by TJ Reynolds
Caw spun on his heel and stalked away while Ban was still talking.
Ban let out a growl before abandoning his champion’s body and returning to his work in his mine. That’s what I get, he fumed. Treat minions like they are real people, and I’m destined to be disappointed. How rude!
Despite the mild frustration his interactions caused him, Ban found immediate reprieve in his tasks. Rather than continue to delve out in random directions, the Earth Core had initiated a much more thorough and organized harvesting of his resources.
After the threat Hastings brought was diminished, Ban had focused his efforts on first creating a tidy network of tunnels below the Sunken Keep.
He reinforced several sections with massive pillars of stone before he dug too eagerly.
Nothing could have ruined his plans more thoroughly than to erode the mountain enough to cause the entire keep to collapse.
He’d spent a week building up the foundation below the Sunken Keep and another few days burrowing out tunnels that would allow his minions free access to the chambers below.
Then Ban had truly pushed himself.
After discovering several veins of ore, Ban had consumed more raw material than he ever had before. He still felt guilty about the time he’d allowed himself to be absorbed in the task, but the fact that he’d fallen behind in his ascension gave him the endorsement he needed.
Converting the material to pure Progression, Ban finally reached his Emerald ascension.
With the upgrade came a great deal of benefits.
For one, his MCP, or Monster Control Points, had doubled! With 640 points available, Ban could summon an army of powerful minions should the need arise.
He was still a peaceful dungeon, but after brushing up against the vile Hastings, he had determined never to feel so vulnerable again.
His ether pool had grown as well, allowing him to work faster than before, but neither of those advancements appealed to him like the third.
Ban’s newly expanded domain meant everything to him!
Instead of being able to control seven hundred feet in all direction, Ban’s dungeon now had a 1400-foot radius!
At first, he’d been tempted to dig straight down, move his core, and discover even more riches buried in the bedrock below. But there were other matters to think of.
Should the keep be sieged again, Ban had plans to wage an initial skirmish on the grasslands surrounding the chasm.
This would not only allow Kai, Rhona, and the kobolds to hurl nastiness at the invaders from afar, but it would also let him send minions out of his keep and fight at the very edge of his domain.
By doing so, it would give Ban the opportunity to replenish his minions from the safety of his keep.
He could only summon minions when an invading force was outside his influence, after all.
So Ban compromised.
His awareness flitted through his new core room. It sat thirty feet below his previous one, secured by thick walls of stone and decorated with the most intricate vine and flower patterns he could manage to create.
After securing his core, Ban indulged Kia and Rhona by building out their own private rooms.
He split the base of the tower into three rooms. Kai and Rhona’s sleeping chambers stood on either side of a wide common room where the three of them—including Ban in his champion form—would often share meals.
The rowdy dragonlings had been moved outside.
In fact, the oversized lizards had two living quarters.
The first was a series of large nests tucked into the side of the tower. The second one they’d claimed for themselves.
Ban’s hanging gardens were still one of his most prideful achievements. The trees, plants, and dangling vines draped down splendidly from the ring around the chasm.
The dragonlings found the birds that lived there to be quite delicious, and, without even asking Ban his thoughts on the matter, had pushed down a few trees and made roosts for themselves there.
Ban pushed the little beasts from his mind and focused on his latest project.
On the outside of his new core room, Ban had assembled a minion barracks. Sure, he could summon and dismiss his creations at will, but having the beasts roaming around nearby made him feel secure.
When considering which minions should occupy the barracks, he of course came up on the subject of improving the creatures.
Naturally, Ban came up with a fighting pit for his minions to battle and test themselves.
The room was diverse, and included several environmental features Ban could activate at will. These included gaps that opened up in the floor, pillars that would make traversing the room difficult, and even a variety of traps.
He was waiting for Rhona to arrive and observe his latest contest.
She promised she’d be here by now, Ban grumbled. Oh well, I suppose there’s no harm in modifying my designs one last time.
He eyed one of his latest masterpieces.
The obsidian bear was a natural combination, one he’d spent long hours perfecting.
By combining the obsidian beetle—a massive insect with a thick, armored shell—with the bulky four-toed bear, a powerful and indomitable minion had been made.
Only standing four feet at the shoulder, the obsidian bear boasted six long, insectile legs. They granted greater leverage when smashing into foes, not to mention stability and speed as well.
A hard compromise was made in regards to the hide aspect of the minion. Ban could choose the armor that made the beetle so promising, or he could choose the thick and glossy fur of the bear.
Despite thinking the fur quite lovely, Ban acknowledged to himself that the armor was more important.
He did keep eight percent of the bear traits, however, which produced long spines that jutted out of the creature’s back like inch-thick hairs.
Kai thought Ban had lost his mind, but the dragon could be limited when it came to concepts of beauty.
The obsidian bear had the fangs and jaws of its bear parentage as well as the musculature, but what truly made it terrifying were the weapons Ban affixed to its front two limbs.
Since the bear could move about using its back four legs alone, Ban designed steel gauntlets that slipped over the bear’s front legs. They were tipped in thick spikes that were marvelously suited for bashing.
