Chapter 26
The next day, I was in King Thanitis’s camp. The army was organizing to march back to Myrecilla tomorrow. Everywhere was activity as barons and counts darted about to make sure their men had everything packed.
The treaty was signed. Daleitha and the devas would be traveling south with him. Once they were in the city, we could figure out where the embassy should go. They would coordinate it with me so I didn’t destroy parts of the city on accident.
I was chatting with King Thanitis when the pudgy Lord Shorvin burst in. He spotted me and rushed over. I gritted my teeth. I did not like this man. He was a weasel who had caused me so many headaches.
“Lord Leo,” the nobleman said. “There you are. I’m so glad to see you. There’s been something terrible that’s happened on my lands. A dungeon builder has appeared within a day of my castle!”
“Where?” I asked.
“To the west,” he said. “He’s attacked my people. Some are hurt and dead. You are pledged to defend Myreman from rogue dungeon builders. Are you going to do something about this?”
“Yes,” I said.
“Then you’ll take care of it?” He gave me a look of hope.
“If this is so close to your castle, don’t you have soldiers?” I asked, hating this man. He hadn’t done a thing for Astovin, which was also on his estates, but a few days away.
“I brought most of them with me,” said Lord Shorvin. “It’ll be days for me to get my men there. I just got word. More could be dead by now, and if we delay...”
“Why do you even have that title of lord if you don’t use it to help your people?” I demanded, my anger boiling out of me. Just the sight of him made me want to strangle him.
“Because it’s my birthright!”
I snorted. “Because one of your ancestors got lucky. You’ve been coating without doing anything. Just hiding in your castle and enjoying some good food.”
The lord shifted, cheeks red.
“But I’ll take care of it,” I said. “It’ll mean establishing my own outpost near your castle. Just a day away or so.”
“You can’t!” gasped Lord Shorvin. “My king!”
“The treaty states Lord Leo may establish outposts throughout the realm so long as he doesn’t use it to prey on the citizens of Myreman and only for their defense.” The king grinned. “You’ll just have to tolerate it if you can’t defend your territory.”
“Where is it exactly?” Leo asked.
“Hills to the west of my castle,” answered Lord Shorvin, his shoulders sagging. He wiped away the sweat on his jowls. “That’s the best I can tell you.”
“Well, Your Majesty, looks like I have work to do,” I said and nodded to the king.
I returned to my dungeon, Hagza teleporting me back. Once I was in my Vault, I summoned Fara and her maps. She started her calculations while I thought about who should man my first outpost. Outpost Alpha. It would be the start of the tunnel leading toward what we hoped was the Water Shrine.
“Okay, Lord Leo,” said Fara. She looked up from her calculations. “I think this should get us close enough to it.”
She handed me the requirements. It might have to be adjusted for elevation.
I began driving the tunnel. Twice, it breached the surface as the elevation sloped lower to the west, but I soon had it at the distance. I thrust it up and created a quick turret. I teleported Vilkas there to report on exactly where it had come up.
“You’re in the hills,” she said. “Definitely. I can see a castle to the east in the distance. It’s far. Maybe a day’s travel.”
“Thanks,” I said and teleported her back to her post.
I set up designing the outpost. I made it stand a hundred feet tall with a ladder that could be lowered down the side for the monster girls to climb up and down. I could put in a door, but it would be easy for adventurers to break in, and that would cause problems. Having my dungeon sprawl would make it more likely to have intruders, keeping me from easily moving around my forces.
I added living quarters for the monster girls on the top few floors with a spiral staircase in the interior that led to the ground floor then down into the dungeon. After I had done all that, I considered who I would make for it.
I scrolled through my Level 1 monster girls I hadn’t ever used. I had treants, gorgons, gnomes, red caps, wendigos, choirs, fire sprites, lemures, and cockatrices. I settled on red caps. They were Metal monster girls and vicious fighters.
I had gained them when I killed Ziamili. He had a red cap companion that I didn’t want serving me.
I reached out into the Void Crystal, focused on my mission. For once, I wasn’t going to fuck these red caps right away. I had a dungeon builder to stop. People could be dying, so I wasn’t about to let getting my dick sucked by a new monster girl slow me down.
I found the red caps and the image of a tall woman with pale skin and fiery hair appeared in my mind. She actually wore a red cap perched on her head. She had a natural grace to her with big boobs and no pubic hair. She looked utterly human.
“Rudsa, Karsi, Ciniti, Kauja, Vardarbiba, Vacinsa, and Taktika appear!” I cried as name after name appeared in my mind.
The red caps spun out of the darkness throughout the vault. They appeared, their big boobs heaving. They grinned with lust while violence brimmed in their eyes. They looked eager to fight. To kill. Their caps didn’t look so much as red as drenched in blood.
