While listening to what Malfissa suggested, I came off the adrenaline - or something that simulated such at least - and I actually found it harder to concentrate. I was confused by that, so I told Malfissa to take a break.

"..."

Forced to be silent when not advising as per the order, she just stomped away and sat down in a corner.

I turned my wavering attention to Mimissa. My mind started swimming, my vision grew blurry. And I felt hot. So damn hot!

"Uhm... Mimissa... I-I-I don't feel so-"

My hazy mind could barely manage to even form a proper sentence. My body felt tender, and numb, and...

She said something, but I barely heard it. My vision was fixated on her lips. Those luscious, pink lips, which looked more alluring than ever. I think on some level I realised what this was. I had somehow gotten horny, my thought processes were crashing down, and I could only focus on one thing.

(Kiss Mimissa! Kiss Mimissa and make sweet love to her!)

I couldn't resist the temptation, not that there was an issue. We had kissed before, several times in fact. Although we had never kissed this passionately...

I turned my head and pressed my lips on hers. She was a little surprised, but let it happen. We wrapped our arms against each other to get closer. I could feel her heartbeat. I wanted to get even closer, but it was already impossible! I pushed my tongue forward, to see what she would do. She answered it, more pleasantly surprised this time. Our tongues touched, moved, coiled against one another. Hot liquid entered my mouth as she tilted my head back and hers down to match.

I broke the kiss, and I hated it! But I needed a moment to breathe. As soon as I could I was back for more, pulling Mimissa again as close as I was physically able to. My mind barely registered anything anymore but the soft, warm feeling of her lips on mine, with as I realised a sweet taste of cherry.

I don't know when exactly it was, but Mimissa had somehow dragged my whole body into her chest; I let it happen. I had grown to feel safe in the chest. She snapped the lid shut, and there she was and only she, her softly glowing eyes and dainty body the only things left in my vision.

We kissed for the third time; I just couldn't get enough of her! I took her scent in, it was intoxicating. The chest filled with the scent, and I felt like passing out from this moment of... bliss. I wanted her, I wanted her so badly, but by some manner of nagging feeling I went no further than squeezing her butt again. My body refused to go any further. Perhaps I feared going even further would be too soon, so I made do with this to satisfy myself, and her.

We kept at it, kissing and kissing and kissing until I genuinely passed out under, her smiling face the last thing I remember. Even as a blur it was beautiful. My body sank into the chocolate, but she would always ensure I wouldn't drown so I let go of everything...

~~~~~

I eventually woke up. The chest was still closed. Mimissa smiled at me, then put her arms around me. Despite the slightly awkward pose - it felt a little cramped for some reason - we managed to move a little to become comfortable. The level of chocolate in the chest barely ever changed, and I consciously knew Mimissa would always ensure I wouldn't drown, so I could just relax. She kissed me yet again, but just a small peck on the cheek this time. I must have blushed so hard.

Partly to distract myself, I took a scoop of chocolate from her back and tasted it. There was still some cherry mixed into it.

"Czara, you're beautiful."

I blushed harder at the compliment, knowing how sincere it was.

"Th... Thank you. You are too. And kind. Intelligent. I'm glad I met you..."

I was not good with getting or receiving compliments, but Mimissa made me feel appreciated.

"You too are very intelligent. Much more than I am. I... I was a lonely monster. A mimic's life is not a very eventful one. Even after I was granted a name, I just spent my days eating and waiting for invaders." Her sullen face matched her tone of voice; sad, weary, depressed. I tried to lightly hug her, but she put her arms on mine. Not yet.

"Nobody ever came. I did not feel bored, but I did feel... forgotten? Yes, forgotten. When you came around, I put up a front, but I really just wanted someone to talk to. Someone who understands my level. My perspective. And..." She started crying, unable to finish that sentence.

"Oh, please don't cry."

"I-I can't help it! I kept it in for so long! Why was I granted a name?! Why was I alone for so loooong!? Waaaaaah!!!"

She broke into a stream of tears, so I held her close. I tried to make soothing noises as she quieted down, sobbing into my shoulder.

"It's alright. Let it all out. I'm with you now and I won't leave you again."

"*Sniff* D-Do you promise...? Will you be my friend?"

"I'm already your friend, no? So yes, of course I promise!"

"Czara... thank you..."

In the darkness of a treasure box, I had found the greatest treasure of all. A friend who was like me. She had suffered, same as I had. So I would not let her suffer any longer.

~~~~~

"I think we all should share our status screens now. This has been bothering me for a while but I kept putting it off. Ah, but before that... Malfissa, did you place that casket for me? The one with three white stickers?"

She nodded. Since this was not advice, she couldn't say anything despite her obvious frustration at the fact. Serves her right.

"This... 'bikini' wouldn't happen to be cursed with lust? You may advise me on what it does, so tell me everything."

I kinda already knew the answer. It was the only possible explanation I had at this point.

"Why would I- yes, indeed." She suddenly made a face of realisation as she was forced to properly answer. "As a favourite of succubi, which are of course below my status, the bikini latches onto the wearer like any cursed equipment and will not let go. I had hoped it would drive you slowly mad as you came to realise you cannot please your own body with it on even while it would raise your lust further and further. But you managed to avoid this by becoming the new Dungeon Core before there would be any meaningful increase."

I kinda recoiled in horror.

(Holy fuck, did I really dodge a bullet there!)

"A-Anything else? Does it offer protective measures?"

