FINAL CORE : [A holy dungeon-core litRPG] - Chapter 49

~ Repeated ramblings by [Redacted], sole surviving, known follower of the Demon-King. His mental state is in poor condition.

Quare whistles, looking at the new quest that had just appeared before all of them, down at the foot of the tower. The menu-screen hovers before an ornate statue. It is night time, the sun having just left. But such a concept means little to adventurers, who spend most of their days and nights inside or around the dungeons of the world. Sleep rhythms are for those who can afford to live a stable lifestyle.

“I could use some potions,” says her party-member next to her. The black-haired man rubs his chin.

She nods. “It’s good money. Five potions? Hell, in the city, those are… what… thirty each right now?”

“Good?” asks another one of her party members, grabbing her arm. “It’s great! Look, we can get some new equipment too!”

The mixed-breed elf’s ears twitch as her hand fondles the old dagger on her belt. Her primary class used to be ‘thief’, but she later took an advanced class and specialized as an assassin. It has its ups and downs, but one thing is for sure, she really needs a good dagger. She runs the numbers in her head. “Sounds like… three hundred Obols? Maybe more, if the weapons are any good.”

“I bet they are,” says the excited woman, holding her arm. “After what we got from that big bird’s chest yesterday?” She nods her head, pointing to the glows that start to grow around the forest. Wisps are being born in the darkness. “Come on! Let’s go!” she says.

The other groups of adventurers are already on their way, spreading out into teams to take on the many different wisp amalgamations that begin haunting the night.

Quare nods. They’re here to make some money and to get stronger. This is a rare opportunity, a good weapon and items worth this much money?

Gods bless this tower. It’s their lifeline at the moment.

“Let’s go,” she says, pulling her friend off into the forest. The rest of the party follows after them.

Isaiah watches with folded arms as the adventurers begin to leak into the forest.

“They sure are a lively bunch,” says a voice. Black.

Isaiah looks his way. “Thank you for the preparations with the wisps,” says Isaiah. “I hope it was not a burden.”

“Eh, not really,” says Black. “I mean, we don’t get bodies for the graveyard anymore,” explains the uthra. “Ever since that whole ‘mercy’ ability thing started. So I’m kind of out of work.” He crosses his arms. “I guess it’s nice that the death-count still gives us more wisps though.”

Isaiah shakes it head. The ground beneath their feet rumbles. “The graveyard will see many days of use yet, Black,” says Isaiah. “But for now, I have bigger tasks for you.”

It lifts a hand.

Two new uthra appear. One of them has a soft array of feathers, wearing a muted gown to match. Beige.

“Nice to meet you,” says the new creature.

The other newcomer is bright and vivid in color, taking on the hue of a particularly ripe, forest berry. Magenta.

Magenta sighs.

“Welcome to the tower,” says Isaiah. It lifts a hand, gesturing to Black. “Please follow Black and listen to him.” It turns to Black. “Black, I need you three to fly to the north, towards the hilly regions and then to the south, to the ocean. Search the areas, map them, and find any potential resources that we can harvest.”

“Oh, uh, sure thing!” replies Black.

Isaiah nods.

Black grows in size, becoming the next level-three uthra, after Red. An investment, especially since a level up was so close for Isaiah. But this is an important job. “Go. And watch out for owls.”

Black, Beige and Magenta fly off, speeding towards the north.

It is a while later.

Gloria seems like an easy choice to make at this stage. Its fight with the monk was cut short by fate. But Isaiah has the feeling that if luck had not been on its side, things might be very different right now.

— It can’t rely on luck and it can’t always rely on others. If it wants to create a place that is safe and warm and holy, then it needs to be strong enough itself to be able to be relied upon.

Isaiah swipes the window away, surprised at the sudden burst of experience-points. So far, they had been trickling in because of prayers with the occasional bump from failed dungeon-attempts. Although everyone is outside fighting the wisps at the moment, assuming they have the capacity to do so.

It walks towards the edge of the tower, looking down off of the edge.

“Uh, chief,” says Red, flying in.

