Book of the Dungeon Maker

by Nathan Valerio

  “So, what do you want from me?” I asked.

  “I wish for you to bind me and my kin to your book. Even if I were to die, my soul will be kept within your book. After gathering enough mana, I may be able to reform my spirit body and slowly gather my strength. As long as my soul is safe, my kin are safe and you shall obtain not only me, but my daughter as minions,” she said.

  We were shocked beyond belief. How powerful would a being like her be at full power? Giving her a few more flowers would greatly restore her power once her daughter recovered, and with the flowers constantly planted my dungeon would always possess a huge surge of mana but...

  “I don't have space to bind the gray wolves and you,” I said.

  “Cross-san, such a thing you are too stupid to realize. Simply level up your archive skill. You would let such a powerful ally go,” Misaki shouted at me.

  “This is such an amazing thing... but wait how has the demon lord been binding other creatures?” Charlotte asked as she realized this point.

  “The one known as demon lord has long since erased this knowledge. Only those of old age know, he is of an ancient order of dungeon makers. Today, he is but a dungeon lord, a corrupt maker who has long since diverted from the teachings of the true makers and can no longer even hold his runic pen and the dungeon bane’s blade,” she explained.

  The moment those words left her lips, the room went quiet. The three party members looked at me in shock, yet I didn't react.

  “You knew?” Charlotte asked.

  I pointed with my thumb over my shoulder.

  “Got basic knowledge he had, but it wasn't detailed. Veria, what is that dungeon bane’s blade?” I asked.

  “It is the short sword artifact on your waist. A sword that can cleave open the sealed doors of a dungeon and cut dungeon cores like paper. It is the fear of all dungeons, but it is also the nemesis of the demon lord’s protective barrier. Yours is still not in its awakened form nor is it close to it,” she said.

  I nodded.

  “Ace! Don't ignore me so quickly, this is big! If father discovers this, he will undoubtedly imprison you,” she said.

  “Then just don't flap your lips and he won't find out,” Misaki suddenly said.

  “Shini... gumi...” Charlotte muttered.

  “I do not wish to be rude, but I feel even if the three official heroes attacked this barrier together, they will simply be killed. The saying goes, fight fire with fire. Ace has become the fire to fight the demon lord. His book can hold minions; we really have a huge reason to spend tremendous amounts of time to bulk up our forces,” Misaki said.

  “She is right, although this is all so shocking, and I don't get half of what is going on since I lack knowledge in this field, I can understand that in terms of importance, Sir Ace ranks even above the hero, Richard,” Hermes said.

  At that moment, my book began glowing. I had leveled up the archive skill and as a result, the book was upgrading. It instantly surpassed level ten and went to over 50% of level 11 with the 20k exp. At that moment the skill looked like this.

  Dungeon Archive:

  Level 11: Exp 4728/6700

  This skill allows the caster to seal constructed parts of the dungeon within the Book of the Dungeon Maker and make copies.

  The archive is a separate dimensional space within the Book of the Dungeon Maker. For the dungeon maker to seal the construction layout, you must place the dungeon maker rune pen in the structure and say, 'Archive Corridor/Room/Trap/Material/Vegetation/Minion.'

  Can currently make layouts for 14 dungeons.

  You can store only 12 different corridor layouts.

  You can store only 15 room types.

  You can store only 5 boss rooms.

  You can store only 18 different traps.

  You can store 12 types of minion.

  You can store 25 common non medical plants and 20 common fruit bearing plants and crops, and 12 medical herbs.

  Repairs to dungeon reduced cost by 10%.

  Repairs/Recovery rate of Minions is 10% faster.

  Cost to cast runes decreased by 15%.

  Dungeon attracts monsters and demons from 4 km away.

  Dungeon can gather naturally from the air up to 10000 mana to run the dungeon and to attract monsters.

  Dungeons can now support plant life if they are made of dirt or other organic materials.

  Runic Pen Option:

  You can now access ‘Magic Circle Pen Mode’ and can return to ‘Runic Pen Mode’ by speaking either name.

  As I closed the skill window, a new one appeared.

  Dungeon Archive has surpassed level 10. Initial level artifact awakening activated.

  Dungeon Layouts can now be connected inside the Book of the Dungeon Maker forming one dungeon out of many, but can be disconnected in the similar fashion.

  You can now archive killed dungeons and analyse their structure to make them your own dungeons and make corridors of the same type.

  “I have upgraded my archive skill and can accept you and your kin as my own. Do you by chance know how to bind living beings? I have only done it with this large puppet behind me until now,” I said.

  “Do the same as what you did with the guardian. Simply place your runic pen over my heart. Once the seal appeared, a great deal of mana will be expended as a soul stone will form within my chest binding me to you. My spirit wolf kin are linked to me with a soul link and shall be also bound. The remaining wolves will be bound during the next lunar ritual when my child is born and they are bonded to me and my child,” she said.

  Understanding the concept, I removed the pen from my pocket. The pen had undergone some changes as runes were appearing on the black body and it grew a bit bigger.

