While Danny wasn't happy that the skelebin showed up after the others had left, it was better that Jason and he face it together than that one of them was on their own. He was about to prepare a Mana Orb when the slime told him not to. Despite not agreeing with his desire to handle it alone he could tell Jason has a plan so he went along with it.

Still Danny made sure to add certain precautions of his own, just in case. First of all he flew up until he reached where he was sure the undeath couldn't reach him. When it get close enough he "tapped" his ally using lesser force and watched what he was up too, planning to launch a Mana Orb II in case the skelebin showed any sign of aggression towards Jason. In the meantime he used Monster Analysis II and thinking back to how Jason boosted his spells tried to figure out what would make a good chant for his own magic.

Asteria was asleep within minutes of lying down next to Mother Rat, and was mostly unaware as both her body and mind got their much needed rest. There were occasional flashes of images; of a monstrous rat ripping a wisp apart, crimson blood fountaining and overflowing from the previously whitish-blue glowing orb, of watching herself be poisoned again, only there was no rescue this time as her rat-body continued to writhe and spasm in pain, eventually stilling, of various monsters cruelly tearing off a giant’s head, feeling triumphant and joining in, sinking her teeth into the neck, tasting blood and liking it, of a strange vibrant world full of magical forces, of the warmth of Mother Rat’s body giving her comfort at the end of a trying day. Most if not all of these images would probably be forgotten by tomorrow, but there was one that made more of an impression than all the others; seeing her former body – the human one – lying peacefully and strangely beautiful for all that it was dead already (and she knew the corpse should have been mangled beyond recognition with how she had actually died, but here it looked as if she had died in her sleep), feeling as if she were floating above it, then suddenly finding herself in the familiar whiteness, only this time, it was practically in the next moment instead of an eternity later that the Demon King appeared and transferred her over to her current form and world. His words, his appearance, his gleeful madness (possibly he was an inspired genius, a simple old but powerful eccentric, a dream-thought pointed out) were not things she would easily forget.

"Wut skeelz?" The larger blue blob wobbled from side to side. She seemed to have learned enough now that she was actively attempting to communicate directly with Asura instead of using the odd thought-connection slimes seemed to naturally use with their own kind. Her own psuedopod reached out to the rock that Asura had been using to exercise, and she began to mimic the lifting motion he did earlier. "Dis skeelz?"

Though the two slime monsters hadn't moved much from the place where Rattleskull's defeat had taken place, as the daylight in the cave became more prominent they could see towards the remains of the old bonfire. And further past that, during the night they had seen the torches of the goblin tribe at different points. Now those lights had disappeared--and in the distance, a small trail of smoke was curling towards the ceiling. Had the goblins tried to build another bonfire, and then let it go out for some reason?

Coming up from the direction of the pool, headed towards the cave entrance, Asura would also eventually be able to see the figures of several other monsters--though at this point he hadn't seen Oberon's evolved form up close and hadn't seen Torrent's transformation at all, he would probably recognize Ed and Digbie.

---

As Oberon attempted to analyze the light in the distance, it seemed that it was currently too far away for the skill to activate. He could, however, tell simply by watching it that his guess about it being some form of Wisp was probably correct. It moved in that erratic, lightning-bug fashion the magical creatures had, although it was somewhat slow and...jerky, compared to others.

When Ed moved to the front of the group, nose to the ground and ears perked for any sign of danger, his Beast Senses would tell him several things. The first was that Mourningstar had definitely passed through here--though he only realized it now, he had been around the group long enough to recognize their distinct smells. And he also recognized, simply from accumulated experience, the smell of two creatures that must have been Fanged Lizards, or something similar. He had fought several lizards at this point and knew their general scents even though he didn't specifically know who or what these creatures were, or if they were even fellow Reincarnators. His senses weren't strong enough, however, to immediately follow their trail. He could only make sweeps across the ground and follow the stronger patches of scent where he found them, making for rather slow going.

His sharp, beady eyes peered into the dim light of the cave, but now as daylight progressed the surroundings were becoming brighter. Soon he could see a distant pair of colored dots--one bright red, the other bright blue. Could that be Asura and the mother Slime? As his ears twitched, he could pick up a few sounds besides the footsteps of the group. Towards the pool, that splashing from earlier had subsided, though now there was a slight trickle of flow again heading back towards Jason's cave. Whatever had caused the splashing might have also widened the small trench Torrent had originally created. The second sound he perceived was distant shouting. He couldn't tell exactly where it was coming from, because it seemed like the voices were bouncing off the cave walls and ceiling, and at this distance even though he could tell something was shouting, he couldn't decipher what they were actually saying. There seemed to be at least three or more of the fading voices, and none of them seemed really familiar. If he could pick out any direction at all from the sound, the best guess would be towards the cavern's entrance. Could it be the remaining goblins? How many of their tribe was left at this point?

As Digbie activated his upgraded Tremor Sense, he gained a broader sense and understanding of the ground they were standing on. That didn't help him much, except that he found a hollow spot a little ways off from their path that looked to be the leftover traps Ed and Asteria dug earlier. Had they ever cleaned up all those poisoned Bone Needles? He also found a few imprints in the earth that were likely the footprints of other creatures--the heaviest was a goblin like himself, but the weight was different enough from his own footprints that maybe it was a smaller gob or a female. The other prints were too light to tell specifically what they were...except if Digbie, or Ed for that matter, were to actually look closely they would be able to see that one set of these prints appeared to be like those of a Fanged Lizard, but slightly bigger...the "fingers" and "palm" of the limbs were broader as well, almost like those of a feline rather than a reptile...

When his Tremor Sense hit the water, Digbie experienced an odd sensation. If Tremor Sense could be described as a sort of gray-scale, fluctuating echolocation translated into a visual image, then the sensation of Tremor Sense passing through water might be similar to looking at the world through a pair of those drunk-goggles police handed out during school demonstrations. He had difficulty picking up anything at all, and the odd "movement" he felt through the water almost made him nauseous.