“Lord Leo,” Rudsa cooed. “You don’t look excited to see us.”
“We have a fight ahead of us,” I said. “We’ll celebrate later. You’ll be stationed in Outpost Alpha.”
Swords appeared in their hands and vicious grins on their faces.
“Ooh, I love a fight, Lord Leo,” cooed Rudsa.
“Oh, yes, who do you want us to murder?” cooed Kauja.
I grabbed the Void Crystal and sent them to the tower. I had never seen monster girls with that lust for violence before. I shuddered and released the gem. I turned around to find Maya and Garnet there, arms folded before them.
“What’s this about a dungeon builder?” Maya asked.
“I’m going to go and fight this one,” I said. “He’s hurt people. Killed them. So I’m going to take him out. I’ll use the red caps for the assault force. They seem more than ready for it.”
Maya grabbed my arm and Garnet the other. They dragged me out into the common area where the rest of my women were gathering. I blinked in surprise. I hadn’t realized they had even heard about this problem.
“Leo is going to attack an enemy dungeon builder of unknown strength with a group of Level 1 Monster girls,” Maya said. “It’s a brilliant plan.”
“Definitely, dirty boy,” my older sister cooed. “Just a smart plan to attack a dungeon builder with some Level 1 monster girls.”
“He’s new,” I said. “I could probably handle it on my own.”
“This isn’t raiding Jindag,” Halia said.
“Even if you’re a lot more powerful, it’s not smart,” said Lana Fulmine.
“I can handle this putz,” I said. I didn’t want to put my women in danger. Monster girls always died. If he was new, I would crush him easily.
“Yeah, you took me and Lana and Halia on that raid,” said Garnet.
“So you’re taking some of us along, Leo,” Mom said, her arms folded sternly beneath her breasts.
“That’s right,” Nina Naughty said.
“It’s unseemly for the dark lord not to have an escort,” added Morana.
“That’s right!” Alizee bounced up and down.
“Sorry, man, you are going to take some of us with you,” Terra said.
Hagane pushed her glasses up her shiny nose. “It’s only logical.”
“Morana and Hagane are right,” Ms. Trueno said, shaking her head. “It’s unseemly and illogical.”
“You’re powerful, but you can’t just do it all yourself,” Mrs. Lucina said, giving me a fond look.
“I wasn’t planning on doing it all on my own,” I said. “I was taking Halia, of course.”
Halia smiled at me then said, “Well, why not let my adventurers handle it? They’re gaining in skill. They’re ready to cut their teeth. Or the dwarves. They can handle it.”
“Oh, yes,” Hagza said. My dwarven mage winked at me.
Kassie gave me a discerning look. “You want to talk to this builder and convince him to join up.” “I want to talk to him,” I admitted. “I doubt he’ll be reasonable. He’s killed.”
“So let’s just kill him.” Bjorni’s tongue licked over her chops. “He sounds like the sort that needs to be ripped apart. Let me rip him apart. That sounds like so much fun, Lord Leo. I’ll make him howl!”
“Yes!” Vilkas jumped to her feet, her body crackling with lightning. “Just let me, Bjorni, and Baaghi at him. The three of us will tear that dungeon builder apart!”
“My Lord, I could destroy this dungeon builder without even transforming,” Agubnamus said. The ancient dragon favored me with her red eyes. Her wings twitched behind her.
“Ooh, ooh, ooh!” Isatu squealed. The fire dragon jumped to her feet beside Agubnamus. Isatu’s red wings spread wide. “We could do it together!”
“Yes, I want to talk to him,” I said. “Maybe he’s a lost cause, but I have to try.”
“Lord Leo, what about our plan?” Fara gave me a considering look. “We have to increase the number of dungeon builders we kill.”
“We?” I asked, giving her a hard look.
“Yes, we.” Her ears twitched but she didn’t flinch from my gaze. “I might not risk my life directly on the battlefield, but I am part of your council. I aid your actions. If we do not kill more dungeon builders, then we cannot expand your dungeon to reach all the Shrines. That is still your goal.”
“It is,” I said. I drew in a deep breath. “I just ... I don’t want to kill someone if there’s a chance. He’s still new. Maybe these deaths are more ... accidental.”
Mom put her hand on my shoulder. “Then you have to give him a chance.”
She understood. I just ... I didn’t want to become an executioner. New dungeon builders were always so ... confused. The plan was simple on paper, but implementing it was something else. Killing Sulanga or Mthunzi or our intentions to go after Tuerien Ironbane were different.
That man was a monster. He was a disgusting beast that had to be put down. He would be our next work against it. But this dungeon builder ... He could be like me. I wanted to give him a chance to at least make a better decision.
“We had good success recruiting Munjan,” I said. “Perhaps it’ll work again.”