“I see them,” replies Isaiah, already taking note of what Red likely wanted to inform it of. “I… hear them.” It lifts an eyebrow, listening. The distant world below buzzes and hums as a mass moves through the forest.

- People.

But it isn’t just another odd, rag-tag group of adventurers or some villagers from the region. A mass of people come down the long road. They’re talking excitedly and examining the area, looking around at the landscape and at the tower.

These don’t look like fighters. They look just… people. They’re just normal people. Traders and merchants and normal workers of many talents and crafts. If Isaiah had to guess, they are all from the city. There are children with them too.

Are they pilgrims? Are these the first that Bishop Zacaries Montero has encouraged to wander their way? Given their clothes, which are somewhat of a more fashionable style that leans more towards form than function, Isaiah can only assume so.

“Damn. Should I get another big rock?” asks Red.

Isaiah looks over its shoulder. “Red. I will not accept crushing children with rocks,” says Isaiah. “Please control your bloodthirst against humans.”

Red rolls her eyes. “…But the adults are okay?”

“— Only if they deserve it,” replies Isaiah, looking back towards the new visitors.

“Anyways, who said anything about humans?” asks Red. “I’ll squish some elves too. No problem, chief. Just ask and I’ll get that rock myself.”

“I can always count on you, Red,” says Isaiah, half-sarcastically, as it watches the stream of people diverge. “Get Gray to hand out our tokens of pilgrimage to the newcomers. And no rocks.”

Red flies off to set to work, not even mumbling or grumbling about it.

Caeli rubs her forehead, removing the beads of sweat as the cauldron bubbles beneath herself, casting dewy vapors up towards her.

“Okay. Give me that mushroom-cap there,” she says, pointing to the side.

Irascaris looks around the room. “This one?” he asks, pointing at a green cap that had belonged to a very, very large mushroom.

Caeli shakes her head. “No, the orange one,” she instructs. “We need to get those health-potions ready for the quest rewards first. They’ll be the more popular choice.”

Irascaris nods, grabbing the orange mushroom-cap.

Red flies down to the forge, down into the tunnels below the tower. “Hey, ashy. The chief wants you to get those tokens out to our guests.”

Gray lifts his head, looking up from the forge he’s working at. “Huh? Me? Good thing I got so many ready in advance,” says the uthra. “I mean, what else were we supposed to do with all of this gold anyway?” he asks. Another gold bar pops up, appearing next to him in an instant. Gray gestures to it. “White and the others are harvesting so much of this stupid, worthless metal that I can’t keep up with it.”

“Tough it out,” says Red. “We all have our problems. Grind it up into more dust for the dungeon-gate or something.”

Gray sighs, tossing a gold bar to the side. It clatters to the ground, collecting in a heap of hundreds of useless, absolutely worthless, gold ingots.

“It’s too soft for swords. I mean, we can plate weapons with gold, the humans love that,” says Gray. “Real catchy for the eyes. But that’s about it. I mean… maybe it imbues magic better with the holy element than other metals?”

Red leans in, planting her hands on her hips. “Did I ask for a lecture? Get those coins out there, let’s go!” she says, clapping the back of her hand into an open palm. Gray picks up a heap of coins and zips off.

Red waits for Gray to vanish and then takes one of the coins, hiding it away in a corner.