---

QUEST COMPLETE. YOU ARE ALREADY THE BOSS OF THIS DUNGEON. CURRENTLY YOU HAVE NOT BEEN CHALLENGED.

COMMAND: "Suppress the spawning of all undead-class monsters for the next two hours..."
COMMAND IS INVALID. YOU MUST INCREASE THE DUNGEON LEVEL IN ORDER TO ACCESS DUNGEON COMMANDS.

A NEW QUEST IS AVAILABLE.
DUNGEON MAINTANENCE: PERFORM A SERIES OF TASKS TO REPAIR/MAINTAIN THE DUNGEON AND INCREASE ITS LEVEL.
+PATCH HOLES IN THE CEILING
+SECURE AND INCREASE RESOURCES
--NATIVE RESOURCES: HEALING HERB, MANA CRYSTAL, WATER, POISON HERB, TAINTED MANA CRYSTAL
--CURRENTLY AVAILABLE NON-NATIVE RESOURCES: FIRE, WOOD, FLAME-TOUCHED MANA CRYSTAL
+FEED DUNGEON CORE
--ORIGINAL FEEDING METHODS: AMBIENT MANA, NEGATIVELY CHARGED SOULS
--NO CURRENTLY ACCEPTED ALTERNATIVES
+HASTEN DUNGEON ASSIMILATION
--DESTROY OR EXPEL NON-ASSIMILATED INHABITANTS
--ORGANIZE ASSIMILATED INHABITANTS

DO YOU WISH TO ACCEPT THIS QUEST?

YOUR DUNGEON AWARENESS HAS INCREASED TO 0.6.
DUNGEON ASSIMILATION RATE IS AT 5%.
ZOMBIE_PIXIE_002 HAS SPAWNED AT O-5.

You used Monster Analysis I!
You used Magic Analysis I!
--Skeleblin--
Skeleblin, a Skeleton-type Undead-class Monster created from the remains of a Goblin. Magic energy can be detected within them. This magic animates the bones and allows them to move without muscle. They are suffused with energy that feels negative and dangerous. It is infused with magic, but has no magical skills yet. These magics are negative and volatile in nature. It is under the effects of an environmental magic. By nature, Skeleblins are roughly as durable as living Goblins, but their strength has decreased. In contrast, their lighter weight allows them to move more quickly. They retain the ability to use tools to a limited degree. If not manipulated by a necromancer or some other source, most Undead will single-mindedly pursue living creatures with hostility. They do not normally possess self-preservation instincts or any form of intelligence. This is Skeleblin_002.
---Analysis Complete!---

Jason's attempt to give the core an order didn't seem to work right now. Right now he couldn't issue any commands at all, apparently because the Dungeon's level was too low, but even once he increased the level, would there be specific commands he could and could not give the core? Nonetheless, his Dungeon Awareness skill had increased slightly faster this time, and a new quest had become available! It wasn't quite as extravagant, perhaps, as the rewards for completing a quest in a videogame, but at least it was something.

As he tried to relax and meditate, Jason could feel an ever-so-slight bit of his energy replenishing. But he really needed sleep, considering he had been up for much longer than 24-hours at this point and had been quite busy during that time. Fighting, building, casting spells...it took quite a toll on a person. Or Slime.

Then using both [Monster Analysis I] and [Magic Analysis I] on the skeleblin, the ambitious slime mage would attempt communicating with the monster; watching for any signs of aggression from the undead creature. "Poor cursed soul that wanders the earth... Do you seek freedom from your terrible fate? Or do you perhaps seek purpose instead?" he beckoned, once again banking on the power of [Charisma I].

The Skeleblin, or Skeleblin zero-zero-two as the Dungeon system seemed to call it, simply kept walking. It seemed to register Jason's presence with a slight pulse of the glow in its eyesockets, but otherwise there was no reaction. However, when it reached the mouth of Jason's cave, it stopped. It looked towards the core, then looked at everyone standing in the cave. Asteria, Mother Rat, Danny, and finally Jason. Then, it turned to face the outer area, away from the core, and took just a few steps this time. Now standing on one side of Jason's cave mouth, it straightened itself until everything below its neck seemed stiff as a statue. And then, the cranium atop said neck simply began to slowly, observantly sweep from side to side.

After a few moments, there was a slight trickling sound. It was just the water-trough running from the pool, which hit Asteria's dam and spilled a few more drops over the side of the trench. The skeleton's eyes lit up as it looked towards the sound, and if bones could suddenly become tense, that would be the best way to describe the shift in its weight. But after several seconds, nothing happened...and the skull returned to its slow, steadily sweeping gaze.

You used Monster Analysis II!
---Skeleblin---
Skeleblin, a Skeleton-type Undead-class Monster created from the remains of a Goblin. By nature, Skeleblins are roughly as durable as living Goblins, but their strength has decreased. In contrast, their lighter weight allows them to move more quickly. They retain the ability to use tools to a limited degree. If not manipulated by a necromancer or some other source, most Undead will single-mindedly pursue living creatures with hostility. They do not normally possess self-preservation instincts or any form of intelligence. This particular Skeleblin is very old, the Goblin it was revived from likely died a long time ago. While the age of an Undead is sometimes an indicator of its strength, this type is too basic to have accumulated a build up of magic despite its history. It seems to be standing guard over something.There is something unusual about it.
---Analysis Complete!---

Meanwhile, as Asteria and Mother Rat slept--though the Mother's ear would twitch every so often, evidence that she, like many animals, was quite capable of sleeping "with one eye open"--the younger rat began to dream. She relived memories and nightmares, explored what-ifs and whys. Once again she stood in that endless, pristine white expanse.

Then it began to fill with water.

It poured in from...where, exactly? Over non-existent walls? Through the ceiling that wasn't there? Nonetheless, it pooled around her ankles--or were they her paws?--and slowly began to rise.

