*Core POV*

I was lost in a void of unconsciousness for an unknown amount of time. The place I woke up in was not the core room of my dungeon. Instead I was floating before the head of a massive silvery dragon. It had to be several stories tall. There was an odd detachment from my emotions as I looked into the majestic visage.

“Hello *#&^$(*@*&.” The dragon said but its mouth never moved. “I never expected to see you again so soon.”

The sound of my true name washed over me and caused me to shiver. “Who are you?” with my emotions dulled there was no fear.

The toothy maw twisted in a grin. “I am Fate. We met just a few weeks ago when you were reborn as a dungeon core.”

I stared dumbfounded for a long moment. “You were much smaller.”

A chuckle came from the beast. “I was, and you are no longer caught in the euphoria of rebirth.”

I remembered the giggling and joy when I was chosen to be reborn but it was right. Looking back, that felt odd, almost drug induced. “Why am I here? And where is... here?”

Fate was standing on a massive outcropping of the mountain behind it. The mountain stretched for miles both above and below where we were. Looking out over the rest of the landscape it was barren and cracked. The ground far below had massive cracks in the dry stone as though it hadn’t seen water in ages.

“This is Ankamortia. A barren desert of fire and brimstone found in the Underground. And home to Juseras the mithril dragon. Who happens to be one of my apostles.”

“You are possessing this dragon?”

“I am. You are not ready to be summoned to the higher plane. I had little other choice.”

Their voice made a shiver run down my spine. They were up to something and I wasn’t sure if I’d like it.

Words from another life ran through my mind. “Fate’s a bitch and a fickle mistress.”

I tried to keep my thoughts and whatever face I have blank during these thoughts. “So why am I here then?”

“You see *#&^$(*@*&, there are 10 levels of ascension. Lower beings, all those that enter your dungeon and all the creatures you create, they have an ascension level of 0. When you became a dungeon core you were raised above them gaining an ascension level of 1. Since then you have pushed yourself and have reached the next level. I brought you here to warn you. Trying to ascend too quickly could shatter your fragile core.”

I could tell a few things right away from that speech. Fate has no love of lower beings. It thinks I should be overjoyed at being allowed to rise above them. And they have no idea what I did. I also thought I heard some apprehension or fear when Fate mentioned how quickly I went up a level.

I was confused about something though. “What happens when I reach level 10?”

Fate let out a much faker laugh. “Well you would become a proper god or goddess. But that is likely a millenia away.”

‘If I ever do.’ Was left unsaid but I heard it loud and clear.

“Are there many differences between level 1 and 2?” I wanted to see what they would say and compare that to what I could figure out when I returned home. I wasn’t sure what Fate’s agenda was but that they had one and it involved me had me worried.

Fate seemed to relax at the question and gave me a smile. The kind you would give to a child that had done something cute and innocent. “Well you will have a boost in mana, power and ability. You mind and body will also be strengthened and your form will likely change somewhat. Each level of ascension comes with these changes. Though they do vary for all of us. No 2 higher beings are identical.”

“I have another question. Do you know why I was placed in the Lost Forest?”

Fate shook the massive dragon’s head. “Sadly I do not. I was hoping to place you in a nice coral reef but your deity decided otherwise. You would have to ask Death why they choose that forsaken forest.”

“Thank you for your honesty. Is there anything else? I’m sure Arizo and my other creations are worried about me.”

Fate laughed with mischief “We can’t have your devoted followers panicking. I just wanted to warn you to be cautious in the future.”

“I appreciate the warning. I will keep it in mind when I am pushing my boundaries.”

“Good luck *#&^$(*@*&”

With that the dragon and the desolate landscape faded back into nothing.

What felt like seconds later I was coming back out of the nothing and it felt as though my whole being was warm and soft. A strange feeling for living rock.

I could almost see Arizo in front of me as I started to glow brighter and brighter. Before long the light overwhelmed everything.

Though as quickly as it came it was gone and I could see again. Feeling my mind sink back into every part of my dungeon was like coming home after a long hard day. But the relief only lasted a moment before a plethora of boxes started to pop up.

I groaned. “Boxes have taken over my life again Arizo.” I whined.

She gave a hysterical laugh, tears running down her face as she rushed to my core and hugged me. That was when I noticed that insead of the 3 inch hexagonal bipyramid of amethyst looking stone, I was a 7 inch hexagonal obelisk. Though I was still floating midway between the ceiling and the floor.

I leaned into the embrace as best as I could trying to soak up the warmth and care. I felt strung out and stretched far too thin. It was an awful feeling.

“Is there anything I should know before diving into the boxes?” I asked once I was feeling a bit better and Arizo’s tears had stopped.

“DON’T EVER DO THAT AGAIN!!” She shouted, still clinging to me. “That is the most important thing.”

“I don’t plan on it. That sucked. It felt like my mind was turning to mush. I am nowhere near ready to try a stunt like that again. It was wreckless and stupid and next time I think of doing something like that I will talk it out with you first.”

Arizo nodded, arms still not moving. She seemed appeased by my words. “Now Olive, Tuck and Hamish are back with several new people.”

I pushed the boxes down to deal with later. It was much easier this time than when I power leveled at my opening. They moved into a small blinking icon that I knew would eventually get on my nerves but for now let me focus on other things.

Stretching my mind and awareness out over the whole dungeon I ‘felt’ for any changes that occurred while I was gone.

“We have 2 new creatures.”

Arizo blushed. “Yes. There was an attack. These 2 remained after the others ran off and I offered them a contract.”

“That’s wonderful. I don’t think the first floor is a great home for them but I’ll look into it more later. Do you know what our guests want?”

“They said they are here to map the dungeon and place more protections on the core.”

I thought about it for a bit. “I’m inclined to trust Olive, Tuck and Hamish, but not with my life. I’ll let them keep exploring and then make my decision.”

Focusing back on the dungeon as a whole I sent out a message to all the dungeon residents. “Thank you all for keeping me safe. You have all done well.” I could feel how pleased every creature seemed to be at being praised.

“Una.” I addressed her personally. “I would like you to continue on with our guests.”

“Yes Creator.” She replied. Standing back up she gave another salute.

“Left, Right, you can return to the kobold room and keep an eye on things there.”

Both saluted and started heading back as I asked.

I turned my focus to watching the invaders.

____________________________

*Invader POV*

There was silence after the air seemed to change and the kobolds had such a strong reaction. They just watched as the one that followed Typha and the spearman with them headed back the way they came.

“That was odd.” Tuck said breaking the silence.

“We seem to have found ourselves in an odd situation.” Poli replied. “This dungeon is unusual and I can’t wait to see what else is in store and what tales will come of it after there is regular traffic.”

“Well I can’t wait to examine the plant life it’s made.” Olive added with a grin.

“And taste more yummy food!” Le’Ly exclaimed with excitement.

Before further conversation Typha returned. “Something odd happened?” It was only half questioning.

“Yes. I believe whatever was ailing the core has been resolved.” Poli told her.

“Good. Now that room was as you kids said. A giant statue with its hand out and a well behind it. What I doubt you realised was that the door back out also locked once you were in the room.” The others nodded taking in the information. “However, placing an item in its hand was enough to open both doors.”

“That’s good to know Mom.” Hamish replied.

“Ready to move on to the unseen room?” Olive asked excitedly.