  I gently placed it on her left breast.

  “Bind minion.”

  On my command the book began to glow subtly.

  “I and my kin agree to become your minions,” she said.

  At this, the book glowed and exploded as a shock wave was released followed by a powerful gust of wind which drew an amazing amount of mana into the dungeon. At the center, the white gown on the wolf queen was shredded into particles of light leaving her body bare.

  Over her left breast a circle formation spread and was soon followed by runes slowly building the seal.

  As the outer seal was formed, it released a strange tribal tattoo over her body. A bright red tattoo with runes formed a band around the neck, wrists, ankles, half way down the thigh, and half way down the arm on the biceps.

  Then it widened as runes thickened the tattoos.

  At that point, the second inner circle was formed. This caused a red triangle to form on her forehead. Lastly, several runes formed in the center consisting of several runes at the center. It radiated power and an aura of nobility. This was Veria's true name.

  As the book began to dull, the light particles that had been her clothes returned and soon reformed into the white gown.

  You have bound the ancient alpha silver spirit queen wolf, Veria level 423 (82)

  This being a boss rank monster she can only exist in a dungeon with a boss room.

  By binding the ancient alpha silver spirit queen wolf, Veria you have bound 869,750 spirit wolves. They have all been stored within the Book of the Dungeon Maker within a spirit realm dungeon within the book. This dungeon is unchangeable and open for this number of spirits. The ancient alpha silver spirit queen wolf will also move to this dungeon when her body is unstable and will reappear as the moon gets closer to full moon phase.

  I removed the pen as the gown regrew over the tan chest, covering her once more.

  Still, although there was a noble air to her, there was a distinct blush on her face as she realized what happened, and her eyes spoke volumes.

  “It is done. Now the ritual is complete, you can close the dungeon and we shall remain safely inside,” she said.

  “I have to ask, don't you need food?” I asked.

  “My spirit kin do not, but I must eat t
o grow stronger. As for the mortal kin, they require the hunt. In particular rabbits are easy and good game, but if Master can evolve them it can become better as monsters grow with a fight,” she said.

  “Do moon rabbits exist in this world?” I asked.

  “They have a similar existence to my own, you would be required to bind a rabbit to the same flower and have them live as I do. We would regularly need to fight to grow and they breed faster than we do in a dungeon,” she said.

  “I will see to getting rabbits or something to make prey for the gray wolves. Also expect them to not remain stagnant and just move toward spirit wolf. I have my own intentions for some,” I said.

  “It is expected of course. I hope that we can be of use in the future,” she said bowing and turning to the flowers and becoming a wolf again.

  I looked at the others and dismissed the puppets, except fort the guardian, just to help Hermes feel safer as we left.

  “I kind of noticed, but how do we complete the mission now?” I asked the others.

  The others looked at each other. Misaki put down her bag and took out the poster for the mission.

  “Mission: Gray wolf pack rampage. Request that gray wolf pack is subjected or the threat of the wolves is quelled by other means. If reason for attack is uncovered and resolved then we get a bonus,” she said.

  “Oh, so it was simpler. We just have to tell them I tamed the leader and the pack fell in line,” I said.

  “Seems likely, but we still need a reason for the rampage,” Hermes said.

  “Then... how about the alpha possessed high intelligence and was leading the pack to train and evolve faster,” I said.

  “That is plausible. If you show them the spirit wolf queen then we may even skip a rank since the strength of the boss was beyond the level of the request. What level is she?” Charlotte asked.

  “Level 423, but her current strength is at 82 with how much she was weakened,” I said.

  Charlotte and Hermes instantly turned ghostly pale and began to tremble.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “L-l-l-le-level 400+ are all SS rank monsters!” Hermes stuttered.

  “I'm somewhat afraid to tell you the number of spirit wolves she has under her control then.” I said.

  “How many?” Charlotte asked after a long pause.

  “869,750,” I said looking away.

  Thump!

  Once Hermes registered the number, he fainted.

  After that, I made sure to show them the information on the wolves which amazed the girls. Afterwards, I released my puppets in one of the other dungeons and we did a run in the other before we closed them, though I leveled up only once.

  We closed both dungeons. After Hermes woke up, we headed back to the alchemist. Once there, I archived all his things. The main reason, I gained an exp crystal from the closing of the two dungeons, and with his things plus lots of stone, I made a large room with stone walls and floors. Inside, I set up all his equipment and put that Elven formation thing in the center. It was like a large rug with a formation and when I put it there, the formation lifted off the page and landed on the ground.

  With that done, the rest of the equipment was in different spots; Hermes told me how to place it to make it easier for him. I even set up a space for stone bins where herbs and medical flowers I planted would appear automatically in groups of ten as long as mana was put in them. I didn’t know the runes used for the process, but they appeared to cost a lot of mana.

  When I was done, all his gear was turned into a large alchemy workshop which I had attached to my farm dungeon. In retrospect, I felt this farm dungeon was the only one I would never destroy and it may even become my backbone dungeon for all goods I needed.