“Usiku is very happy with Munjan,” said Lana. “I talked to her only an hour ago, and he was moving through the city of Sharithin trying to get to know the halflings. He’s a very friendly young man. I think he’s a good one. Let’s hope this one is, too.”
“He’s killing,” pointed out Nina. “He doesn’t need to kill the peasants.”
“Maybe they attacked back,” said Garnet. My little sister quivered. “Right, right. Mistakes happen. He could be a good friend.”
“Maybe.” Maya sounded doubtful. “Well, perv, it’s your decision. We’re going to support it no matter what.”
“Unless I don’t do it your way,” I said wryly, giving her a look.
“Exactly.” She smiled so quickly, the motion sent waves rippling across her face. “So, how many of us are you taking besides Halia.”
“I’ll take ... three of my lovely companions,” I said. “In addition to my beautiful paladin. How does that sound?”
“You could take us all,” Alizee said. “All twelve of us!”
“What about us?” demanded Baaghi, her whiskers quivering. “Lord Leo, we might not be your companions, but we love you. We would be eager to rip this bastard apart in your name.”
“Yesssss, Massster,” hissed Paanee. “Let me bite him.” Her tail thumped on the ground.
“I’ll rip his head off!” Bjorni snarled, the bugbear’s fist clenching tight.
“We have to defend the dungeon,” said Smerta. The valkyrie looked around at the others. “Lord Leo, Halia, and any three of us plus a group of Level One monster girls can handle some pissant dungeon builder. We have bigger enemies to worry about. Tuerien is too close to the dungeon. A powerful group of adventurers could attack us. No, no, we have our duties. He’s made our decision.”
“But who’s he going to take?” demanded Nina. “I would love to go.” A pitchfork flashed into existence in her hand.
“That’s right!” Garnet conjured a floppy dildo out of shadows and raised it over her head like a weapon. “Let’s go bash this evil dungeon builder for Dark Lord Big Bro!”
“For the Dark Lord!” shrieked Morana.
We all winced.
“You need to take those of us that can actually fight,” Terra said. She smiled at me. “You know what I can do.”
“Indeed,” said Hagane.
“I can fight!” Garnet said. She puffed out her cheeks. “They’re being mean to me, big bro! I can make bondage stuff. Or a net. I bet a net can be used in sex play.” She thrust out her hands and a net of shadows appeared. “See. It’s sexy and I could tangle him up.”
“You need wisdom on this journey,” said Mrs. Lucina. “Myself or your mother should go.”
My mother nodded her agreement. “At least one of us.”
“Pick me, dirty boy.” Crystal grinned as she played with a dagger of ice she conjured.
“We’ll roll for it,” said Maya. “We’ll get dice, and the three of us who get the highest scores get to go. Then there’s no favoritism at all. We’ll roll ... four dice. That should do it.”
“That is a fair way to do it,” Hagane said, “if we’re not going to do this in a logical manner and choose the most efficient fighters.”
“We don’t know what the most efficient fighters are since we don’t know much about this dungeon builder,” Morana said. “Let’s send the ghosts in for recon!”
“And put the newbie on edge,” said Nina. “They’ll trigger his dungeon alarms, make him paranoid, then we will have to kill him. No, no, we have to go and say hi to our neighbor, and that means we should do this randomly.”
“Can I roll?” asked Isatu.
I hesitated. “You’re here to protect the dungeon and Astovin. You and Agubnamus are my reserves.”
“Yes, yes,” Agubnamus said. “That is what we are needed for. Transforming.”
I gave her a hard look. “Yes, that’s one of the reasons I need you. You’re also hot, I love you, and I enjoy making love to you.”
“You should do it more often,” said the dragon. “I get lonely.”
“When I get back,” I said. “Garnet, go get a set of dice.”
I had made dice for the many board games we had recreated. She darted out, her wings fluttering behind her while Bjorni gave me a hard look. For having a bear head, she could sure pout with the best of them.
“Fine,” I said. “You can roll. And you Baaghi and Vilkas. Paanee, if you want to. And same with you, Smerta.”
“My place is running the defenses of your dungeon,” said Smerta. “Unless you wish to change that.”
Garnet came running back in with the dice. She had a grin on her face as she held them up. Her wings fluttered as Bjorni held out her hand. Garnet blinked and glanced at me. I nodded. Garnet smiled and put them in Bjorni’s big hand.
The bugbear blew on the dice, her big boobs jiggling. She then tossed them onto the table and...
“Wow,” said Crystal. “That’s lucky. I mean ... four 1’s. That’s just impressive. Double snake-eyes.”
Bjorni’s shoulders sagged. She stared up at the sky and muttered something as she slumped into her chair. I had no idea that anyone could even do that with four dice. Roll all the same numbers. It must be astronomically high odds to do that.
“Sorry,” Maya said and shook the dice. She could get between four and twenty-four. “Here we go. Big money!”
