I took in the other god. His tentacles were just as neon-yellow as I remembered. Surprisingly, I noticed that I had missed a few details. Being a disembodied soul must have skewed my memories at the time.
When Eraztis shifted into the couch cushion, swirling lines that blended into his skin moved in patterns. When he adjusted his hands, the lines extended a few millimeters past his fingers.
And his eyes. There were sigils hidden in the void, like stars.
Definitely didn't...
2024-03-22 18:19:01 +0000 UTC
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I jumped back as stones pelted my cloak.
"What the hell did you do, Renner?!" I shouted.
Straight from a nightmare, an egg-like monster taller than Devon and ten times as wide rolled through the rubble and grinned. Bloody teeth glistened, and strands of gummy flesh dripped down as the monster stared with milky eyes.
Renner whistled again and slammed his staff, causing another explosion of mana to erupt and coat the monster. "Keep them away from me!"
He ducked behind th...
2024-03-21 17:06:00 +0000 UTC
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The city sped by as Devon jumped through the streets. He leapt over crowds of people and landed on a rooftop before sprinting off the edge. After another landing, my head snapped forward, and he readjusted his grip and pulled me higher.
"Devon! What if I'm wrong?" I shouted through the wind.
"Look up," he growled as he landed on another roof.
I twisted in his grip and stared at the sky. Black clouds raced together and formed above the castle. There wasn't lightning or thunde...
2024-03-20 17:06:01 +0000 UTC
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We entered the room and approached the body. The old lady's hair was painted red as it rested in tangles inside the pool of blood beneath her. I dipped my pinky into the puddle and rubbed it between my fingers.
"Still warm. I don't smell anything other than blood, either. See any wounds?" I said.
She pressed her fingers into her neck but shook her head and flipped her over. Blood splattered the room, and I could hear shuffling from behind us.
"There," she said as she pointed...
2024-03-19 17:06:01 +0000 UTC
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I looked down and tried to move, but my body was surrounded by disgusting black flesh. It jerked, and a hole ruptured on the side, spewing gold gunk across the pyramid.
The mindeater flew upwards and grabbed my head. "What have you done! What have you done!"
I punched my tongue through its throat, and chains tried to pull me apart. But I retracted my tongue and forced them closer while freeing my arms.
"You tried to eat me. So I devoured your god instead...
2024-03-18 17:19:01 +0000 UTC
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I lowered my hand and turned away. They were gone; the job was done. My heart continued to thump, but I shut it out and forced my emotions to settle. Or rather, distill into something manageable.
In the end, a cold rage dripped down, and I stored it away for when I needed it. There'd be time to get revenge.
Alice patted my shoulder. I met her eyes. She didn't say anything, but it was comforting nonetheless. Beside her were the journals; I grabbed them while she took position behin...
2024-03-18 17:06:01 +0000 UTC
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I shot to my feet and used my tail to launch her toward the entrance. A metal cube the size of a tree knocked me away. I punched through it and sliced into the metal, ripping the halves apart.
No more games.
"Why? Why follow the whims of a dead god?" I shouted.
The tentacles attached to the wall lifted into the air, each holding a stone spike capped with silver.
The mindeater paused, its squirming chains floating behind it like Medusa's hair.
"Wh...
2024-03-15 19:19:01 +0000 UTC
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The skill demanded form, but as I tried to provide it, it refused. I shirked its denial and forced it to comply, letting my intentions guide me.
But again, it refused.
Why?!
And the skill answered.
Thoughts that weren't my own melded with mine, creating a whirlwind of memories—cores, adventurers, the joy of creation, the misery of loss. And then came the chains, the anger and revulsion. They cascaded through my own, creating a single thought that dominated t...
2024-03-15 18:19:00 +0000 UTC
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The creature came to us before we could approach it.
Shadows darted above us and rushed for our heads. I slashed upward, Alice stabbed. But the creature dodged and crashed into the wall, tearing gashes along the stone.
It looked like a badger on steroids. Its two muscular arms pushed up while its shriveled back legs dangled inches off the ground.
Scriiiiii!
Fire met its charge, but it jumped. It dug its claws into the wall as it bounced around the room.
...
2024-03-14 17:06:01 +0000 UTC
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Rocks crashed to the floor, sending shrapnel flying. I turned around and let the bigger pieces bounce off my cloak while reaching for Alice. She charged for the room, but I snagged her arm and spun her around.
“Cain!” she shouted over the rumbling.
I couldn’t answer. There was no time.
Before she could do anything rash, I wrapped her in a hug and carried us deeper into the hall, back towards the tunnel exit. She fought at first but then ran as the shaking didn’t stop...