Ban glanced across the room at the striated crawler.
I know Kai thinks the beast is abhorrent, but I just don’t see it! I mean, what is inherently ugly about a spider? Ban chuckled to himself. Better question is, what is so inherently beautiful about humans? Nothing, if you ask me.
The crawler was an arachnid-mammal hybrid, which seemed perfectly suited to battle the obsidian bear.
With the body, legs, and antlers of a striated stag and the pincers, forelegs, and eye clusters of the cave crawler, it certainly was an interesting minion to look at.
Unique, Ban thought generously. Unique is a good word for it.
Try as he might, Ban couldn’t think of any way to improve the current model.
At first, Ban coated the antlers in a layer of steel. This turned them into devastating weapons, but the striated crawler was too easily damaged given its less impressive exoskeleton.
Ban amended this by forming a concave shield that the antlers held up.
Not only would this odd shield block arrows or attacks with ease, but if the minion twisted its head, it could even trap and break spears or sword tips.
Though the Earth Core appreciated the stalwart defense, the minion could do little but provide a moving shield.
He’d abandoned the design until Ban hit his Emerald ascension. Then he was able to unlock more options. For instance, he added four arms to the striated crawler’s shoulders.
The long spider appendages were now outfitted with weapons.
Ban placed blunt spheres on the lower, thicker legs, which acted as heavy maces. And on the top two, he simply coated the ends in a steel sheath and sharped them into da
ggers.
Marvelous. simply marvelous, and I do think Kai will come round and appreciate them more should we find ourselves in battle again.
Ban? Rhona asked tentatively. You down here?
If the Earth Core had been in his champion, he would have jumped.
Yes! Yes, of course, Rhona. Thank you for lending me your time, he said in a jumble of words. How was your meditation?
The monk huffed, leaning against the doorway that led into the battle room rather than coming inside.
Same as always, she replied glumly. Jakodi told me that I would find a way to overcome this feeling of loss. I can’t image it, though. Feels like…
Like something is missing, Ban supplied, having heard her sentiments too many times by now.
Rhona quirked a smile.
Then she strode into the room and sat down, tucking a lock of red hair behind her ear. Well, I’m here, Ban. Show me what you’ve got.
Ban felt a thrill of excitement surge through his body. He wished he could jump up and down.
Instead, he forced the striated crawler to tap its dagger points together rapidly.
Very well, Ms. Bloodspar. You will not be disappointed! Before we start, which beast will you choose as your champion?
Rhona blinked in confusion. I’m sorry, you want me to choose a favorite?
Just so!
The monk shrugged and pointed to the striated crawler. I’ll go with the more hideous one. That shield looks interesting.
Ban ignored the slight, lumping it in with the vast display of human ignorance he’d seen in his short life.
Very well! I choose the obsidian bear! Good luck, Rhona. I believe you’ve chosen poorly.
Then Ban reached out with his awareness and activated the minion he’d hidden away for just this occasion.
The woman’s poise evaporated the instant Ban’s modified gargat poked its head out of the hole in the corner of the room and screeched, sounding the start of the match.
Rhona rolled to the side, rising into a crouch with fists ready.
But when she saw the minion flapping its tiny wings and the two combatants walking forward to engage, she relaxed.
“That wasn’t funny, Ban,” Rhona muttered. “Not funny at all.”
I was going for dramatic, Ban clarified. Sorry to have startled you, my dear. Do pay attention, though, the battle has begun!
Rhona leaned against the wall, folding her arms over her chest, and watched as the amalgamations waged war.
The striated crawler held back, its oddly shaped shield moving right and left as it tried to predict its opponent’s attack.
Showing a much greater degree of aggression, the obsidian bear pushed forward. It struck out with both of its insectile legs, the mace-like appendages crashing home into the crawler’s shield.
The metal fanning out from the crawler’s antlers blocked time and again. A few cracks formed from the impacts, but the shield was holding for the time being.
Rhona stifled a yawn that irritated Ban.
Before she entered that mental state, she would have been thrilled to see such a contest. Now she can’t be bothered!
Tentatively, the striated crawler lashed out with its dagger arms.
These were lighter and quicker than its bulkier arms, but they proved ineffective.
The blade bounced off the bear’s thick exoskeleton, only scratching the natural armor. After a few attempts, the tip of one dagger broke off.
This failure must have encouraged the bear, for it surged forward, pounding away with its mace arms.
With the strength and stability of its sprawled insect legs, the obsidian bear had greater leverage.
The crawler gave way.
Finally, the bear landed a critical blow. Its right mace arm swung wide around its foe’s shield and cracked into the crawler’s ribs.
With a largely mammalian bone structure, the ribs were no match for the immense force applied.
I told you so! Ban shouted. Get ready to lose, Rhona! Oh, you will be sorry!
Unfortunately, his taunts produced no reaction from Rhona. She just watched the combatants as they continued their struggle.
Shrieking, the crawler backed away and thrashed its shield antlers to the side.
