**************************************************************************
Name: no name
Gender: male
Creature Type: Monster (lowborn)
Creature: Gobwolf
Health: 10 / 10 I Health Regen: 0.1/min
Mana: 7 / 7 I Mana Regen: 0.7/sec
**************************************************************************
Intellect: 14 I Wisdom: 13 I Vitality: 6 I Willpower: null
Strength: 4
*************************************************************************
*************************************************************************
Requirements Met
A Monster Can Attain Freewill
Do You Allow It
[yes] [No]
*************************************************************************
What would happen if I were to grant the Gobwolf freewill? Would it suddenly attack me or view me as its creator? Could it be useful or pose a threat? The uncertainties and potential dangers are too great, so I decide to answer with a resounding "No."
The window depicting the choice promptly vanishes, leaving no trace. I anticipated some form of warning or indication, but it seems none is provided. Setting that aside, it appears that my intelligent minion holds great promise. This is excellent news, as I believe it will yield better results in utilizing mana or serve as an effective leader for a group of Gobwolves. However, I decide to restrict the presence of intelligent Gobwolves to one at a time on the first floor.
I provide the intelligent Gobwolf with a core and instruct it to learn how to use mana and explore its potential applications. In the meantime, I realize it would be prudent to examine the bodies of the deceased humans to see if they possess any cores. Unfortunately, none of them do. However, there seems to be a foundation for a core to develop, although it is difficult to discern its exact nature as the mana within their corpses has dissipated, leaving scattered traces. It appears that mana flowed to and from somewhere within their chests, though pinpointing its precise location is challenging due to the dispersed nature of the mana.
For now, I decide to put this investigation on hold, as further probing with my own mana seems unlikely to yield additional information. Instead, I must address the issue of the intelligent Gobwolves and the remains, blood, and fragments of the deceased. I employ my mana to create a deep room branching off from the right side of the first cave room. I instruct my minions to transfer all the corpses to this designated area, and once completed, set the room ablaze, burning the remains. However, I am uncertain how to deal with the resulting smoke and can only hope it does not adversely affect the Gobwolves. I leave them to their task as they move body after body and toss them into the room. While I did not request them to handle the blood, they do pick up various bits and pieces from the deceased and toss them in as well, perhaps considering them as once part of the deceased bodies. They eventually halt their actions and exchange dumbfounded looks.
An oversight becomes apparent—I failed to consider that they do not possess the knowledge of fire-making. I assumed the crafter or builder would possess this skill, but it seems I was mistaken. They are merely striking sticks together until one breaks, discarding the broken one into the pit and observing it for a few minutes.
If I had physical form, I would undoubtedly facepalm at this sight.
I decide to offer them some insights into fire-making, even though I'm not entirely sure of the exact method. However, I believe my knowledge surpasses theirs, and they may make better use of the information. I explain the method of striking two rocks together above some dry grass, twigs, and sticks, utilizing the sparks generated by the stones to ignite the fire. They all begin striking rocks together, but none succeed in producing sparks, so they cast those rocks aside and pick up different ones. Finally, one of them manages to create sparks, starting a small fire that he holds at the end of his stick, seemingly showing off to the others. Unfortunately, a sudden gust of wind enters the cave before the other Gobwolves can react, extinguishing the fire. Undeterred, the Gobwolf persists in trying repeatedly until he succeeds once more. This time, he throws the fire onto the pile of grass, twigs, and sticks that the others have placed into the pit, causing the flames to spread rapidly from stick to stick, eventually engulfing the corpses. The fire burns until only bones remain, at which point it diminishes significantly.
Now, I turn my attention to the intelligent Gobwolf. I observe its mana, which flows significantly faster than its counterparts. This suggests that its increased intellect and wisdom have indeed influenced its mana manipulation, confirming my earlier assumptions.
**************************************************************************
Congratulations
Your Monster has learned a skill
Mana Flow (0)
**************************************************************************
Impressively, the intelligent Gobwolf has already acquired its first mana skill within a mere 30 minutes. This is a significant improvement in comparison to the previous Gobwolf. Satisfied with its progress, I decide to leave it be for now, allowing my mana to replenish.
I proceed with the construction of my second floor, maintaining the same theme and design. I aim for a medieval underground prison aesthetic, utilizing the carved stone layout to create an authentic atmosphere. This time, I opt for a more straightforward path without any branching passages that could potentially lead to dead ends. Instead, I connect each room to the next, creating a series of 14 consecutive chambers. The 15th room stands out as a larger version, distinguishing it from the rest of the rooms.
**************************************************************************
Congratulations
Your Monster has learned a skill
Mana Strike (0)
**************************************************************************
Curious about the source of this new skill, I investigate and discover that it is indeed the intelligent Gobwolf who has acquired it. I observe as it plays around with the skill, realizing that its usage is similar to how I used mana to pierce those mice earlier. The Gobwolf gathers mana in its hand and directs it towards a wall, resulting in a swift and powerful bolt of mana shooting forth from its finger.
This observation leads me to reflect on the stark contrast between how the Gobwolf and I utilize mana. While I employ mana as a substitute for eyes, hands, and feet, the Gobwolf sees it more as a weapon, akin to how a knight wields a sword or an archer employs arrows. The mana is not an inherent part of the Gobwolf but rather a tool that it can utilize for combat. In comparison, I would be more akin to a lion that relies on its teeth and claws as natural weapons.
The differences in our approach to mana are intriguing, prompting me to wonder whether dungeon cores have a distinct connection to mana compared to other living beings. It's an interesting concept that warrants further exploration.