You don't know what you've done. I'm not going to lose my faith. I'm not going to stop believing in what I have left to believe in. You won't change my mind, no matter what happens. I know what I saw. I know what I felt and heard and sensed. It was real. He was real. He was he was real I know it. I was there I was I was - Who are you? A priest? Ugh. You people, you're so annoying. Can't you leave me alone, after the damage you caused? You don't know what you've done. I'm not going to lose my faith. I'm not going to stop believing in what I have left to believe in. You won't change my mind, no matter what happens. I know what I saw. I know what I felt and heard and sensed. It was real. He was real. He was he was real I know it. I was there I was I was - Who are you? ~ Repeated ramblings by Redacted, sole surviving, known follower of the Demon-King. His mental state is in poor condition. ~ Quare ~ Half-Elf / Half-Dark-elf, Female, Assassin ~ QUEST ~ 'The Moonglow Night' Quest Level: 15 Time Remaining: 11:59:50 Night falls around the tower, but despite the moonlessness of the dark, the forest is brightly aglow. Wisps gather in great numbers, forming terrible monsters that must be defeated before the sun rises. Quest goal: Defeat a roaming SUB-BOSS-ENTITY: WISP MOTHER before the night is over. Quest reward: For each participant Choose one: {Holy}NormalGold-Plated Dagger {Holy}NormalGold-Headed Wand {Holy}NormalGold-Plated Buckler Choose one: {Holy}NormalSmall Health Potion x 5 {Holy}NormalSmall Soul Potion x 5 Obols x 25 ~ Wisp-Mother ~ Class: Monster Element: NATURE/UNDEAD Type: Spell-caster - Illusionist/Summoner Category: Revenant* Rank: C Level: 15 A Wisp-Mother is a collection of Will o' the Wisps, who have flown together and condensed into a large, critical mass of spiritual energies. They put their bodies together, pressing themselves into one, whole entity. Wisp-Mothers are significantly stronger and more aggressive than normal wisps. The strength of a Wisp-Mother depends on the number of wisps that have gathered to collect it. The more Wisps, the stronger and larger the Wisp-Mother becomes. Major Spirit Bolt: Deals {10} HOLY-DAMAGE to a single target within 18 meters and then explodes for a further {03} HOLY-DAMAGE to all other targets within 5 meters of the impact location. Ambient Pulsation{Passive}: Drains {01} SOUL from any attacker who strikes with a melee attack, for every attack. Aural Calling{Passive}: While in combat, passive magical resonances resonate out from the Wisp-Mother, attracting nearby wisps from the forest to join the fight. *Revenants do not pay SOUL to use spells. They are weak to HOLY. HP: 60/60 SOUL: / Quare whistles, looking at the new quest that had just appeared before all of them, down at the foot of the tower. The menu-screen hovers before an ornate statue. It is night time, the sun having just left. But such a concept means little to adventurers, who spend most of their days and nights inside or around the dungeons of the world. Sleep rhythms are for those who can afford to live a stable lifestyle. I could use some potions, says her party-member next to her. The black-haired man rubs his chin. She nods. It's good money. Five potions? Hell, in the city, those are what thirty each right now? Good? asks another one of her party members, grabbing her arm. It's great! Look, we can get some new equipment too! The mixed-breed elf's ears twitch as her hand fondles the old dagger on her belt. Her primary class used to be thief', but she later took an advanced class and specialized as an assassin. It has its ups and downs, but one thing is for sure, she really needs a good dagger. She runs the numbers in her head. Sounds like three hundred Obols? Maybe more, if the weapons are any good. I bet they are, says the excited woman, holding her arm. After what we got from that big bird's chest yesterday? She nods her head, pointing to the glows that start to grow around the forest. Wisps are being born in the darkness. Come on! Let's go! she says. The other groups of adventurers are already on their way, spreading out into teams to take on the many different wisp amalgamations that begin haunting the night. Quare nods. They're here to make some money and to get stronger. This is a rare opportunity, a good weapon and items worth this much money? Gods bless this tower. It's their lifeline at the moment. Let's go, she says, pulling her friend off into the forest. The rest of the party follows after them. ~ Isaiah ~ Isaiah watches with folded arms as the adventurers begin to leak into the forest. They sure are a lively bunch, says a voice. Black. Isaiah