The Level of Mysteries

The last level was a straight shot. The rock here was black again, and the crystals were a warm pink, maybe magenta. The air was still, cool, and the feeling of being watched was all-consuming.

The first room appeared to be a lounge of some kind with tables, rugs, and couches, but in truth it was an absolutely diabolical trap. The three steel Maidens Steelowyn had gifted me were placed in a triangle against the walls of the room. They looked like statues. Then cutting an equally statuesque figure were the three clockwork soilders if Archeowyn. They were molded to appear as Archeowyn, Tan’Hagorath and the twin gods.

There were six creatures in this room that stood perfectly still. Yet the moment prey entered the room the steel maidens would lash out with their tendrils and drag them to their doom. If they were able to dodge or resist the clockwork soilders would activate crushing the hero in the blink of an eye.

It just wasn’t fighting fair.

“These are interesting.” Melli gestured to the soilders.

“Finally a chair!” Ruby was just happy for the pillow and plopped down heavily. Who could blame her? After weeks of walking, she got to her destination and had to camp in a cave.

I joined Melli to admire the statue. I’d been expecting a monstrosity of cogs, and whistles, but it wasn’t far off to call it a statue. Only a few joints marred the otherwise perfect artistry. “These are our best change for beating her.” I said. Each was eight feet tall, made of pure metal and stone, and there wasn’t a long between them.

“I’m interested to see how an alchemist fights.” She looked to me. “I don’t think you’re a good example of the species.”

“I take that as a compliment. If an alchemist is good at fighting they can’t be a good alchemist.”

“That’s what people say about battle mages.” Ruby said from the chair, the suddenly “Will you shut up?”

Melli sighed. “This thing you have following us around is getting annoying.” She shook her head. “It’s even louder on this level.”

“What’s it saying?” I ask. “Nothing untrue I hope.”

They paused for a moment as if listening for the sound. “I don’t know.” Ruby eventually concluded.

Ruby +3 Cp ( 14 corruption) 210 total

Melli +3cp (62 corruption) 213total

Fascinating.

Six tasty points just like that. Which had to mean something in their heads had budged in my favor. Was it really that effective? Could I harvest points just by locking someone down here?

They called it a dungeon for a reason.

This was all very interesting but only relevant in a world where I was alive.

“Come on.” I called, gesturing for them to follow me to the next room. At first I thought this would be a transitional hallway, but soon noticed that it was lined with door. Simple wooded door. “Hmm.” I cracked one open and on the other side…

“Beds!” Ruby gasped and shoved past me, fully leaping into the air and landing on the bed with a soft groan.

“This one too.” Melli opened the opposite door.

The whole hall was filled with plushly furnished room. Man, this was more warmly welcomed than any creature or magic.

“This is just cruel.” Melli sunk her hand into one. “How long do we have before…”

“Not long enough to nap.” I say.

This trap might have been more insidious than the steel maidens. Down here where Madaxwyn’s whispers were strongest is where the beds were. People would sleep here and let the dark prince whisper to them for hours, while they were most defenseless. Insidious.

I had to pry the two women out of the bed with a crowbar before they followed me down the hall into the next chamber.

Besides I think if I let them sleep, knowing they were slowly silently being brainwashed to serve me… I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off of them.

This was a library. Well maybe that was too generous to the little room, maybe a study was a better term. It had a few chairs but the bookshelves rose to the ceiling. I wonder what sort of books a demons stocks their library with.

The mages were curious too, of course.

Ruby at least started browsing. Once she saw this Melli grabbed me, and pulled me into a corner. “You can’t get rid of Sapphire.” She said firmly.

“I’m not going to hurt her.” I promised.

“No.” She says, before looking over her shoulder. “I mean you have to keep her around.” Then more insistently. “She’s mine.”

Melli +3cp (65 corruption) 216 total.

I grinned. “This is a good look for you.”

“Shut up, just tell me you understand.”

I kept grinning. “I don’t really understand, what should I do?”

She growled at me, quietly. “Give her a potion, or tie her up and…” She caught herself blushing, her breathing picked up.

“So you and her sister can **** her?”

She whimpered, and looked betrayed at that. I don’t know if it was with me or herself, but i was happy with anything.

Melli +5cp (67 corruption) 218total

“They’re mine.” She insisted again rather than allowing herself to admit any further truths.

“Don’t worry Melli, training your pets is at the top of my priority list.”

“Only below survival I hope.”

“Just.” I smiled annd pulled Ruby away from the books and towards the boss door.

If I was counting right, all of my minions were here. Who could be behind this last door?