The steel edge struck the bear’s extended arm and cracked it.
The bear recoiled, roaring in pain as its front arm fell limp to the ground.
This display of weakness enticed the crawler to engage more aggressively for the first time. Pressing its advantage, the crawler finally struck out with all four of its attacking limbs.
It targeted the bear’s eyes with the daggers. The bear managed to dodge a few of these, but they distracted the beast.
Then the mace arms flew.
The obsidian bear blocked with its left arm, but its right flank was completely vulnerable.
The striated crawler struck time and again, pounding into the bear’s armored side. After three attacks, the exoskeleton shattered, and the mace plunged into the bear’s body.
No! Ban protested. A most inconvenient turn of events! Rally! Rally, damn you!
Of all times to interact, Rhona had the audacity to chuckle.
Ban looked to her usually stoic face and saw a quirk of a smile lifting the corner of her mouth.
He kept his thoughts and emotions private as a flicker of hope returned to his heart. There she is. I’ll bring out that Brintoshi girl with the barbed tongue again if it’s the last thing I do.
Ban’s focus returned to the fight, which was taking a turn for the worse.
His chosen champion struggled to free itself from the crawler’s clutches. One of the bear’s eyes was gouged from a thrust of a dagger arm.
Wincing away from the pain, the bear moved its head into the direct path of another heavy mace blow.
The minion’s skull caved in at the temple, ending what little chances it had left at victory.
The Earth Core groaned mentally, emphasizing his frustration.
His attempt to distract Rhona proved successful again. She laughed as she stood. Remember, Ban, you created both of these creatures. So, in a way, you’ve won twice over.
Thank you, Rhona. I am a bit disappointed in the obsidian bear’s performance, though.
The monk brushed off the seat of her pants and turned to leave.
Before she could do so, Ban said, A moment, Rhona! Please, I am only so good at this alone. Do you not have any advice on how to improve my constructs?
Rhona paused and leaned against the stone archway. Then she walked over to the minions. The one I chose, what is it called?
A striated crawler, Ban supplied immediately.
The striated crawler has an effective shield. But it could be reshaped. These antlers swoop up too high.
If they were widened and tilted down to the ground more, they would both provide a better frontal defense and also let the minion move more easily, she added. As it is, the monster must move about with its head lowered to the ground, which seems to obstruct its vision.
Ban smiled inwardly.
He’d noticed the same, but of course, Rhona was so much better at articulating these things.
The Earth Core waited while Rhona continued.
The daggers were less effective as well. I would make them thicker in the blade, slightly blunted considering the odd angle of attack. Leaning down, she pointed at the wrecked obsidian bear. Need I say this poor bastard is lacking in defense? Give it a helm, and perhaps reinforce the arms with steel as well. It fought well, though. A tough beast to be certain.
Ban appreciated all of her points and could find no flaws in her observations.
In all the other matches Ban had placed the bear in, it hadn’t broken its arm once, and with such overwhelming offense, no additional defense had been needed.
The value of his various experiments had become evident once again.
After absorbing the minions, he made mental notes to modify each and try again later.
Ban t
hanked Rhona and followed her as she walked up out of the battle room. I know I’ve asked a lot of you, Rhona, and surely you wish to seek out the solace of your meditations once more… but what are your thoughts on dinner?
The monk chuckled. I can find my appetite, Ban. Don’t you worry on that. Kai and his flying rats should be returning soon. Maybe they’ll bring some game with them we can roast up.
Ban’s awareness took in the golden light cascading down into the chasm around his keep. The endless splashing waterfall shook the air, and even as he looked up from just above Rhona’s shoulder, he saw flaring wings above.
Five shadows descended into the Sunken Keep, the largest, sure enough, clutching the corpse of some fallen creature.
He wished he was inhabiting Greg’s body, for if he had been, he’d be smiling.
Seems our timing is ideal, he said to Rhona, who stopped and peered up at Kai and his dragonlings.
I suppose so, Rhona said. I’m going to head over and feed Honor, maybe brush him out a bit before I come back.
Good idea. The old boy deserves it. Oh, and do make sure he tries those tubers the kobolds dredged up for us.
Rhona turned to walk around the tower to where Ban had built Honor a proper stable. Making accommodations for the war horse had been a priority, and well worth the challenge of doing so.
But then Rhona stopped dead in her tracks and gasped. In a disturbed voice, she asked aloud, “What in Briga’s bosom is that?”
Ban was about to scold his friend for her blasphemy when he noticed the terrifying statue currently under construction.
Exactly where he’d told them to build, the daldrim were assembling a twisted and insulting visage of his champion Greg.
Ban flitted into his champion’s body in an instant and barged out to confront the little devils.
“Caw!” he bellowed, sending the daldrim scattering away from his approach. “Caw! Get out here at once!”
“What is problem, Great Master?” The daldrim leader asked in a wavering voice. “Why scream?”
Ban growled in outrage and pointed to the gap-toothed horror in front of him. “This is the problem, Caw! How can you possibly think I look this ugly?”
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