looks his way. Thank you for the preparations with the wisps, says Isaiah. I hope it was not a burden. ~ Prayers ~ Prayers have been given. +03 EXP EXP: 2942/2950 Eh, not really, says Black. I mean, we don't get bodies for the graveyard anymore, explains the uthra. Ever since that whole mercy' ability thing started. So I'm kind of out of work. He crosses his arms. I guess it's nice that the death-count still gives us more wisps though. New Area ~ Dungeon ~ Floor {68} The sixty-eighth floor of the tower dungeon. It is currently empty. Capacity: {138} Monster-Points Traps: 06 Monster-Point prices per monster F-Rank: 01 E-Rank: 02 D-Rank: 04 C-Rank: 08 B-Rank: 16 A-Rank: 32 S-Rank: 64 SS-Rank: 128 SSS-Rank: 256 The next sub-boss/challenge room will be available in {07} floors. The next boss arena will be available in {02} floors. Isaiah shakes it head. The ground beneath their feet rumbles. The graveyard will see many days of use yet, Black, says Isaiah. But for now, I have bigger tasks for you. It lifts a hand. ~ Isaiah ~ Isaiah used: Summoned Worker {2} x 2 Cost: {4} SOUL, {100} EXP SOUL: 34/42 EXP: 2742/2950 Two new uthra appear. One of them has a soft array of feathers, wearing a muted gown to match. Beige. Nice to meet you, says the new creature. The other newcomer is bright and vivid in color, taking on the hue of a particularly ripe, forest berry. Magenta. Magenta sighs. Welcome to the tower, says Isaiah. It lifts a hand, gesturing to Black. Please follow Black and listen to him. It turns to Black. Black, I need you three to fly to the north, towards the hilly regions and then to the south, to the ocean. Search the areas, map them, and find any potential resources that we can harvest. Oh, uh, sure thing! replies Black. Isaiah nods. ~ Isaiah ~ Isaiah Upgraded: Summoned Worker {2} to Summoned Worker {3} Cost: {200} EXP EXP: 2542/2950 Black grows in size, becoming the next level-three uthra, after Red. An investment, especially since a level up was so close for Isaiah. But this is an important job. Go. And watch out for owls. Black, Beige and Magenta fly off, speeding towards the north. It is a while later. ~ Pilgrimage ~ The tower gains ambient magic from the arrival of strangers. +49 EXP EXP: 2950/2950 Level Up! ~ Isaiah ~ You are now a level {14} dungeon-core! Level: 14 Experience: 08/3450 Attribute: HOLY Soul-Points: 38/38 Presence: 5.50375 km Obols: 003 ~ Isaiah ~ +1 Ability points You may choose {1} new ability. NEW - HOLY ABILITY - Gloria Augments the dungeon-core itself with a variety of higher tier combat, summoning and support abilities Heal Cost: {08} SOUL Heals a single target for a significant amount of health equivalent to 20% of their MAX-HP. Divine Cascade Cost: {12} SOUL Release a three-wave burst of HOLY energy out into all directions from the dungeon-core, reaching up to a distance of {12} meters, over a duration of {06} seconds. Deals damage equivalent to your {LEVEL / 2} to all hostile targets and applies stacking status SOUL-BURN {1}. If a friendly HOLY creature is within the area of effect, the cascade will re-attune to their body and then restart, traveling from their position until it runs out of connections. Cascade can not be channeled by a single entity more than once per minute. Minor Serendipity Cost: {20} SOUL Summons a Lesser Holy Elemental to your side for {60} seconds from the spiritual realm. The Lesser Holy Elemental will closely follow you, taking the place of your shadow. While active, it will fully absorb all DARK magic, including magic from any DARK sub-elements. For every absorbed spell, the Lesser Holy Elemental will then fire back a HOLY-equivalent counter-spell. If an equivalent spell can not be found, it will improvise with a suitable replacement. Minor Blessing Cost: {06} SOUL Casts a Minor Blessing onto your target, raising their base stats by {10}% for {10} minutes Blessings can stack with blessings from different sources. Gloria seems like an easy choice to make at this stage. Its fight with the monk was cut short by fate. But Isaiah has the feeling that if luck had not been on its side, things might be very different right now. It can't rely on luck and it can't always rely on others. If it wants to create a place that is safe and warm and holy, then it needs to be strong enough itself to be able to be relied upon. Isaiah swipes the window away, surprised at the sudden burst of experience-points. So far, they had been trickling in because of prayers with the occasional bump from failed dungeon-attempts. Although everyone is outside fighting the wisps at the moment, assuming they have the capacity to do so. It walks towards