Robert stepped out of the portal leading from DAVE's Sanctum into the open air, blinking against the sunlight that greeted him.
The familiar sight of the settlement walls came into focus, with kobold archers patrolling the parapets and Graleth standing just outside the gates, his massive arms crossed. Snow and Hamish waited a short distance away, leaning against the shaded side of the outer wall.
Before Robert could call out to them, Moira's warm, melodic voice filled his mind, catching him off guard.
"Vessel," she began, her tone brimming with approval, "you have done splendidly. The task to scout the northwest and address the Brute dungeon was no simple feat, yet you exceeded expectations. Integrating the Brute shard into your Sanctum, excuse me, DAVE, was both creative and visionary. I'm proud of you."
Robert smirked, shaking his head slightly. "Thanks, Moira. But I couldn't have done it without help."
Moira chuckled softly. "You're too modest, my Vessel. And while we're on the topic, DAVE? Truly? It's unconventional, but it does have a certain charm. Ahem. From now on, we shall honor your naming conventions. DAVE it is."
"Appreciate your approval," Robert replied dryly, his sarcasm not lost on her.
Moira ignored his tone and continued. "As you've completed this sequence of quests, it's only fitting that I reward you for your efforts. A champion such as yourself deserves recognition."
In his hand, a flash of golden light materialized, solidifying into a small, ornate box. Opening it, Robert found an intricately carved pendant glowing faintly with mana, its centerpiece a translucent gem that shimmered with shifting hues.
"This is the Pendant of Mana Resonance," Moira explained. "It will amplify the flow of mana through your crystal, enhancing spellcasting efficiency and slightly reducing the mana cost of your abilities. Wear it wisely."
Robert's brows lifted in genuine appreciation. "This is incredible. Thank you, Moira."
"You've earned it," she replied warmly. "Oh, and before I forget, check your crystal. You'll find your M-power has been significantly replenished after your latest accomplishments."
Following her suggestion, Robert tapped the gem embedded in his chest. It glowed brightly as the familiar surge of M-power filled his senses. His reserves were nearly at capacity, leaving him invigorated and ready for whatever came next.
Moira's voice faded, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He glanced over at Snow and Hamish, who waited patiently, their expressions understanding. They had seen that far-off look enough times to know he was communing with Moira.
"Sorry about that," Robert said as he approached, a bright smile breaking across his face. "She had a lot to say."
"Another reward, I take it?" Hamish said, his tone teasing. "What is it this time, some sort of glowing doodad?"
Snow giggled. "Or maybe it's another unexpected surprise. You seem to collect those."
Robert chuckled, tapping the pendant now resting against his chest. "You'll find out soon enough. But first." He turned and raised his voice. "Graleth! Over here!"
The ground trembled faintly as the massive brute lumbered toward them, ducking slightly to pass through the settlement gate. His onyx veins glinted faintly in the sunlight as he approached, his stoic expression unreadable.
Robert gestured toward the kobold portal. "Graleth, this is the settlement core shard. It's the heart of this growing village and an ally to us all. From here, we'll build a safe and thriving community."
Graleth nodded slowly, his rocky brow furrowing in thought. "Understood. This place has potential."
Robert smiled. "Good. Now, I have a task for you. You and your kin will enter your new home, DAVE's Sanctum. He'll give you further instructions and provide everything you need. You'll find it well-suited to your strengths."
Graleth's massive head tilted slightly, his onyx eyebrow arching. "DAVE?"
Robert grinned, his humor clear. "Yes, DAVE. Dungeon Automation and Virtual Entity. You'll like him."
Graleth's expression remained blank for a moment before he turned with the grinding sound of shifting stone. He bellowed to his kin, "FOLLOW ME. INSIDE."
The Lesser Brutes shuffled forward in their usual chaotic manner, one tripping over its own feet, another picking up a rock and dropping it absentmindedly. One by one, they entered the portal, their heavy footfalls shaking the ground as they disappeared into the Sanctum. Graleth followed last, his towering form disappearing with a faint shimmer of light.
As the portal's glow dimmed, Robert turned back to Snow and Hamish, his smile unwavering. "Well, that's one thing handled."
Robert's boots crunched softly against the dirt as he walked along the edge of the dig site.
His eyes swept the towering walls, now sturdier and more impressive than ever, with watchtowers evenly spaced along their length. Perched in these watchtowers were kobold archers, their tiny forms bustling with energy and purpose.
They were a peculiar sight, rodent-like creatures standing just under two feet tall, armed with small but wickedly sharp iron daggers that hung at their belts, each one the size of a human rapier in their nimble hands.
Robert stopped for a moment, watching a kobold hop effortlessly from one parapet to the next, its whip-like tail balancing its small frame as it sniffed the air with rapid, twitching movements of its nose. Its beady black eyes darted suspiciously across the horizon, while its round ears twitched at the faintest of sounds. The bows slung over their backs looked almost comically small but were perfectly proportioned for their diminutive forms.