She cast out her hands. They bounced along the table. “Thirteen. Oh, that’s ... okay.”
“Less than the average of fourteen,” said Hagane. “Though, statistically, that’s in the middle of the distribution curve. So it’s a very predictable outcome.”
“Well, my turn!” Garnet said. She cupped the dice in both her hands. She shook them, the dice rattling in her hands. She cast them out on the stone table.
They bounced and tumbled, landing on three 6’s and a 5.
“Come on,” Bjorni groaned as Garnet squealed.
My little sister had all but guaranteed that she was going by rolling the second-highest number possible. she bounced up and down then started doing a little victory dance that involved rocking her hips back and forth while forming a circle with her two fists out before her. I was certain it had a name, but I had no idea what that was.
“Beat that!” Garnet said as Mrs. Lucina gathered up the dice.
She nearly did with two 6’s a 4 and a 5, getting twenty-one. “Oh, lucky me!” the angel said, clapping her hands together. “Mmm, that’s a good roll.”
She practically was guaranteed to go. Theoretically, two monster girls could roll higher.
“The dice love me,” Nina said and scooped them up. Her devilish tail swished behind her. “I’ve won big in Vegas. Let’s go. Big money!”
She tossed the dice.
Bjorni snorted. “You’re as lucky as me.”
Nina sank to her seat, staring at the four 1’s she rolled in shock.
“The odds of two us rolling four is astronomical,” Hagane said. “You’re a very lucky woman.”
Nina shot Hagane such an angry look. “Unlucky, you mean.”
“Well, that’s not really a concept in probability.”
“Yeah, it’s not like I can do worse,” said Crystal as she grabbed the dice, mist spilling off her icy body. She tossed them at once.
“Three 1’s and a 3,” said Nina. “You’re right, you couldn’t do worse.” A smile split Nina’s lips. “But you didn’t do better.”
“Fuck,” Crystal cursed and flounced back into her chair. “Fuck, I wanted to go!”
Paanee didn’t have hands, but she did have her tail, and the end of it was narrow enough and prehensile enough for her to pick them up. She tossed them down. They bounced along. She had one 6 but also two 1’s and a 4, giving her twelve.
“Sssshit,” she cured. There were three higher scores than hers.
“Still in it,” Maya said as Hagane picked up the dice. “Just everyone do as bad as Nina and Bjorni.”
Hagane rolled a seventeen.
“I said do bad,” groaned Maya as she was eliminated.
“My apologies,” said Hagane but she didn’t sound sorry. She even had a smile, but that slipped off when Terra rolled.
“Eighteen, yes!” Terra thrust her arm into the air, her big, clay boobs bouncing. “Yes! That’s a hard one to beat!”
“But not impossible,” said Baaghi as the rakshasa picked up the dice. She rattled them and tossed them out. They bounced on the table and...
“No, not impossible,” said Terra, “but I’m afraid that a fourteen just won’t do it.”
My mother picked up the dice and blew on them before tossing them. She groaned when she only had a thirteen. Alizee gathered up the dice with wind and brought them to her. She bounced up and down holding them.
“Let’s go!” she squealed and tossed them out, rolling...
A fifteen.
“Oh,” she gasped as the dice ended up before Vilkas.
The lightning monster girl picked up the dice with her hands made of crackling electricity. She didn’t destroy the dice. She just tossed them and blanched as she had a bad roll. A seven. So far, Terra’s eighteen was the cut-off.
“For the Dark Lord!” Morana cried as she tossed the dice.
They did not serve me since they rolled only a nine. She glared at them, the black mist spilling down her back and growing thicker. Ms. Trueno was the last one to pick up the dice. If she beat the eighteen, she would be going in Terra’s place while there was no way Garnet or Mrs. Lucina could be eliminated.
Lana Fulmine picked them up and blew on them. My first companion grinned and tossed them. They bounced and ... she had seven. She sighed. “Oh, well.”
Terra watched. If she had to breathe, I imagine her boobs would be rising and falling with the rapid breath. The teacher rubbed the dice against her copper-scaled breasts, even massaging her nipples. I arched an eyebrow at her.
“Well, lust is how you operate, Leo,” she said. “I mean, I knew that about you the first time you walked into my class and saw my lovely cleavage. You made these dice, so...” She rubbed them between her breasts. “This has to help.”
She tossed them.
It turned out, it didn’t help as she rolled only a fourteen.
”¡Mierda!” she cursed, the first time I could remember her swearing like that.
“Well, that’s it,” I said. “Garnet, Mrs. Lucina, and Terra, you’re with me, Halia, and Kassie.”
“Me?” Kassie blinked in surprise.
“You’ll be taking us out there. I’ve moved one of the spare teleport rooms to the tower and made an exit. The red caps are awaiting us. Let’s get this over with.”