"Another one. What...is this? Humans, who are not Human? There are spells and skills to change one's shape, but I do not sense such power within any of you. Who or what could have done this, and why?"

A pair of blue eyes floated under the water, looking up at Asteria.

"Who are you? Why are you here? What are you doing?" asked the echoing voice.

---

@Zeroth@Duthguy@Silverpaw

QUEST COMPLETE. YOU ARE ALREADY THE BOSS OF THIS DUNGEON. CURRENTLY YOU HAVE NOT BEEN CHALLENGED.

COMMAND: "Suppress the spawning of all undead-class monsters for the next two hours..."
COMMAND IS INVALID. YOU MUST INCREASE THE DUNGEON LEVEL IN ORDER TO ACCESS DUNGEON COMMANDS.

A NEW QUEST IS AVAILABLE.
DUNGEON MAINTANENCE: PERFORM A SERIES OF TASKS TO REPAIR/MAINTAIN THE DUNGEON AND INCREASE ITS LEVEL.
+PATCH HOLES IN THE CEILING
+SECURE AND INCREASE RESOURCES
--NATIVE RESOURCES: HEALING HERB, MANA CRYSTAL, WATER, POISON HERB, TAINTED MANA CRYSTAL
--CURRENTLY AVAILABLE NON-NATIVE RESOURCES: FIRE, WOOD, FLAME-TOUCHED MANA CRYSTAL
+FEED DUNGEON CORE
--ORIGINAL FEEDING METHODS: AMBIENT MANA, NEGATIVELY CHARGED SOULS
--NO CURRENTLY ACCEPTED ALTERNATIVES
+HASTEN DUNGEON ASSIMILATION
--DESTROY OR EXPEL NON-ASSIMILATED INHABITANTS
--ORGANIZE ASSIMILATED INHABITANTS

DO YOU WISH TO ACCEPT THIS QUEST?

YOUR DUNGEON AWARENESS HAS INCREASED TO 0.6.
DUNGEON ASSIMILATION RATE IS AT 5%.
ZOMBIE_PIXIE_002 HAS SPAWNED AT O-5.

You used Monster Analysis I!
You used Magic Analysis I!
--Skeleblin--
Skeleblin, a Skeleton-type Undead-class Monster created from the remains of a Goblin. Magic energy can be detected within them. This magic animates the bones and allows them to move without muscle. They are suffused with energy that feels negative and dangerous. It is infused with magic, but has no magical skills yet. These magics are negative and volatile in nature. It is under the effects of an environmental magic. By nature, Skeleblins are roughly as durable as living Goblins, but their strength has decreased. In contrast, their lighter weight allows them to move more quickly. They retain the ability to use tools to a limited degree. If not manipulated by a necromancer or some other source, most Undead will single-mindedly pursue living creatures with hostility. They do not normally possess self-preservation instincts or any form of intelligence. This is Skeleblin_002.
---Analysis Complete!---

With a satisfied hum, Jason confirmed his theory to be true; the dungeon was indeed spawning these undead. Reaching out to Danny again through [Telepathy II] he confirmed his suspicions. 'Alright Danny, from the looks of it, the skeleton is non-hostile... In fact- as dungeon boss I may even be able to command it. Go get some rest, we've got lots to do once we're ready to go again. ' Rolling over to the core for a moment; making actual physical contact to avoid wasting mana, Jason opted to accept the new quest; in fact, he had a bit of an idea regarding the assimilation side of it. Clearing his 'throat' (and using one of his two crystals to avoid risking more mana burn) as he positioned himself next to the skeleblin, Jason activated [Focus I] on [Spell Chant I] to greater alter [Telepathy I]. "Hail O' Guardian, cursed without name. I hereby christen thee, Skeleblin Gawain! In time I'll release you, or return true life... I swear upon spirit and nature alike, cometh hell or high water, I will make things right... TELEPATHY NAMING CEREMONY--Hope for the damned!!!" with that, Jason reached out and touched Skeleblin_002, completing the ritual. Though he couldn't give the poor soul freedom from undeath just yet, Jason knew that many cultures back on his old world claimed that giving names to the restless spirits of the dead; sometimes even going as far as to turn them into guardian spirits.

Whether this would be successful, Jason had no idea, but to offer these poor creatures any form of relief from their pain; was a reward all it's own. Satisfied with his work, and out of mana once again; the slime mage began his final chores before he could rest. Firstly, he flopped to the core to receive one more update before moving over to Asteria. Carefully he inspected the dam she had made, to ensure the sound from earlier wasn't some new dungeon mob breaking through it. Fixing any irregularities he found in the dam, Jason drank his fill of water. He was getting sleepy now. Very sleepy... But rest needed to wait just a little longer.

Sucking up about another two cups of water, Jason gently showered his crops with the much needed resource; taking care not to in fact OVERwater his crops. Then, after a brief inspection of his current yield, Jason's constant activity seemed to finally catch up with him.

WARNING! Your HP is low!

Absorbing the herb he had left in his inventory, Jason finally settled himself down at the entrance of his tunnel; in a way that anything entering would have to first get past him, but most things outside the tunnel would have to get close to be able to see him. With a satisfied sigh, sleep finally took hold of Jason, as he drempt of how he would purify his new domain....

Orchid was only mildly annoyed that they weren't simply listening to her, but then against Crispy was the secondary leader. As long as he was alive Orchid wouldn't have full authority. "Note to self; keep on eye on Crispy." The goblins dispersed to do their tasks as Crispy asked Orchid about the dreams. Frankly she was lying about those dreams, but then again she's always had a hard time remembering them in the first place. Perhaps she really did have those dreams and she was simply having a hard time remembering them? Either way, she'll use them for now if they'll keep Crispy occupied. "A week ago I think. Around the same time I woke up in the cave. I think... No, I know I wasn't born here." Not a lie, but not the full truth. The idea that Orchid was reincarnated into another world as a goblin when she was once a human was strange even in this fantasy land. So Orchid wasn't going to bother trying to explain that. She wasn't even sure if she could if she wanted.