Despite their size, Robert knew these creatures were anything but timid.
"They carry themselves like they're six feet tall," he muttered with a smirk, watching a kobold scurry along the battlements. "No fear. All confidence. It's oddly endearing." He chuckled as one of them stopped to sniff dramatically at the air, giving an exaggerated wave to another kobold across the wall. The two chittered back and forth in their strange rat-like language before turning back to their patrols with a seriousness that belied their tiny forms.
Snow giggled softly. "They're kind of adorable," she said, watching a particularly rotund kobold with an oversized bow attempt to draw it back, only to teeter slightly before steadying itself. "And surprisingly capable."
Hamish snorted. "Aye, but don't let their size fool you. Those wee rats would probably knife you in the back if they had the chance."
Robert grinned. "Thankfully, they're on our side."
As if on cue, the Settlement Core's voice rang out in Robert's mind, a mechanical tone sharp with purpose. "Robert. Progress report required. Please approach immediately."
"Right on schedule," Robert murmured, making his way toward the Settlement Core shard. Snow and Hamish followed, the latter grumbling about the overly punctual nature of the shards.
The core was embedded in a polished stone pedestal near the center of the settlement. Its crystalline surface gleamed faintly, and its voice carried a distinct blend of no-nonsense efficiency and impersonal authority. As Robert approached, it addressed him without preamble.
"Robert. Reporting on completed tasks. Walls fortified. Watchtowers operational. Kobold archers deployed and adequately trained. Additional resources are required to sustain further progress."
Robert crossed his arms, already forming an idea in his mind. "Alright, first things first. This whole 'Settlement Core' name doesn't work for me. From now on, I'm calling you STEVE. Settlement Task Executive for Vital Efficiency."
There was a long pause, the shard's glow flickering faintly. Then, in its usual blunt tone, it responded, "STEVE is acceptable. The name adequately reflects my functional purpose, though the final phonetic result is unimpressive."
Hamish, who had been leaning on his broadsword, burst into laughter. "STEVE?! Oh, that's bloody brilliant. I love it!" He slapped his thigh, his laughter echoing through the settlement.
Snow wrinkled her nose with an amused smile, shaking her head. "STEVE, huh? Well, it's memorable."
Robert smirked, unbothered by the reactions. "What do you have for me, STEVE?"
STEVE's glow pulsed slightly, his voice remaining as serious as ever.
"Watchtowers completed and fully staffed. Resource management updated to reflect current inventory. Additional resources required: reinforced lumber, cut stone, and mana-infused metals for construction upgrades. Current storage capacity adequate but nearing maximum efficiency threshold."
Robert nodded, gesturing for STEVE to continue. "And what about next steps?"
STEVE's tone didn't waver. "Recommendations ranked by necessity:
Expanded Defensive Structures: Reinforce walls with mana-infused materials and add reinforced gates. Estimated cost one thousand five hundred M-power. Necessity eighty-eight percent.
Marketplace Establishment: Create a central hub for trading goods and services, increasing settlement prosperity. Estimated cost one thousand and two hundred M-power. Necessity eighty percent.
Expanded Housing for Non-Kobold Residents: Accommodations for larger humanoids like brutes or other allies. Estimated cost two thousand M-power. Necessity seventy-eight percent.
Enhanced Communication Network: Magical message stones or small courier golems to coordinate tasks more efficiently. Estimated cost one thousand M-power. Necessity seventy-five percent.
Community Amenities: Public gathering spaces, a small mana-fueled library, and basic recreational areas. Estimated cost seven hundred M-power. Necessity fifty-five percent."
Robert raised an eyebrow. "Impressive list. You even included recreational areas?"
STEVE's glow flickered. "Recreational spaces improve productivity and morale by 17 percent. This is supported by extensive data."
Hamish snorted. "Your shards and your numbers. You can make an equation for everything."
Snow giggled again, her bright laughter lightening the air.
Robert considered the upgrade options presented by STEVE, his mind weighing the immediate needs of the settlement against the long-term vision he was beginning to form. "Alright," he said after a moment of silence, "let's set a solid foundation here."
He turned to STEVE, who was waiting with patient efficiency. "Expand the defensive structures. That's non-negotiable. I'll supply the 1500 M-power for it directly."
STEVE acknowledged with a succinct nod, his tone as blandly approving as ever. "An excellent decision, Master Robert. Defense is paramount to ensuring settlement longevity."
Snow perked up at the mention of a market. "I really like the idea of a marketplace," she said, her voice soft but enthusiastic. "It'll give people a place to trade, gather, and connect. I'd like to oversee it, if you're okay with that." She placed her hand over her mana core, her determination clear. "I'll fund this one myself, 1200 M-power."