the edge of the tower, looking down off of the edge. Uh, chief, says Red, flying in. I see them, replies Isaiah, already taking note of what Red likely wanted to inform it of. I hear them. It lifts an eyebrow, listening. The distant world below buzzes and hums as a mass moves through the forest. - People. But it isn't just another odd, rag-tag group of adventurers or some villagers from the region. A mass of people come down the long road. They're talking excitedly and examining the area, looking around at the landscape and at the tower. New Area ~ Dungeon ~ Floor {69} The sixty-ninth floor of the tower dungeon. It is currently empty. Capacity: {140} Monster-Points Traps: 06 Monster-Point prices per monster F-Rank: 01 E-Rank: 02 D-Rank: 04 C-Rank: 08 B-Rank: 16 A-Rank: 32 S-Rank: 64 SS-Rank: 128 SSS-Rank: 256 The next sub-boss/challenge room will be available in {06} floors. The next boss arena will be available in {01} floors. These don't look like fighters. They look just people. They're just normal people. Traders and merchants and normal workers of many talents and crafts. If Isaiah had to guess, they are all from the city. There are children with them too. Are they pilgrims? Are these the first that Bishop Zacaries Montero has encouraged to wander their way? Given their clothes, which are somewhat of a more fashionable style that leans more towards form than function, Isaiah can only assume so. Damn. Should I get another big rock? asks Red. Isaiah looks over its shoulder. Red. I will not accept crushing children with rocks, says Isaiah. Please control your bloodthirst against humans. Red rolls her eyes. But the adults are okay? Only if they deserve it, replies Isaiah, looking back towards the new visitors. Anyways, who said anything about humans? asks Red. I'll squish some elves too. No problem, chief. Just ask and I'll get that rock myself. I can always count on you, Red, says Isaiah, half-sarcastically, as it watches the stream of people diverge. Get Gray to hand out our tokens of pilgrimage to the newcomers. And no rocks. Red flies off to set to work, not even mumbling or grumbling about it. ~ Caeli ~ Human, Female, Battle-alchemist Caeli rubs her forehead, removing the beads of sweat as the cauldron bubbles beneath herself, casting dewy vapors up towards her. Okay. Give me that mushroom-cap there, she says, pointing to the side. Irascaris looks around the room. This one? he asks, pointing at a green cap that had belonged to a very, very large mushroom. Caeli shakes her head. No, the orange one, she instructs. We need to get those health-potions ready for the quest rewards first. They'll be the more popular choice. Irascaris nods, grabbing the orange mushroom-cap. ~ Red ~ Uthra, Female, Worker {3} Red flies down to the forge, down into the tunnels below the tower. Hey, ashy. The chief wants you to get those tokens out to our guests. Gray lifts his head, looking up from the forge he's working at. Huh? Me? Good thing I got so many ready in advance, says the uthra. I mean, what else were we supposed to do with all of this gold anyway? he asks. Another gold bar pops up, appearing next to him in an instant. Gray gestures to it. White and the others are harvesting so much of this stupid, worthless metal that I can't keep up with it. Tough it out, says Red. We all have our problems. Grind it up into more dust for the dungeon-gate or something. Gray sighs, tossing a gold bar to the side. It clatters to the ground, collecting in a heap of hundreds of useless, absolutely worthless, gold ingots. It's too soft for swords. I mean, we can plate weapons with gold, the humans love that, says Gray. Real catchy for the eyes. But that's about it. I mean maybe it imbues magic better with the holy element than other metals? Red leans in, planting her hands on her hips. Did I ask for a lecture? Get those coins out there, let's go! she says, clapping the back of her hand into an open palm. Gray picks up a heap of coins and zips off. HighToken of Pilgrimage An indented coin, minted with the iconography of the tower and its keepers. Words of the old scriptures are etched into the rims of the metal, carved by a craftsmanship that is too perfect to belong to any mortal or any mold made by a person's hands. This token is bestowed to anyone who has journeyed to the grand-tower of Isaiah. Effect: When entering the dungeon's territorial radius, a spell lifts the owner up and past the massive staircase to the shrine on the edge of the floating island. While Held: +1 DARK-RESISTANCE Weight: 0.23kg Value: ??? Red waits for Gray to vanish and then takes one of the coins, hiding it away in a corner.