  With that room in place, I placed the dungeon and at once a massive draw on mana came out the hole forming a ball.

  “Wow, the mana density sure was full in this dungeon. I guess I should open it up more and collect that mana every so often,” I said.

  “Absorb mana,” I said and the ball entered my book instantly forming two exp crystals and was well on the way to making the third.

  “The workshop is near the entrance, it's the only stone room. Go check it out and I will send some puppets for you to train as alchemists, okay?” I said and explained how my puppets could learn craft skills with good teaching. Since he understood, he entered the magic hole that was placed in his room, and we left to handle the formalities of the mission.

  Chapter 20

  “Aaaaahhhhh!” a shout came from the upper floors of the adventurer's guild in the capital of Heavenlight.

  The shout came because of our group.

  The day after we resolved Veria's request, we returned to the capital and explained the situation. A beastmaster took us upstairs and told us to show him the 'Intelligent Alpha', obviously I summoned Veria herself causing said scream.

  “This human is quite loud and unpleasant to the ears,” she said in discomfort.

  “Sorry I summoned you during the day,” I said.

  “It is of no concern. I have been able to absorb great deals of mana and moonlight within your dungeon so appearing indoors during daytime isn't an issue. That said I do indeed require a lot of mana and moonlight essence to be able to survive the birth of my child lest I lose my 12,000 moons of cultivation of moon essence,” she said.

  “It is quite quick what we need. We had a mission to stop the rampage of your pack, since I—in human terms—tamed you, the guild wishes to known why your wolves were going wild,” I said.

  “My kin weren't going out of control. They were hunting to increase their level to possess a higher possibility of ascending into the realm of the spirit wolf. If such an occurrence happened where my kin has injured humans, I ask leniency,” she said.

  “S-spirit wolf?! You’re an alpha spirit queen wolf!” the beastmaster said.

  “No, I am an ancient one, my power has declined to only 1/8 of its strength due to being unable to allow my moonlight azure blossom absorb a full lunar cycle of moonlight. This time I get four days worth, and it may still cause my eventual death or supreme weakening during the birth of my 11th daughter,” She said.

  “One eighth, so level 80 from an SS rank sentient magic beast. This already equals a high B or mid A rank mission. You kids were in so much danger if not for whatever reason made her accept your service. I will contact the head master and elevate you to C rank which is the max you are currently allowed. After that, you require stats and skills at adequate levels,” the beastmaster said and looked at me.

  “At least for fighting classes; classes that use animals and monsters can depend on beast handling skills,” he said.

  “C rank is fine. Also, I would be happy if you didn't tell anyone besides your superior about her. It won't be fun for me if you did,” I said.

  “I shall call him this instant,” he said and ran out.

  Seeing the man leave, Veria looked around and walked to the corner before laying down.

  “Ah, the mortals have so many worries, it shortens your lives,” she said.

  “Isn't it the same for you?” I asked.

  “My worries are to simply find a place of strong mana to plant my blossom. I do what my true nature and purpose always was,” Veria replied.

  “You speak of death so easily? Do you not fear it?” Charlotte asked.

  “No, the concept of fear is different for spirits. Death only comes to the body; our souls will just wander the winds of the world. My true death as an alpha spirit queen wolf comes when my blossom is stolen from me. I will lack the energy to reform my true corporeal form. I will be unable to gather the mana and moonlight essence that sustains my spirit kin,” she replied.

  At that moment, the door opened to an old man with a heavy battle scar on the left side of his face going from the back of the head down over his eye to his chin. He had an eye patch over his left eye.

  He looked at us then at Veria and his eye widened.

  “Ve
ria, long time no see bitch!” he said grinning.

  “Indeed, it has been many moons since I left that injury on your face. Seems to have healed into a nice scar,” Veria said in a charming tone.

  “You bitch! Just seeing you makes my blood boil and this scar ache!” he shouted.

  “You say that, but the moonlight essence you obtained from me from that attack has done you well, isn't that right moonlight knight,” she said.

  He sneered and looked at us.

  “I will commission your ranks to rise to C. Taming this bitch is worthy of that. Just make sure she doesn't die; I want to be the one to skin her after I shove my blade up her ass!” he said.

  “Vain, you're so bold.” At that point, her body began glowing and transformed into the human shape causing the beastmaster to fall on his ass.

  She appeared and walked seductively to the couch and sat down.

  “I didn't know you liked me to such a degree, but if I had to give my first it would be from the front. I find it so strange, a human's sexual habits, like how you use the back,” she said.

  “Hmpf, even if you haven't been fucked in 1000 years it's probably sagging and loose all the same,” Vain said.

  “Alright that's good, Veria. I think it's fine if you go back, the more time you spend there the greater the chances of you surviving,” I said.

  “Very well,” she said and winked at the guild master before a magic formation appeared below her and her body vanished.

  “Tch, damn it. I search for revenge and when I find her, she is some brat’s pet. Anyway, you're the dungeon maker hero kid and swordswoman right? Crowned princess, excuse my tone before,” Vain said.