"That's why I'm smarter than the others. I... Look young. But I've had these dreams... Maybe more like memories? I don't know. But they're useful." Orchid moved Crispy's finger away from her head so she could look him in the eye. "Also, I told my goblins that when I shouted, I wanted them to attack. And I did shout but no one came. I was trying to distract the monsters so the other goblins could catch them from behind." Orchid sighed and shrugged. She was tired but there was a lot more work to do. Frankly she didn't even want to explain anything anymore. She just wanted to get something to eat and sleep, but alas, no work for the wicked.

She walked away from Crispy for a bit until they were slightly further away from the entrance, so that the others could safely reveal themselves. "Whatever. That's done and over with. Now we move on. Ash! The rest of you can come out now." Orchid called for the others to reveal themselves now that it was just Orchid and Crispy. Orchid looked to Crispy to make sure he didn't do anything untoward. "Like I said... I made some new friends too. I was hoping, that before the monsters attacked us and Rattleskull went on his little rampage, I could work something out with the others. These are the ones who I trust. They'll help us survive... And maybe even retake the cave."

Ardur The Pixie

hanging out above some gobo's >>> Taking another chance /// day 8 // Evening / Location - near cave entrance

These goblins were not being quiet about what they were talking about. Obviously they have never had to worry about others listening in on their conversations. Even with the group of them slowly moving away, Ardur could still hear them talk of making a wall, some sort of deal, betraying that deal, some basic strategies, and using them as slaves. One thing this pixie was sure of, he would not be a slave.

However, soon the group moved far enough away that he couldn’t hear them very well any more. Just a few loud words every now and then. He would make it a point to try to remember the names of the goblins later. For now Ardur waited for a few moments longer before grabbing Steve again and fluttering to the next area, still close enough to listen but hopefully far enough away so he wouldn’t be seen or heard.

Again their talk was simply about gathering materials and trying to figure out what they were going to do now. He could hear Crispy’s voice and then another one, the female goblin he had helped out a few days ago. She was talking to him about her part and what she was doing during the battle. They continued talking while the other goblins seemed to disperse, something about dreams.

Then something unexpected happened, the female goblin called out to her monster friend ash. Could this be the same Ash he met so many days ago? Could his mighty steed still be alive? These where questions he needed answers for. Creeping over the rocky surface carefully toward them with Steve trailing close behind. The spider was still doing her job as lookout and unknown to Ardur also a safety. The spider had been occasionally sticking silk to the ceiling incase either of them fell.

Well since the others seemed to be near by at least and he was close to crispy, Ardur decided to speak up. While softly singing a haunting tune.

“Born of graves and left below. Painted ashes, painted snow. When the dark awakens. Fires of our last hope are getting low. Souls of gods and souls of men. Meet in, cinders to ascend. Fate has chosen. And our fading light is at its end.”

While singing this low tune, the pixie slowly revels himself from his perch and hangs from one of the spires gripping it with his hand but readied himself in case he was met with hostility from the two goblins so he could get away quickly.

@Zeroth
@Lucius Cypher
@Rune_Alchemist

“Mourningstar was definitely here, along with two lizards. One apparently bigger than the other I suppose, judging by the tracks they left behind. Perhaps friends of yours?” Ed asks the group before facing the entrance of the cave where he had heard the distant voices that gently reverberated throughout the cave. Ed wanted to see what was awaiting them at the cave entrance, even if he stood on his hind legs, he was not tall enough to get a proper view of the mouth of the cave. Looking to Digbie, Ed asks him something. "Digbie, I hear voices to the mouth of the cave, most likely remnants of the goblins we fought earlier, but there is a chance it could be from your friends. Though, I can't confirm which of the two it actually is. Would you kindly carry me above your head for a bit? Just so I could confirm weather or not they are friends or foes." If he was willing to lift the young blue furred dire rat, Ed would use [Beast Sense I] and use his heightened vision to determine if the source of the voices were of friendly origin or otherwise.





@Old Amsterdam@King Cosmos@Gardevoiran

Asura listened as mother slime spoke, apparently monsters hadn't gotten the status screens? Or was her old life so simple she just never noticed? Instead of explaining he touched her side and showed her what he meant. The Skills Screen and some of the things he was capable of doing. "Those are skills. I'll be working on more tomorrow. But right now I'm tired." He said while he relaxed more to regain some Stamina. He was trying to actively Rest like in a game but he doubted that'd work.

While he rested it looked like some other monsters were getting active. They had to be evolved forms considering that they didn't look like the starter beasts. They were clearly allies as well with each other since they were all different and NOT trying to mash each others faces. As they neared he simply waved at them from his little hidey hole. "Going for a nightly jaunt?" He questioned tiredly.

It seemed that his analysis abilities had a range to them after all and weren’t just limited by what he was able to see; it made sense in a way, though it was frustrating, if he couldn’t see something clearly, he wouldn’t be able to accurately analyse it. Regardless, even with the lack of information it was clear to him that the light he was watching was a Wisp, though it was moving rather erratically. It didn’t seem to be coming any closer either way so it was of no concern to him right now.

Ed caught his attention, the Dire Rat sniffing around on the ground and picking up the scent of another group of creatures. The two Lizards would be Ash and Reoth, with Ash being the larger one of course and there would be Orchid as well, but Ed didn’t mention her. “Yeah. Mourningstar was with two Lizards and a Goblin; one of the Lizards had evolved.”

The Dire Rat turned to Digbie and asked to be held above the Goblin’s head so he could see further. It seemed that Ed had better senses than him or the others, judging by the way he could track scents and thought he could see all the way to the entrance of the cave from here; was that something all Dire Rat’s had or was it something Ed had learned over time? Unfortunately, he couldn’t remember all of what the other starting creature’s abilities were.

