward to hearing your feedback on the story!
Next time, a new arc begins! Enjoy!
