Fenlor Dusksoul awoke to a sensation unlike anything he had ever known. He felt weightless yet solid, aware of both his surroundings and the pulsing energy coursing through him. When his vision adjusted, he saw nothing but darkness and faint streams of shimmering light.
A word resonated within him: Core.
Before he could make sense of it, a glowing interface materialized before him, displaying an array of details.
"System Interface"
Name: Fenlor Dusksoul
Dungeon Tier: Mortal Core (Tier 1)
Dungeon Level: 1
Energy Absorbed: 0
Abilities: [View Abilities]
Dungeon Ore: 0
"What… is this?" Fenlor murmured. His voice echoed, though he had no mouth. He quickly realized that his form felt alien. There was no flesh, no bones, just a crystalline energy pulsating at the center of an endless void.
"Welcome, Fenlor Dusksoul," an ethereal voice echoed in his mind, calm yet commanding. "You have been reborn as a Dungeon Core. Your purpose is to grow, evolve, and defend yourself from intruders. This system will guide you in your journey."
A wave of understanding washed over Fenlor. Dungeon Core. He was no longer human, no longer Cory Hayes. Yet, a strange calm settled over him. He remembered his past, the despair that had consumed his life, and realized that this new existence offered something different—purpose.
"First, awaken your domain," the voice instructed.
"How?" Fenlor asked, his voice still unsteady.
"Focus your energy. Shape the space around your core to create the Core Chamber, the heart of your dungeon."
Fenlor closed his thoughts, focusing on the pulsing energy he felt within. He imagined walls rising from the void, a place he could call his own. Slowly, the darkness folded into jagged obsidian walls veined with glowing red and purple streaks. Ghostly lights flickered to life, bathing the chamber in a sinister glow.
At the center of the room, Fenlor's core hovered—a crystalline mass, its surface swirling with ethereal energy.
Discovering His Humanoid Form
Fenlor felt a sudden shift in his awareness. Though his existence as a core felt natural, something deep within him yearned for form—humanoid form.
"Access your abilities," the voice prompted.
Fenlor focused on the interface, willing it to expand. A list of abilities appeared.
Abilities
1. Humanoid Manifestation
• Transform into a humanoid form at will. This form retains dungeon abilities but cannot stray far from the Core Chamber without losing power.
2. Dungeon Manipulation
• Create and alter rooms using Dungeon Ore and energy.
3. Monster Creation
• Summon and customize monsters to defend the dungeon.
4. Energy Absorption
• Absorb the life force of intruders to strengthen the dungeon and power upgrades.
5. Trap Deployment
• Place traps to hinder or harm intruders.
6. Dungeon Vision
• See through every corner of the dungeon simultaneously.
Fenlor selected Humanoid Manifestation. His core began to glow brighter, radiating energy. In an instant, his crystalline form condensed into a humanoid shape. His new body had a smooth, blackened exterior with faint cracks pulsing with red and purple energy. He was tall, his features angular and otherworldly, and his hands ended in sharp claws that crackled with faint soul energy.
He flexed his fingers, marveling at the form. It felt alien but empowering. He could feel the core's energy flowing through his limbs.
"This form allows for greater interaction with your dungeon and its features," the voice explained. "It also serves as a deterrent against weaker intruders who manage to reach the Core Chamber."
Building the First Facility
Fenlor examined the glowing interface again. A section labeled Facilities caught his attention.
Available Facilities:
1. Resource Cavern
• Description: Generates ores over time, starting with Tier 1 ore. Upgradable for rarer ores.
• Cost: 10 Dungeon Ore.
2. Training Grounds
• Description: A space where monsters spar and grow stronger. Does not require resources to use.
• Cost: 15 Dungeon Ore.
3. Soul Forge Chamber
• Description: Converts absorbed energy into artifacts, traps, or advanced upgrades.
• Cost: 25 Dungeon Ore.
Fenlor knew he didn't yet have Dungeon Ore, but the Resource Cavern was clearly essential.
"How do I gather ore?" he asked.
"Construct a Resource Cavern. It will harvest ores passively over time. You will need to expand your dungeon and defeat intruders to gather more resources."
"Then how do I start? I have no ore."
The system pulsed in response. "Your dungeon will generate enough ambient energy to allow you to construct your first Resource Cavern. Focus and create."
Fenlor closed his eyes—if his new form even allowed that—and concentrated. The ground rumbled faintly as the void near his Core Chamber twisted and reshaped itself. A new room formed, dark and cavernous, with veins of ore glowing dimly along its walls.
As the Resource Cavern finished forming, Fenlor felt a flood of information pour into his mind, as though the system wanted him to understand the world he now inhabited.
Noater was vast, with 12 continents spread across its surface. Humans dominated the land, organizing themselves into kingdoms, empires, and guilds. Their lives revolved around a hierarchical coin system, with copper for commoners and mythril reserved for the wealthiest and most powerful.
Beneath the surface, however, dungeons thrived. Some were ancient and dormant, while others, like Fenlor, were newly born. Adventurers sought these dungeons for glory, treasure, and resources, while kingdoms either sought to destroy them or use them for their benefit.
Among dungeons, the Ascended were legends. Two controlled massive islands, while one reigned over the oceans themselves. Fenlor wondered if he could reach such heights one day, or if he'd be crushed long before.
Fenlor explored his new form and the expanding dungeon. The Resource Cavern glimmered faintly as it began generating ore. Though it was only Tier 1 for now, it would provide a foundation.
His next step would be summoning monsters and creating traps. He was vulnerable, and the world outside was harsh. But as he stood in his humanoid form, gazing at the glowing cavern, he felt a glimmer of hope.
For the first time in years—no, in lifetimes—Fenlor felt like he could build something greater. He was no longer powerless. He was the master of his fate, the architect of his domain.
And he was ready to begin.