Robert smiled at her initiative. "Go for it, Snow. I think you'll make a great marketplace overseer."
Hamish chuckled. "Aye, Snow'll be haggling for every coin before long."
Snow rolled her eyes with a small laugh, and Robert turned back to STEVE. "I'm approving the housing upgrade for humanoid residents, but not for magical creatures like the brutes or kobolds. They've got spaces in the Sanctum that suit them better." He supplied the 2000 M-power for the housing upgrade. "STEVE, focus on comfortable living spaces, not luxury. Practicality is key."
"Understood," STEVE replied, already processing the allocation of resources.
"As for the communication network," Robert continued, "not yet. It's a good idea, but long-range communications don't make sense right now. Keep it on the table for when we start building alliances further afield."
STEVE's tone remained neutral. "Acknowledged. The communication upgrade will remain on standby."
Finally, Robert considered the community amenities. He could see the potential for drawing more settlers to the area with attractive public spaces. "Let's approve the library, recreation areas, and the night lighting. People need a reason to want to live here and a place they can feel proud of. I'll supply the 700 for amenities."
"Wise decisions," STEVE noted. "The combined upgrades will significantly enhance the settlement's appeal and functionality."
As the final M-power allocations were made, Robert stepped back and exhaled deeply. "Feels like we're finally setting some real roots here," he said, more to himself than anyone else. He turned to Snow and Hamish, the hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Well. Now what?"
Both Snow and Hamish shrugged simultaneously. "You're the boss," Hamish said with a smirk. "We're just here to follow your lead."
Before Robert could respond, Moira's voice echoed in his mind, soft and teasing. "You need to train, Robert. Don't let your skills and self-empowerment fall behind. Or alternatively, there's something you can unearth here at the dig site that you haven't yet."
Robert's brow furrowed in surprise. "Something else buried here?" he murmured aloud, catching the attention of Snow and Hamish.
"What's that, Robert?" Snow asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Apparently, there's more beneath us than I thought," he replied, his tone laced with intrigue. Without another word, he strode toward the original excavation site where he had first uncovered Moira's prison. Snow and Hamish followed closely, their curiosity matching his.
The hole in the ground where Robert and Hamish had once dug was still there, though it had shifted slightly with time. Robert stood at the edge, staring down into the darkness. His hands flexed at his sides, the faint glow of his mana core pulsing beneath his shirt as he prepared to manipulate the earth. He reached into his pouch, pulling out a crystalline shard and a handful of soil from the dig site. With Essence Harmony, he channeled his magic, blending the shard's essence with the earth's natural resonance. The skill hummed, the materials merging into a shimmering, reinforced probe that pulsed with earth affinity.
With a steady exhale, Robert plunged the probe into the ground. The earth beneath their feet rumbled faintly at first, a gentle vibration that quickly grew in intensity. Soil and loose rocks trembled, shifting as his power flowed through the probe. The shaking was controlled but undeniably powerful, each pulse of magic digging deeper and spreading outward.
"Robert, what exactly are you doing?" Snow asked nervously, taking a cautious step back as the vibrations rattled her boots.
Hamish shifted his stance, steadying himself against the trembling ground. He cast a sideways glance at Snow, his voice dry but laced with amusement. "So, this is archaeology now? Lad's found himself a new way to dig."
Robert didn't answer. His focus was absolute, his mind weaving the threads of earth and mana together as he sought to peel away the layers of soil and stone that obscured the hidden depths. The probe's glow intensified, guiding his magic with precision.
The vibrations intensified, sending loose debris rolling into the hole. The ground seemed alive, shifting and groaning under his command. Snow and Hamish instinctively backed further away, the sheer force of the magic making the air feel charged and heavy. The ground trembled harder, rhythmic pulses sending ripples through the surrounding earth. Just as it seemed the shaking would reach its peak, Robert paused, his head tilting slightly as though he had sensed something deeper within the earth.
A moment of stillness. Snow inhaled sharply and stepped back in fear, hiding behind Hamish's broad shoulders, and peeked around his arm.
Then everything froze.
The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint echo of settling dirt. Snow and Hamish exchanged wide-eyed glances, their unease palpable.
"Robert?" Snow ventured cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.
He turned to them with a small, enigmatic smile. "I think I found something."
And then, without warning, the ground shuddered violently once more, this time entirely beyond Robert's control. Something deep below the surface began to respond, its own power answering Robert's call.
The tremors grew stronger, and Robert's confident expression flickered with the faintest hint of uncertainty. The probe shattered, its essence dissipating into the air as the earth split open. From the chasm rose a massive, rune-covered slab, its surface etched with ancient symbols that glowed faintly with mana.
Hamish steadied himself, shifting his weight against the trembling earth. He let out a low whistle, watching as the structure slowly levitated from the ground.
"What."
"The bloody hell."
"Is that?"