2024-03-13 17:06:01 +0000 UTC
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No matter how hard we pressed her, Irene didn't have any answers. And I wasn't about to torture her to get more information, so I sent Freki to Marcus, who returned to the warehouse with a contingent of guards.
They sectioned off the area and properly contained the staff. People gathered together like moths to a flame, all wanting in on the latest drama. The guards pushed them back, and I noticed several of the Baathan stall owners slink away.
But they didn't matter. In the end, w...
2024-03-12 17:06:01 +0000 UTC
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I created another scroll, and this time, Eodyne snatched it mid-fall. This one had the word 'NO' in big red letters. The scroll disappeared as she nodded at Celanae.
Oh right. Of course, Celanae would want to study the scrolls later.
"Cyrus, have you seen Panasia? She's the only one left," Teddy asked.
Another scroll dropped, a repeat of the last. Teddy frowned and crossed his arms.
"Are you sure you want to transport us? We can help," Celanae said.
It w...
2024-03-11 17:19:01 +0000 UTC
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The suspect cowered on the ground, continuously shouting for mercy. I had Freki grab him by the collar and drag him back toward the restaurant. The giant wolf and the man screaming bloody murder drew in several pairs of eyes that dipped the moment we looked their way.
There was considerably more blood when we entered the restaurant than before we left. One man was pinned to the ground underneath Marcus’ boot, while another nursed a broken arm.
Apparently, Marcus doesn’t me...
2024-03-11 17:06:01 +0000 UTC
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"Xena. This. Sucks." She opened her mouth, and I placed my finger on her face, silencing her. "I know, weak fleshy mind."
It took less time to recover, so we quickly got into position and reconnected to the node. The room came into view, and I noticed that Igas had drunk the potion. His wounds were no longer bleeding, and some minor cuts had faded.
But he continued to pant and clutch his mangled arm, that the tier one potion had definitely not healed.
He st...
2024-03-08 19:19:01 +0000 UTC
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The rest of the day passed peacefully. There wasn't much to do, and Devon and Alice separated, leaving me alone. Eventually, I wandered and stumbled upon the Ashton's library. Books and scrolls filled the shelves, which extended into what was probably the largest room in the house, aside from the dining room.
I traced my finger along the spines and inhaled the scent of paper. So different from the blood, meat, and sweat – I felt a wave of calm that had been sorely lacking for most of ...
2024-03-07 18:06:01 +0000 UTC
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"Please! I-I I'm sorry!" the scraggly man in Alice's arms begged.
Alice held him up and lifted him higher, his feet dangling as he desperately clawed at the fingers locked around his throat.
"You sniffed my hair. Should I kill you?" she asked, her voice cold and unamused.
The man tried to speak, but Alice tightened her grip, and all he produced was a gargling noise as his face started to turn blue.
"If you please. That is Jeremy, the royal alchemist. He is harmless, I ...
2024-03-06 18:06:01 +0000 UTC
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"I have spent the last month constantly dealing with your pathetic excuses and accusations. At any instance of providing help, you bitch and moan. But the moment we say no? You have the gall to get pissy?" Garret's voice boomed throughout the room. "Pathetic. Remember that we don't care whose head sits on the throne. Your lives are worthless."
Whatever Garret wanted to happen, the nobles reacted. They turned their ire from Devon to him. I ignored the heads and found the king watching ou...
2024-03-05 18:06:01 +0000 UTC
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This time, I pictured a scroll of simple velum, the parchment tan in color but flexible instead of old and dry. For fun, I envisioned the words to be written out of ink that varied in color with each new word. To round it off, I had it rolled up inside a hollow tusk of a boar.
"Hmmm. The colors are tacky, but I appreciate the attention to detail. In the future, you should think about becoming a dungeon core.
"Thanks for the compliment? I think?"
Lik...
2024-03-04 18:19:01 +0000 UTC
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The queen stepped back. "Si-sir Grimm?"
I stood straight and inhaled. The voice confirmed it; she reeked of corrupted blood.
"Cain?" Devon asked as he watched the royals grow increasingly more panicked.
"She smells of corruption," I responded.
Alice stepped forward and sniffed, turning serious. She nodded. "She does."
"I haven't done anything!" Lynrell exclaimed.
Mulren stood in front of his wife. His bodyguards got into position, creating a double-layer wa...
2024-03-04 18:06:01 +0000 UTC
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The rush of power that surged through my body hit me all at once. My chest became a balloon as it welled with new energy.
"What's happening?"
Xena floated close, her hands grabbing my cheek. "You bonded with a Dungeon Fairy. The dungeon mana should be filling you. I'll help guide it so it doesn't change your mana channels."
"Th-thanks," I ground out. "Isn't this supposed to be temporary?"
"It is; that's why I won'...
