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Dungeon system: The thousand realms
Owner: Knox light
Level:3 (220/600)
Mana 870/1000
Dp:245 (Dungeon points)
Protectors:27 (Goblins 18) (Kobalt's 6 + 3 workers)
Intruders: 4
Abilities: Mana manipulation, vassal creation, Dungeon shaping, weaken willpower
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The four intruders—three humans and one lanky elf archer—finally reached the bottom of the cursed incline. Their boots crunched on the sharp stones, legs shaking from the effort. Sweat dripped from their brows even in the cold dungeon air.
The leader, a broad-shouldered man with a scarred face and a longsword strapped to his back, wiped his forehead and muttered.
"Gods above, that was terrible. Is everyone still in one piece?"
The elf nodded silently, already nocking an arrow and scanning the dim tunnel ahead. The two younger humans—a mage-girl clutching a staff and a nervous rogue with twin daggers—looked pale but determined.
They didn't know yet that eyes were watching them from every shadow.
Up on the first floor, the Kobalt scouts had already arrived through the pond tunnel. Water still dripped from their fur as they shook themselves dry near the goblin village edge. Yob sniffed the air, ears twitching.
Kroc crouched low beside him.
"Smells like metal... and fear-sweat. Humans. Maybe one elf. Four total."
The other two Kobalts growled softly in agreement. Their scales glistened faintly in the torchlight Knox had allowed the goblins to keep.
Hibiscus spotted them first. She hurried over, skirts hiked up to avoid tripping on roots, eyes wide with both hope and terror.
"You came..." she breathed. "The Lord truly sent you."
Yob tilted his head, showing sharp teeth in what might have been a smile.
"Not sent. We came ourselves. Pond connects floors. Easy swim for us."
Hibiscus bowed deeply anyway.
"Still... thank you. The intruders will reach here soon. My people... we are not warriors like you."
Kroc stepped forward, spear already in hand.
"We protect pond. We protect allies. Simple."
The goblins gathered behind Hibiscus, clutching crude spears and slings. Some trembled. Others looked at the tall, muscular Kobalts with open awe.
Knox watched it all from above, floating unseen. He thought to himself,
*"Smart boys. They didn't even wait for orders. Maybe I underestimated their pack instincts."*
He felt a tiny surge of pride. But pride wouldn't win battles. He needed to tip the scales.
Knox focused, drawing on **Dungeon shaping**. The floor beneath the approaching intruders rippled subtly—nothing dramatic, just enough to make loose stones shift underfoot. A small trap, easy to miss until it mattered.
He whispered mentally to Yob alone.
*"Ambush them at the village entrance. Let the goblins throw first volley. You strike second. No mercy—they came for my core."*
Yob's ears flicked. He gave the tiniest nod, then barked orders to his kin in low growls.
The intruders rounded the final bend.
The elf saw movement first.
"Contact! Goblins—lots of them!"
Arrows flew from goblin slings. Most missed wildly, clattering against walls, but one stone cracked against the rogue's shoulder. He cursed and ducked behind his shield.
The scarred leader roared,
"Form up! Mage, light!"
A fireball sputtered into existence, small and weak—clearly the girl was low level. It illuminated the scene just enough for everyone to see the Kobalts charging from the flanks.
Kroc led, spear thrusting like lightning. He caught the rogue in the side, piercing leather. The man screamed and dropped.
Yob went straight for the leader, massive claws raking across plate armor. Sparks flew. The man staggered but swung back, blade biting into Yob's shoulder. Blood sprayed—blue Kobalt blood.
The elf loosed arrow after arrow. One struck a goblin in the chest, dropping him instantly. Hibiscus cried out in grief.
Knox's anger flared. He spent 80 mana without hesitation, channeling **weaken willpower** straight into the elf. The archer's hands shook. His next shot went wide, embedding in dirt.
*"That's right,"* Knox thought. *"Feel it. Feel how small you are here."*
The mage tried to cast again. A Kobalt worker—the quiet one who usually hauled stones—barreled into her, tackling her to the ground. Staff flew from her grip. She screamed as claws pinned her arms.
The leader bellowed,
"Retreat! Fall back to the incline!"
But it was too late. The remaining two Kobalts blocked the way. Goblins swarmed, slings and spears and sheer numbers.
In moments, it was over.
The scarred leader fell to his knees, sword clattering. Blood poured from a dozen wounds. The elf lay still, arrow through his own thigh from a panicked misfire. The rogue and mage were already unconscious.
Yob limped forward, breathing hard. He looked up toward the ceiling, knowing Knox watched.
"We won, my lord."
Knox's voice boomed through the floor, shaking dust from the ceiling.
**"Well done, my children. Harvest what you can. Bring me their gear. The living ones... drag them to the pond. We'll see if they make good workers... or food."**
Hibiscus knelt beside the fallen goblin, tears streaming.
"My lord... one of ours..."
Knox softened his tone, just for her.
*"He died protecting his family. His name will be remembered. I will carve it into the village stone myself."*
Hibiscus nodded, clutching the body.
Knox felt the sweet rush of mana returning—death in his domain always paid well. The system updated silently in his mind.
He smiled to himself.
*"Four intruders down. Level progress feels good. But next time... i know they'll send stronger ones. It's time to expand. Time to evolve."*
He faded upward, already planning the next floor.
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Thank you for reading another chapter, I greatly appreciate all comments.
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