As this was going on a Slime approached them. They looked different from the regular Slimes, being somewhat translucent in the outer portion of their body and seeming a little less gelatinous and more liquid in nature. Oberon thought he’d seen a Slime with the same body colour earlier; was this the same Slime evolved or something different? He could speak, which meant he was probably another former human like themselves. Oberon used Monster and Magic Analysis on the Slime to find out for sure.

“We’re leaving the cave. For good, maybe. It’s not safe to stay here with all these undead spawning and to be honest I’m starting to miss sunlight. Some people are staying but the rest of us are leaving; we’re meeting the others by the entrance.”



@Kazemitsu@Searat@Gardevoiran

Danny knew that Jason was right and he needed rest but he wanted to make sure that he could trust Gawain not to wander or attack him Jason or the Dire rats in their sleep. At the same time he could work on his skills a little, as well as prepare.

He had suddenly remembered how fast the herbs grew and they might need more. He flew over to the patch and using Lesser Force he pulled out as he could while still retaining enough magic to plant the seeds. Afterwards he meditated to top himself of, not doing so before the planting since he had no idea if overusing it was possible since Jason had somehow given a status effect. Afterwards he checked up on the Skelebin and if it was both there and not acting suspicious flew to the water.

Careful not to use up all his magic he tried using Lesser Force to scoop up some water in a sphere and then squeezing it with enough it to fire a stream of it.

If the previous scenes had that distinct dreamy fogginess, the blinding whiteness was like a ping to her awareness, and Asteria realized with an unexpected, almost forceful clarity that she was dreaming. It was just like a lucid dream, except something else appeared and influenced both the environment, and more concerning, possibly her mind as well. The water streamed down from nothingness, pooling around her. Shit, I better not drown in a dream and die again. The thought flitted through her mind as a voice spoke up.

“I was a human…And I still am, sort of,” she confirmed hesitantly, wary of answering at all. She sought out the source of the voice but found only a pair of blue eyes staring up at her from within the water. Creepy. This thing seemed like it was responsible for all the water - water which was threatening to overflow and kill her just then. Fucking great.

“What a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. or Miss mysterious-voice,” her reply carried the heavy note of sarcasm. She knew very well it was a simple and almost reflexive reaction to a fear, and not just to the idea that she might die again. After all, something messing with her mind was a significantly worse danger to contemplate, and never mind the possibility the Demon King might have already done so.

“I suppose I might as well enlighten you with the alias I choose to go by these days. It’s Asteria. Now, before I answer your other questions, why don’t you tell me who you are and what exactly is the idea with invading my dreams?” her approach wasn’t quite as polite as Asteria might have rationally desired, but if asked, she’d blame her tiredness – even if this was a dream, and she didn’t exactly feel the same bodily sensations as she would have when awake.

---

Ash had made her way out of the cave, taking a position near enough to hear Crispy and Orchid's little talk. Tired. So tired. She just wanted to flop down on the ground and sleep, but it seemed there was still no rest for the wicked, as they say. Dreams? Orchid was doing some fairly good lying, it seemed. Probably wouldn't be too difficult to deceive the goblin though, they seemed to be simple minded creatures. Soon enough though, the conversation ended and Orchid asked them to show themselves.

"Don't do anything stupid." Ash hissed quietly towards the others.

Show time. Couldn't let Crispy think her weak.

"Hello, Orchid." Coming out from her hiding spot, Ash approached with a slow, but confident seeming gait as she tried to conceal her weakened state from the goblins, lest they get any funny ideas. "...Crispy, was it? Considering I've yet to be blasted with a fireball I assume negotiations are going well?" She came to a halt a few feet away from Orchid, taking a confident looking sitting position as she curled her tail around her lower body as she kept her Charisma skill active.

"Quite the situation we find ourselves in, isn't it?" She mused. "Our home overrun by some pathetic monsters and we're forced out here. Hmph. Pathetic, but they'll get what's coming in time...if, we all work together." She cast a glance to Ardur as he revealed himself with a song. "No need to be so distant, Ardur, feel free to join us if you're not going to cause trouble."

"A week ago I think. Around the same time I woke up in the cave. I think... No, I know I wasn't born here." Crispy raised an eyebrow.

"Ain't nowhere else for yas to be borned! If you wasn't one of Rattle's younglings you might be one of mines, but all da gobs in dis cave was borned here!" The flame touched goblin didn't seem to be catching on just yet. "But...you ain't da first gob to have weird dreams..."

"That's why I'm smarter than the others. I... Look young. But I've had these dreams... Maybe more like memories? I don't know. But they're useful." Orchid moved Crispy's finger away from her head so she could look him in the eye. "Also, I told my goblins that when I shouted, I wanted them to attack. And I did shout but no one came. I was trying to distract the monsters so the other goblins could catch them from behind."

"Hm. Well, dey was bein' attacked at da same time--my bunch saved 'em and summa da udders." Crispy shrugged, but seemed satisfied with her excuse for the moment. After all, he couldn't really be picky with who survived, considering just how much the tribe had been whittled down.

"Whatever. That's done and over with. Now we move on. Ash! The rest of you can come out now." Crispy's eyes opened wide. "Like I said... I made some new friends too. I was hoping, that before the monsters attacked us and Rattleskull went on his little rampage, I could work something out with the others. These are the ones who I trust. They'll help us survive... And maybe even retake the cave."

"Wait, befo' ya do dat we needs ta--"

"Hello, Orchid." A creature Crispy had never seen in the cave before appeared from behind a rock--its long tail ended in a vicious looking stinger, its wings made its body look bigger and more threatening than it really was, its claws and limbs were stronger than a normal Lizard, and its maw glittered with fangs. "...Crispy, was it? Considering I've yet to be blasted with a fireball I assume negotiations are going well?"

"DA FUG IS DAT!?" Crispy pointed, incredulously shouting at Orchid. "Dat's a Pygmy Drake, dey ain't from roun' heres!" Before the female goblin could answer, an eerie song wafted over the group as a disturbingly buff pixie appeared above them. He seemed to be doing some kind of one-handed chin-up on a stalactite or something. Again, Crispy's eyes bugged out as he clapped his hands over both sides of his head.