2024-03-01 19:19:13 +0000 UTC
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I wasn't sure why, but I half expected to make our way on foot. Instead, we got nothing short of a royal carriage, bigger than the one the Ashtons used. We sat inside, and a man in fancy robes greeted us. Marcus joined us on the opposite couch, and the robed man leaned forward.
"Would any of you like a drink?" he asked with an easy smile. When no one said yes, he dipped his head and leaned back. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Ulren, one of his Majesty's advisors."
Devon stayed...
2024-02-29 18:06:01 +0000 UTC
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For a small woman, she stood her ground against a big bad Grimm without a single fuck to give. Eventually, I let her strong-arm me into creating something fit for the noble court. I did wrangle her ambition into keeping it simple and functional.
Eventually, she finished her measurements and packed her stuff.
"When will you be meeting with his Majesty?" she asked as she headed for the door.
I sat on the bed, mentally exhausted, and shrugged. "No idea, from the sounds of it, a...
2024-02-28 18:06:01 +0000 UTC
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As quick as the pain came, it faded, but not before leaving the water boiling hot. My skin reddened, but it didn't hurt. My hand spasmed as the electric flames disappeared, leaving behind a glowing rune.
I brought the back of my hand closer to my face and examined the swirls. The lines reminded me of vines forming a sharp cut in the center, with three additional spikes fanning the top. Emerald light spilled out, but not nearly as bright as before. I flexed my hand and winced as my finge...
2024-02-27 18:06:01 +0000 UTC
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I crossed my arms. "Keep reading my thoughts; this talk won't be friendly."
The tiny figure floated to hover just above my nose. Her eyes darted between mine and Chomperz, who sat on my shoulder.
She looked like... a fairy, almost like Áine. Unlike the little green sprite, she sported skin made of obsidian crystal and hair equally as crystalline and dark. Behind her, instead of insect wings, flapped floating amalgamations of shadows and pink glitter—they resembled wings in all ...
2024-02-26 18:19:00 +0000 UTC
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"Excuse me, Sir and Lady Ashton," the guard bowed. He then turned to face Devon. "By order of his Majesty, King Mulren Reztrassus, I am to convey his warm regards to the arrival of the Grimms into the city. Unfortunately, his Majesty will be busy for several hours and would like to inform you that the meeting will be held later this afternoon. If there are any problems or questions, I am here to answer."
I swallowed the bits of ham and egg and glanced at Devon, who set his silverware do...
2024-02-26 18:06:00 +0000 UTC
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This isn't good.
"Master!" Sturmrorex roared.
In the back of my head, Magnus' anger bled through, the feeling empowering the chaotic gremlin rattling its cage.
I used my fangs to pierce my lip, blood coating my tongue. The pain startled Wrath, and I knocked it aside, regaining control.
Things may have been worrying, but it would not control me.
"I'm fine," I said, pausing. "Maybe. Anything happening that I can't see?"<...
2024-02-23 19:19:01 +0000 UTC
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I nearly dropped the orb. Garret caught it and swept it into his pocket while drumming his fingers along the wall.
Th-thats… no…
But if it was true; somebody wanted Elias dead.
Pack!
Pack didn't matter if one of our own sought to sabotage the hunt.
Pack!
That word was useless! Somebody set Elias up.
P-pack… Pack!
Shut up! Pack killed him! Just, shut up!
And I felt the voice scurry...
2024-02-22 18:06:01 +0000 UTC
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More than physical exhaustion, I felt mentally drained. Devon, people, Alice, and now the asshole who decided to ambush me in my room; it wouldn't end.
"How long have you been waiting here? And what if I never came to the room?" I asked, letting my annoyance bleed through.
The green flames continued to burn; my insides were on fire, and minute jolts zapped my muscles. I didn't let the discomfort show, but if he was going to do something, he could have done it already.
He sto...
2024-02-21 18:06:00 +0000 UTC
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A deep growl reverberated around the room. Alice stepped forward, her fangs on display. Fur rippled around her arms and bones snapped. Nails turned into claws, and fabric disappeared.
"How. Dare. You," Alice whispered.
Devon met her eyes, unflinching. His back was straight, but I watched as his fingers clawed at the underside of his chair.
"You know why," he said.
"I'm not Elias' responsibility anymore. I haven't been the moment I became a pup."
"Exactly. A pup."...
2024-02-20 18:06:01 +0000 UTC
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"Calm down. What if they're fakes the dungeon created?" I argued.
"You really think that?" Isaac snarled.
"No. But there's always a possibility."
"You and I know both know that's about as likely as you not fucking up a rift!"
"Isaac!"
His eyes widened and he looked away, sliding the mask back over his face. "Sorry. Sereza, you heard nothing."
Her eyes narrowed, but she shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. "There's a lot to unpack after t...
2024-02-19 18:19:00 +0000 UTC
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