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He sat beside the pulsating heart of his domain, the core that powered his entire existence.This small ethereal mass of swirling energy, red and blue, constantly shifting, barely contained in its form. As Balthazar brooded, pondering his insignificance in the grand scheme of demonkind, and the importance that his lair was going to play in his survival a sudden notification flared before his eyes, cutting through his thoughts.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
[Core Bug Detected. Dungeon System Download Initiated.]
Balthazar's crimson eyes narrowed. A system? What was this? He leaned forward, his clawed hand hovering above the notification, unsure whether to be intrigued or suspicious. While this was happening, some familiar memories resurfaced on what he read in novels when he was a teenager. Usually the main character gains a cheat that could help him rise and become the strongest so maybe this was his. Still uncertain, he tried to come back closer to the core.
Before he could react, the core pulsed with new life. A voice, calm and enigmatic, echoed in his mind.
"Greetings, Demon. I am the dungeon System."
His eyes flickered with surprise.
"Dungeon System? You mean the real dungeons, I don't remember this being part of my memories."
The voice remained mysteriously impassive, as though it were as much a part of the lair as the walls themselves.
"Hear me out O demon, I am a fabled existence. My purpose is my own demon, but if you cooperate with me I can help you out. I can help you increase your rank within the demon hierarchy by accelerating the growth of your lair. I can help you unlock abilities, resources, and paths that will lead to greater power."
An alarm quickly went off in Baaz head, many ideas and theories quickly filled his mind.Balthazar clenched his jaw. He didn't trust this. There was something too mysterious about it. So he tried to probe the system, maybe it would reveal some of its goals. So with a doubtful tone he asked:
" You want me to believe that? You said you are a fabled existence tell me more about your origin?"
But with a disdain filled voice, the system replied:
" Look Demon,my origins are... not for you to concern yourself with at the moment, the likes of you are not worthy of knowing what I am. Instead focus on this opportunity I am offering you. It's a very profitable one so shut up and take it."
Balthazar leaned back, drumming his claws against the cold stone floor. Now he was sure that this system was keeping things away from him. Full of questions he was particularly curious about, he asked the system about something that it said earlier:
"And what do you mean by 'rise in rank'?, You should know that I don't have a pure bloodline so my chances at advancing should be minimal close to impossible."
A few moments went by before the system replied. It's tone was cryptic yet firm and dripping with superiority.
"Your lair, as it stands, is pathetic and trashy, but with my help he can evolve like I already said and I can even help purify your bloodline"
It was as if a bomb had dropped as silence enveloped the room. The claim made by this system was so outrageous that Baaz quickly stood up, a astonished look on its face. Well Baaz did not really understand the claim made by this system, if he did,his reaction would have been even more exaggerated. Seeing his lack of reaction a disapproving voice came from the system
" Look at you ignorant demon, from your expression I can conclude that you don't really know about my claim, such an ignorant one how could the likes of you even have a chance to merge with me?"
Baaz didn't answer and kept pondering on the offer.He scowled, but the idea piqued his curiosity.
"And what do I need to do to achieve that? You don't seem like the type to offer such power without a price."
This time, the Lair System did not respond with emotion, only with information.
"To begin, I will assist you in several key areas. You will have access to the Resource Siphon, which allows you to draw energy from the ambient mana of the earth. This will feed the growth of your lair. I can also assist in the Summoning Pool, where you may call forth lesser demons, increasing your domain's influence and bolster your defense. As we grow in power, I can unlock further features: the Abyssal Forge for creating relics of immense power, and the Tribunal of Souls, where you may extract and refine the essence of defeated enemies."
Cautious, Baaz reiterated his question:
" You still didn't tell me about the price I will have to pay for that."
" Well demon, for now with your meager power you cannot do anything for me, you'll only need to accept me and later when you become powerful enough, you could maybe at this time be worthy of knowing my price."
The potential was obvious. But he did not miss the we that the system threw in the mix of it speech. But the offer was that alluring, if he accepts and comply he could finally break free from his current position—weak and inconsequential.
Balthazar sat in silence for a moment, considering. Everthing seemed correct to Baaz, not that he was that knowledgeable but even him could see there was a catch. The system could only truly integrate with him if he could merge with the core of the lair the orb that was connected to him that could either cement his fate or destroy him. The System spoke of this integration as a merging, a symbiotic relationship that would allow him to tap into untold strength. Him, the demon lord would possess control over the core and the System would like an update on a computer. With this fusion, Baaz would rise to heights no demon of his stature could ever imagine and his lair would progress at an monstrous pace.
" You know what, fuck it let's start this damn merging process." Said Baaz
" You will not regret it demon, we are going to make great things happen together. We can even participate in ..." The words were said with such a low tone that Balthazar could not hear the rest.
Baaz stood up straight and nervously asked:
" So what do we do next? How can we start the process?"
" Well,It's simple just allow my mana to merge with you as I'm going to use your core as a transit point. So when you feel my mana entering your body, don't resist it."
Answered the dungeon System.
As it said, an constant flow of energy appeared from a tiny corner of the core. At first it was gentle, almost feeble. But it grew quickly and soon it engulfed the whole core as a somewhat sick green energy was merging with it. Through the link between the demon and his core energy started to flow as it flooded Balthazar.As it said, an constant flow of energy appeared from a tiny corner of the core. At first it was gentle, almost feeble. But it grew quickly and soon it engulfed the whole core as a somewhat sick green energy was merging with it. Through the link between the demon and his core energy started to flow as it flooded Balthazar.He felt himself growing, his very essence expanding with the potential of a thousand lifetimes. Ecstatic, Baaz felt the changes happening inside of him but also those happening to his lair. The core has been strengthened, he knew it. He knew that for the first time his odds of survival had drastically improved. What really excited him was that the process was only beginning.