The Crafter's Dominion: A Dungeon Core Novel (Dungeon Crafting Book 5) by Jonathan Brooks (e ink epub reader .txt) 📕

“So, what you’re essentially saying is that we need someone to delve into one of these dungeons, fight all the way to the heart of the dungeon, and then place this pretty little object next to the Core.  Not only that, but there is no guarantee that this will even work.  Does that sum it up pretty well?” First-shield Parten asked, shaking his head.  “Sire, I think we’ve heard enough of this; we should head back—”

“By the forge of the Creator, I’m in!” King Mynag shouted, slamming his now-empty mug down on the table, after having taken a drink while Parten was talking.  “Let’s do this!”

“Sire, you do not need to risk yourself in such foolish—”

“PARTEN!  Shut it!  I’m tired of you telling me what I do and don’t need to do.  If I can’t sacrifice myself for the good of my people, then I don’t deserve to call myself a King!”  The King turned around and glared at the First-shield, holding his stare for a few moments before Parten turned his head away and reluctantly nodded.

“Well, if you’re ‘in’, then I guess I’ll have to come with you to keep you out of trouble.”

“Very good!  I wouldn’t want it any other way,” the King replied, smiling again after the confrontation.

“I’ll come along as well, if you’ll have me,” Gerold volunteered.  “Sandra built me another Deep Diver suit to use; a Deep Diver using some special materials, even.”

The King ran his fingers through his beard as he looked at Gerold, and Sandra could tell that the First-shield was about to object.  Fortunately for her friend, the Royal Dwarf spoke up before Parten could.  “If that’s the case, and I’m understanding you correctly, I would appreciate the help.  Besides, I still owe you for helping to save my life, as well providing a way for Master Jespin to make another set of armor for me.”  The King deliberately looked at Parten as if daring him to say anything, but the First-shield wisely held his tongue.

“If they’re going, I would volunteer to help.  I’m not sure what I might be able to do, but I’m no stranger to fighting monsters.”  Sandra was a bit surprised by Princess Celeste speaking up, but from what Violet had mentioned about her, she supposed it made sense.

* I can make you a Deep Diver as well, but I’ll need 6 to 8 hours to complete it. Could be a little less if Violet helps me out. *

“Absolutely, your Highness.  I would be honored.”  Violet appeared to be both happy to help and worried for the Princess, which was understandable.

“I guess that means that we’ll be coming, too,” the King said slowly, looking at the Queen the whole time.  “It’s been a while since we’ve been inside a dungeon – other than this one, of course – and I think this could be a way for paying you back for helping to save our lives.”  The Queen just nodded her agreement.

“I’ll come, as well.  I’ve had some experience delving through a dungeon lately, at least.”  That would be Echo, and the King and Queen inclined their heads in acceptance.

After that, everyone looked at Palzerk, who stopped chewing long enough to say, “What?  Of course I’m coming, and so is Owchet.  Wouldn’t miss this for the world.”  Then he resumed eating his meal.

Sandra was overwhelmed with emotion at how everyone seemed to come together for a common purpose, even if that included working with people with whom they normally wouldn’t associate.  She was honestly worried for Echo and Gerold, as they had gotten lucky the last time they had invaded a dungeon – they had barely emerged with their lives.  Looking at who they were accompanying, however, she felt much better about their chances.

“Is there any way we can gather more help before we do it?” the Elven Queen asked.  “I’m sure another week or more will help us accumulate more in the way of assistance.”

* Unfortunately, we cannot wait that long.  One of the drawbacks of this Prismatic Core is that it contains a portion of my soul; if it isn’t used in 48 hours, the Core will explode, severely hurting or even destroying me in the process. *

“You…you could die if we don’t do this?  Why didn’t you mention that before?  And why couldn’t you just send an army of your constructs inside and deliver this Prismatic Core that way?”  Sandra was touched by Violet’s genuine concern, but there was a reason for all that she had done and said.

* I didn’t mention it before, because I didn’t want that to influence or coerce a decision to help out of anyone.  I’m willing to take the risk to see this through, and if it came down to it, I would do what I could to get this done without anyone’s help.  I’m not sure it would be successful, however, because without a sentient race being inside of the dungeon, shutting down a lot of the processes and defenses of the foreign Core, all of the effort in the world by my constructs would likely be useless.  I wouldn’t be able to initiate a Bond if that were the situation, or the Bond would pale in comparison to what it could be otherwise. *

“I…see.  Well, then, how much time do you have until that thing explodes?”

* Approximately 40 hours. *

Now on a deadline, the room turned serious.  “In that case, we better prepare as best we can.  Are you sending any of your…constructs...with us?” Princess Celeste asked.

* Certainly!  I’ll be sending everything I can possibly spare; Gerold and Echo have a lot of experience controlling them, so my constructs will be under their direction. *

Something suddenly caught her attention, ripping her focus away from the kitchen.  It took her less than a second to understand what was