The blaring alarm cut through the silence of the dimly lit apartment. Christopher groaned, his head pounding as he lifted himself from the desk. Empty coffee cups and crumpled notes littered the workspace, the glowing screen of his computer displaying the familiar title of his life's work: True Creation.
He rubbed his temples, the weight of weeks of sleepless nights pressing down on him. As a lead designer for an ambitious card game, Christopher had poured everything into this project. In True Creation, players could summon races, entities, and mythical creatures by creating custom cards. Each card could be enhanced with adjustable stats, unique abilities, and even backstory. It was his masterpiece.
But the road to success had been grueling. The company faced delays, budget cuts, and an unforgiving market. Christopher had worked tirelessly, hoping to ensure a smooth release. In his desperation to meet deadlines, he overworked himself—skipping meals, losing sleep, and pushing his body beyond its limits.
As he reached for his cold coffee, his vision blurred, and an intense pain gripped his chest.
"Not now…" Christopher whispered, clutching his heart. He stumbled to the floor, gasping for air as darkness consumed him.
---
When Christopher awoke, he wasn't in his cluttered apartment anymore. Instead, he stood in a vast, otherworldly void. The air was dense with an oppressive energy, and before him hovered a translucent screen.
---
[System Initialization Complete]
Welcome, Christopher.
---
Confusion swirled in his mind. The screen flickered, displaying unfamiliar text.
---
[You Have Been Reborn as a Dungeon Core Administrator]
Current Race: Lesser Demon
Dungeon Type: Unique (Personalized System Detected)
---
"A dungeon core?" Christopher muttered. His voice echoed unnaturally.
---
[Dungeon Management System Online]
---
More panels materialized, showcasing various features:
---
[Dungeon Menu]
1. Core Stats
2. Summon???
3. Shop
4. Dungeon Layout
---
The familiarity struck Christopher immediately. These mechanics felt eerily similar to the systems in True Creation.
Before he could make sense of it, a new panel appeared.
---
[Inheritance Activated: Pride Fragment Detected]
Fragment of Pride (1/5 Parts) Acquired
Unique Ability Unlocked: Administrator's Eye
---
A rush of energy surged through Christopher, and his vision shifted. He could now see faint glowing outlines in the void around him, as if everything had been overlaid with data.
---
[Administrator's Eye]: View the stats and abilities of any individual or object. (Limitations: Level-Restricted)
---
"This… this isn't a game," Christopher realized. His heartbeat quickened.
---
[Lore Update: The Seven Deadly Fragments]
History: Seven Demon Lords in Althaea once wielded the fragments of the Seven Deadly Sins. After their deaths, the fragments sought new bearers.
Status: Four fragments remain with ancient Demon Lords (2000+ years old). Three fragments remain unclaimed.
Pride Fragment: Shattered into five parts; Christopher has inherited one. Reclaim the remaining four to unlock its full potential.
---
The magnitude of this revelation struck Christopher hard. He was no ordinary demon. Part of the Pride Fragment—the strongest of the seven sins—resided within him. Yet, it was incomplete.
"I've been given a second chance," he murmured. A chance not just to survive, but to grow stronger. To ensure that this time, no one could take away what he cherished.
---
The Dungeon Awakens
Suddenly, a massive obsidian gate materialized in the void, its surface covered in glowing runes. The gate creaked open, revealing a sprawling cavern lit by dim crystals. At its heart stood a pulsing orb—the dungeon core.
---
[Core Stats]
Dungeon Level: 1
Energy Reserves: Minimal
---
"Protect the core at all costs," a voice resonated in his mind.
Christopher approached the core, placing his hand on its warm surface. The energy flowing from it felt familiar, like an extension of himself.
---
[System Note: Unlocked Features]
Summon???
Shop
Dungeon Layout Editing
---
His eyes lingered on the [Summon???] feature, but it was grayed out, requiring progress to unlock.
His gaze shifted to the [Shop], which displayed a limited inventory:
---
[Shop Inventory]
1. Reinforced Walls - 50 DP
2. Trap: Spike Pit - 100 DP
3. Low-Tier Monster Egg - 200 DP
---
"DP?" he muttered.
---
[Explanation: Dungeon Points are earned through victories, completing objectives, and defending the core.]
---
The weight of his situation settled in. He was vulnerable, with no defenses or creatures to guard the core.
A sudden vibration shook the dungeon. The core flared brightly, and a new alert appeared.
---
[Warning: Intruders Detected]
---
Christopher's heart raced. Shadows flickered near the entrance as the sound of armored footsteps echoed.
"Already?!"
---
Emergency Summon Activated
Unit Available: Nyx (Shadow Demon)
Cost: 0
---
"Emergency summon? Don't mind if I do."
A glowing circle appeared in front of the core, runes spiraling as the temperature dropped.
A tall figure emerged—a woman with flowing black hair and crimson eyes. Her dark armor gleamed, and her presence exuded menace.
---
[Unit Summoned: Nyx]
Race: Shadow Demon
Rank: Mid-Tier Elite
Loyalty: Absolute
---
Nyx knelt before Christopher. "Master, your will is my command."
Her unwavering gaze sent a chill down his spine, but he quickly composed himself.
"Intruders are approaching. Defend the core," he ordered.
Nyx smiled faintly, her form melting into shadow as she moved toward the gate.
The clash of steel and anguished cries followed shortly after. When the noise subsided, Nyx returned, unscathed.
"Scouts, easily dealt with," she reported. "They won't threaten you again."
Christopher exhaled in relief. "Good work."
Nyx's lips curved into a faint smile. "I exist to serve you, Master."
---
As silence fell once more, Christopher sat near the core, his thoughts drifting.
"Luna," he whispered.
Memories of his younger sister flooded his mind. Her warmth, her laughter, and her unwavering support had always been his strength. If she existed in this world, he would find her.
He clenched his fist, determination burning in his chest.
"I'll protect what matters this time. No matter what it takes."