“Born of graves and left below. Painted ashes, painted snow. When the dark awakens. Fires of our last hope are getting low. Souls of gods and souls of men. Meet in, cinders to ascend. Fate has chosen. And our fading light is at its end.”

"DA FUG IS DIS!? WHY PIXIE GOT MUSKLES!?" He turned to Orchid, anger burning brightly in his beady little eyes. "Orchid!" That was probably the first time he had actually used her name. "Dese ain't Gobs! Dey ain't gonna help us! Is trick! Has ta be!"

---

Before meeting with the other group, Asura touched Momma Slime and tried to relay to her his memories of the skill screen and the abilities he had gained over time.

"Those are skills. I'll be working on more tomorrow. But right now I'm tired." He said while he relaxed more to regain some Stamina. Momma Slime wobbled thoughtfully, then extended her own pseudopod.

"Dis Skeelz?" she said again, and then she shared her own memories with Asura. And at first, he saw them the same way she did...

Slimes "saw" without eyes. Her interpretation of vision was different, thus the image was blurry and not at all distinct. But as Asura's perception processed the memory, it became detailed. Slimes did not normally speak, and had little concept of language, much less any form of writing or the act of reading. Now that the vision was distinct, however, Asura might remember the moment in the white void-space when the Demon King gave him his choices for a new life...and those odd runes that transformed themselves into his own language. The letters on Momma Slime's image seemed slightly different...but they too, wriggled and twisted in front of his eyes as if he had developed dyslexia in one moment, then suddenly put on brand new prescription glasses the next. The text became readable.

Momma Slime's memories were always blurred together, as life experience for a normal slime didn't depend much on a perception of time. However, at the very least, this memory seemed to be associated with Rattleskull's death, as in the background of the images Asura could see his corpse...

LEVEL UP!
Your battle experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 7! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please! Max HP has increased!

Unspent Skill Points:38

Current Skills:
Physical Damage Resistance I (1.0)
Limited Shapeshift I (1.525)
<UNUSABLE SKILLS>
Blunt Resistance I (0.55)
Pierce Resistance I (0.3)
Slash Resistance I (0.15)
Magic Resistance I (0.2)
Poison Resistance I (0.225)
Smash I (0.675)
Bounce I (0.3)
Cling I (0.125)
Faster I (0.25)
Iron Gullet I (0.825)
DEVIATION (0.525) <CANNOT BE INCREASED WITH SKILL POINTS>

While Asura mulled that over, the other group of creatures approached.

You used Monster Analysis I! You used Magic Analysis III!
This is a Monster, with almost no magical energies. This is a new monster to you!
---Asura---
Amorphous Slime - Slimes that have a preference for shape shifting sometimes develop a weakened membrane. Their defensive abilities stop increasing so quickly compared to normal slime types, but their shapeshifting and movement skills rise more quickly. These slimes avoid water, as it has a much stronger diluting effect on them. You know this Amorphous Slime as Asura, a fellow Reincarnator. Asura's only magically oriented skill is a Magic Resistance to attacks, and his MP is about half of yours at full value. However, there are a small number of magical skills he is developing.
---Analysis Complete!---

---

After filling himself on MP, Jason once again sought to enforce his control on an aspect of the dungeon. As he cleared his throat and stood next to the Skeleblin--drawing a glance of acknowledgement from it but otherwise prompting no reaction--he first began to use his Focus skill. As he visualized his desired result and flexed his magical power, he could feel it condensing inside him like sunlight gathering in a magnifying glass. After 30 seconds of this passed, he began to chant...

"Hail O' Guardian, cursed without name." The two rings formed again, glowing a much brighter shade of purple in the air this time. " I hereby christen thee, Skeleblin Gawain!" The runes appeared, and the wavy line passed through the center of the circle like a mathematical wave. "In time I'll release you, or return true life... " A straight line formed vertically in the center of the circle, passing through the wave. Jason began to feel the same mental strain as before--would he stop? "I swear upon spirit and nature alike, cometh hell or high water, I will make things right..." In the leftmost quadrant of the circle formed by the two lines, another strange symbol appeared. "TELEPATHY NAMING CEREMONY--Hope for the damned!!!"

The circle flashed, then exploded with a sound like microphone feedback. Jason felt a splitting pain within his mind and a sudden sensation of something like electricity surging through his entire being--painfully.

Spell casting has been interrupted by ERROR
You have not specified an alteration of the spell Telepathy I.
--Telepathy: MP Cost increased by 100%. Spell Range Touch. Spell Effect: One-Way Communication (Short).
--Possible Alterations Attempted: Taming? Two-Way Communication? Range Increase? Sensory Intensity? Please Insert Alteration.
You do not have enough MP for this spell in its altered form.
You are experiencing Mana Burn.
You have overdrawn your MP.
Mana Burn has changed to Mana Disorder.
You have no MP remaining.
Natural MP Recovery has stopped.
Item MP Recovery is reduced in effectiveness by 50%.
You have a migraine. You are exhausted. You are still experiencing HP Drain. You require food, water, and rest to begin recovering.

When Jason recovered from this, even one as stubborn as he might realize he wasn't getting anywhere. So there was nothing left to do except try to cancel out his HP Drain so that he could begin recovering Stamina, and...maybe once he had Stamina back he could figure out something to do about the Mana Disorder. So, first of all, he once again tapped into the Dungeon Core.

QUEST ACCEPTED. CURRENT OBJECTIVES:
+PATCH HOLES IN THE CEILING
+SECURE AND INCREASE RESOURCES
--NATIVE RESOURCES: HEALING HERB, MANA CRYSTAL, WATER, POISON HERB, TAINTED MANA CRYSTAL
--CURRENTLY AVAILABLE NON-NATIVE RESOURCES: FIRE, WOOD, FLAME-TOUCHED MANA CRYSTAL
+FEED DUNGEON CORE
--ORIGINAL FEEDING METHODS: AMBIENT MANA, NEGATIVELY CHARGED SOULS
--NO CURRENTLY ACCEPTED ALTERNATIVES
+HASTEN DUNGEON ASSIMILATION
--DESTROY OR EXPEL NON-ASSIMILATED INHABITANTS
--ORGANIZE ASSIMILATED INHABITANTS

WARNING! RESOURCES ARE BEING DEPLETED BY AN EXTERNAL SOURCE!

DUNGEON ASSIMILATION RATE AT 6%.
DIRE_RAT_A HAS BEEN REGISTERED.

RESOURCES ARE BEING INCREASED.
5 HEALING HERB SEEDS ADDED.
SEED GROWTH:
1. 0%...0.1%...
2. 0%...
3. 0%...0.05%...
4. 0%...0.05%...
5. 0%...

UPDATES COMPLETE. DUNGEON AWARENESS HAS INCREASED TO 0.7.

About the time Jason got the warning from the dungeon was the same time that Danny plucked a Healing Herb from the garden (reducing its total number to 7, not including the black herb), and when he received the resource increase message Danny had just finished replanting the seeds from the Herb he had picked.

Steadily growing weaker from the lack of Stamina and HP Drain, as well as the pounding in his head from overuse of his magic, Jason now inspected the little rock pile Asteria had built to try and keep the water out of the new creek that had formed. Then Jason drank. The water was surprisingly cool and refreshing, despite the dirt all around it from Torrent's freshly excavated tunnel.

Jason watered his crops, then used a Healing Herb to try and mitigate some of the effects of his HP Drain. Finally, he began to sleep...

Danny examined the herbs, plucking one and relieving it of his seeds so as to replenish the field for the future. After Meditating to recover his MP--having just seen Jason botch yet another spell--he then began to experiment with his own abilities. "Gawain" watched him go with softly glowing eyes but made no move to impede his progress either in or out of the cave.

Danny found that with his Lesser Force he was able to hold about a cup of water easily, and it floated as if it were on a space station. It formed a perfect sphere, smaller droplets orbiting around it, until Danny put pressure on it and began trying to spray it. He found that this worked, but at the moment it was little more than a toy squirt gun--and not one of those ones from TV that held a gallon and sprayed with enough pressure to powerwash someone's forehead, but one of those little crappy ones from the dollar store that broke the trigger off the first time you actually squeezed it.

Maybe with practice he could get better, but as of now he could probably muster enough Lesser Force to just throw the orb at someone. Splashing them in the face probably wouldn't hurt much, but it might blind and distract.

---

"I will not answer your questions until I know the truth of your spirit." said the odd entity. As the water rose, the blue eyes rose with it, only slightly below the water's level. It seemed as if something very small was distorting the water beneath those eyes as well...

"So you are Asteria...and you are a former Human? But I do not feel a Curse upon you to change your shape...and you carry no item of glamour..." The eyes moved, very serpent-like, around Asteria as the water level continued to rise. "Show me the truth of your spirit. Why are you here, and what are you doing?"

The water was higher now, but Asteria would notice that her "dream body" didn't feel cold despite how much water covered her. The distortion near the eyes was becoming more definite, as if something like clear plastic was in the water and diverted the liquid around it without being visible to the naked eye.

So far Danny's experiment with the water wasn't as successful as he had hoped, but he was sure that with some new idea's he could turn it into something he could work with. At the moment he was too tired, and even though he had no idea when he could experiment farther he decided he needed sleep. Galwain seemed trustworthy as well but he still had no desire to sleep in the open, given his defense wasn't too great.

His first idea was to sleep on the Dungeon Core but he quickly changed his mind, as he had no idea what prolonged direct contact with it would do to him. Instead he looked for holes in the cave wall that seemed to be the right size for him. Eventually he found one and headed inside and after he dimmed his glow, in hopes of not drawing the attention of any monsters that might wander into the small cavern, tried to sleep.

Asura observed what Mother Slime showed him. Slimes were weird with their memory sharing and base telepathy. But still, he watched what she had, and noted the runes changing to fit the language he could read and write. Another interesting little detail. What she showed though was her skill list, which was incredibly short and unworked. "Yes, those are skills. You have thirty eight points to put into said skills." He explained, making her focus on the thirty eight.

"The numbers next to those words are how far of a progress you made with them." He continued, explaining as best he could for her. He gave her memories of his own that showed him putting the points available into the skills he had available. Also he showed her that the numbers went up by doing the specific tasks assigned to the skills themselves. Such as Smash.

While he mentally taught Mother Slime his attention went back to the group of other monsters. "Leaving because of a danger factor? It's been dangerous since we first woke up." Asura said and then shrugged. "The mobs here probably aren't work much experience anymore but I'd like to try and defeat at least one of everything. So far I only need to take down a lizard, pixie, and slime. Along with these undead that I haven't seen any of." He continued on. "Or I just may join you. I only grind when I'm alone..."

“You’re not wrong, but something just tells me now is a good time to leave.” Now that Oberon thought about it, he didn’t really know why that was. He remembered a vague sense of dread in the moments after he had awoken after evolving, a memory of something experienced while in a dream-like state that told him it was a good idea to leave the cave. Time had made that memory fuzzier and being distracted while speaking to Jason and the others hadn’t helped.

Even if he didn’t remember exactly why it was important to leave however, the presence of the undead was still a convincing reason.

The Slime, Asura, then mentioned something about wanting to defeat one of every type of creature in the cave as well as only wanting to grind while he was alone. “It’s probably best not to get too caught up in the idea of this place being a video game. If you want to come with us you can; I want to try and meet up with the others as soon as possible, I imagine most of us could use some sleep after today.”

@Kazemitsu

---

"Ohhh nope. Tremor Sense on the water with whatever's in there isn't such a good idea... blugh." Digbie shook his head rapidly before stopping Tremor Sense altogether. Normally he had it on passively, but with whatever's in that water, he had difficulty thinking straight with it. "Hold on a minute, guys. I'm feeling a little queasy..." Since the party looked like they could take a moment, Digbie sat down and recovered slightly. Being a little closer to the ground helped.

As he sat, he looked at Ed and shook his head slightly. "I never... uh... had friends in this cave. Oberon was the first thing here that I can remember who showed me actual kindness, sadly. The other Goblins always... uh... beat me up and stuff. I was always more obsessed with digging than helping their efforts." He explained. "Jokes on them, though, I traded a good blow with Rattleskull a little while ago. I just wish I was a little stronger all around."

"Regardless, I'm still happy to hold you up for a little, as long as we can get out of here ASAP."

---

Ardur The Pixie

Taking another chance //// Making Friends /// day 8 // Evening > Morning / Location - near cave entrance

Ardur was honestly surprised to see the strange scaled creature emerge from the darkness. Responding to the name Ash, he couldn't help but wonder if it truly was her. When she called out to him to come join them, he knew it was her. His mighty steed had become something more. Now he just needed to figure out how.

However, the more pressing matter was a goblin shaman that was freaking out at the sight of these two monsters. Obviously Ardur was a good specimen to behold. Far out showing the other pixies in physical looks and characteristics. The only way he knew this was by the goblins reaction to him. The pixie simply smiled and reached back up the stone structure. Disappearing for a moment as he did.

When he was in sight again a black and brown mass seemed to be clinging to him while he slowly descended to a nearby stalagmite and smiled. The black mass that clung to him slowly unraveled and crawled off of him. "Steve go on to another stone structure and watch our backs. Leave some web behind so you can tug on it if you see anything." the spider raised two of its front legs and waved them around for a moment before heading off to a suitable location. One that wasn't too far but wouldn't leave the two of them vulnerable if Crispy or the other goblins did something stupid.

Looking back towards ash and ignoring the two goblins Ardur continued to smile, "my my ash. Don’t you look absolutely stunning, if that is still you?" glancing over to the two goblins giving Orchid a small nod before shifting his gaze to Crispy. "No were not goblins Crispy, but we want the same thing. To survive and thrive. Our hope is that by helping each other we can achieve this." he would say no more and was curious to see who else was with Ash and Orchid.

@Zeroth
@Lucius Cypher
@Rune_Alchemist

---

With detached disinterest she watched to stupid glowing light, the slimes from the fight, the pool itself even. She was impatient, tired, and they should've reached the exit ages ago.

But whatever. She was tired, and tired of the fighting for her life. She'd had enough of that from that big baby and his oversized rattler. That's what those shaky things from before were, right? So hard to remember... She'd been resting, not actually sleeping unfortunately, since they'd stopped moving but she couldn't take it anymore.

Since they were waiting, the talking wasn't something she really was interested in, she took the time to curl herself up and gently flex her body, testing it's abilities. She was definitely flexible, and she knew how well digging worked.

Curiously she tried this shed skin thing she'd seem in the messages. Maybe if she just tried and concentrated and kinda drug herself along the ground a little?

That arrogance… Asteria exhaled slowly a couple of times, calming down enough to think instead of just senselessly run her mouth. The thing’s probably something like the Demon King…though if the one who resurrected me is really so important, why doesn’t this one know of him? Deciding to try and wheedle out some answers however she might, Asteria answered.

“Fine, Blue-Eyes. You do have the advantage of having kidnapped me,” she narrowed her eyes at the entity, but this time kept her tone neutral and professional, her irritation more-or-less under her control though she was still blatantly grumpy about the matter. “I was a human. I died in my world. And, my soul or spirit, whatever remains after death, was left in an expanse of white. Endless whiteness…” she trailed off, staring past blue-eyes for a moment or two, until she caught herself drifting off, shook her head, and refocused on the creature once again.

“I was aware, but my thoughts were kind of muddled. I’d already gotten used to the hopelessness and loneliness…then- and no, I don’t know when exactly, because there was no way to measure the time,” her lips thinned at the intrusion of the unwanted memory she was describing, its image and the emotions she had felt back when she was formless an unnecessary distraction to the current situation. “A human-looking male appeared. I doubt he was human, I'm fairly certain he had claws. Anyways, he was dark haired, with strange powers, weird shadows behind him, a crazy, and I by that I mean a serial-killer-crazy or the pyromaniac-in-middle-of-setting-a-huge-fire-crazy grin on his face.

"He had crimson-eyes and bloody clothing. He introduced himself as the Demon King, told me about another world – this world, and for a lack of better wording, transported my soul here, and gave me the choice to be reborn as one of 6 creatures. I chose a Dire Rat and was reborn as one. Even though I’ve died and am technically not exactly human anymore, I’ve kept my previous memories, my intellect, whatever it is that made me human in my world. My soul…or spirit, I suppose, is still that of a human’s.”

After this rather hefty tale, Asteria inhaled and exhaled in a long slightly tired sigh. Blue-eyes had also demanded to see the truth of her spirit however, and besides telling it, Asteria had no idea what to do. She closed her eyes, thought about her time as a human, her previous appearance of 5’9, light brown shoulder-length hair dyed to blonde and tied in a ponytail, her icy-blue eyes, her trademark smirk, her manners, actions, family, work, friends, and basically everything that made her her before she'd died. After some minutes of that intense focus, she addressed blue-eyes again “So, do you see the truth of my spirit yet?” Regardless of the answer, she carefully opened her eyes again, staring at the entity cautiously, still feeling an imminent sense of danger.

“By the way, you’ll have to be more specific about your other questions,” she added, and while the water-shape was hopefully distracted by all the information Asteria had just given it, used Monster Analysis on it, both out of curiosity to see if it would work as well as in a fit of contrariness to defy blue-eyes, if only a tiny bit.