"Apart from making your little front slit impenetrable?" She rolled her eyes, deeming the question so stupid it actually bothered her. "Obviously; even a trainee succubus ought to be dominant. You think a little girl like you would be able to fend off attackers otherwise? There would be no struggle in that, it would be just boring. It may be just a fringe benefit, but there is a little repulsion effect if the wearer feels threatened."

"A repulsion? How strong is it? Does it scale? ...Does [Identify] count? And also, stop calling me a 'little girl', I only look like this. I'm still 18, you know!?"

"Riiight. But yes, it does indeed scale with power. Or perhaps, since you are a Dungeon Core, with everything that makes you... you. As for [Identify], since it is a spell which can indirectly threaten you, it should indeed count."

She actually seemed a little unsure on that last part, but if true, then the puzzle pieces had fallen into place: that commander woman who had the powerful [Identify], which overcame my [Identity Protection Rk.3], was considered a threat. Since I perceived it, the defence effect had then activated... and with the Dungeon and all my monsters under my command, the effect must've been amplified so much, it turned into an instant-kill spell which ended her right then and there.

(I'm genuinely appalled and frightened that's possible! Like damn, people can die if I just perceive them as dangers and want them dead!? Also huh, guess that means Anastasiya survived by pure chance because her [Identify] wasn't strong enough.)

"Alright, that will be... all. Oof."

My head hurt a little from the realisation, so I bought a cup of tea to calm down. Mimissa hugged me from behind with one arm, holding a tea cup of her own in her other hand. Not something I would call exactly 'safe', but she made completely sure not to spill anything on me.

"Alright, now for our statuses. I'll begin, then I guess we'll just go clockwise so Mimissa's next."

Name: Constanze Czarina
True Name: Dungeon Core Czara
Species: Aesir; Dungeon Core; ???
Class: New Core Lv.2
HP: 55; MP: 110; STR: 15; AGI: 39
Status Effects: Angered
Equipment: Pasties Bikini of the Succubus; Suit of the Lady Seafarer; Samson Robot phone; Nagant Bolt-Action Rifle Type R2150
Skills: Spear Proficiency Rk.1; Charm Tolerance Rk.5; Sense Trap Rk.1; Dungeon Menu◇; Purification; Identity Protection Rk.3; Rifle Proficiency Rk.1; ???
Titles: The Curious; ???
Affiliation: Dungeon 'NULL'
Favoured Allies: Mimissa
Allies: Anastelle; Mr. Imp
Semi-Allies: Malfissa the Grand

"Oh huh, I got a level up at some point, neat. I also need to look into this ally system at some point."

(Looks like the names also updated. A result of [Identity Protection] bleeding through?)

Mimissa immediately hugged me again.

"I'm so happy for you, Czara!" Then she remembered. "Oh yeah, here's my status too!"

Name: Mimissa
True Name: Mimissa the Chocolate Mimic
Species: Dungeon Monster; Mimic; Mutant; ???
Class: Mimic Lv.3
HP: 250; MP: 27; STR: 20; AGI: 7
Status Effects: N/A
Equipment: N/A
Skills: Slug Movement◇; Minor Transformation Rk.2; Fluid Control Rk.6; Allure Charm Rk.3; Acidity Rk.6; 𝟱𝟮𝟲₣𝟳𝟵𝟲𝟭𝟲₵𝟮𝟬𝟰𝟰𝟲𝟱𝟲𝟯𝟳𝟮𝟲𝟱𝟲𝟱; ???
Titles: The Lonely; Friend-seeker; ???
Affiliation: Dungeon 'NULL'
Favoured Allies: Constanze Czarina
Allies: Anastelle; Mr. Imp
Semi-Allies: Malfissa the Grand

"Then I shall be next."

Name: Anastelle
True Name: Anastelle the Dracubus
Species: Dungeon Monster; Demon; Dragon; Mutant; ???
Class: Demon Lv.8
HP: 562/750; MP: 568; STR: 47/57; AGI: 61/71
Status Effects: Cursed wound
Equipment: Demonic Armour; Dragon Claws of Rending+1
Skills: Fireball Rk.5; Charm Rk.3; Summon Slave Rk.6; Glow Rk.2; Suggestion Rk.2; Healing Balm Rk.4; ???
Titles: The Protector; The Executor; The Slavemistress; ???
Affiliation: Dungeon 'NULL'
Allies: Constanze Czarina; Mimissa
Semi-Allies: Mr. Imp; Malfissa the Grand

"*Hrmpf*."

Name: Mr. Imp
True Name: Mr. Imp the impertinent Imp of Impington
Species: Demon; ???
Class: Lower Demon Lv.4
HP: 108; MP: 27; STR: 34; AGI: 41
Status Effects: Contract; Quasi-mute
Equipment: Cheap Loincloth
Skills: Minor Charm Rk.3; Poison Claw Rk.4; ???
Titles: N/A
Affiliation: Dungeon 'NULL'
Allies: Constanze Czarina; Mimissa
Semi-Allies: Anastelle; Malfissa the Grand

"Finally."

Name: Malfissa the Grand
True Name: -No data-
Species: Demon; Lilim; ???
Class: Greater Demon Lv.13
HP: 579; MP: 823; STR: -No data-; AGI: -No data-
Status Effects: Contract; Angered
Equipment: -No data-
Skills: -No data-
Titles: The Majestic; The Grand; The Indulgent; Plaything Maker; ???
Affiliation: Chernobog's Court; Dungeon 'NULL'
Allies: Chernobog the Black
Semi-Allies: Mimissa; Anastelle; Mr. Imp
Allies of Convenience: Constanze Czarina
Enemies: Baba Yaga the Mad Witch

We all read the stats each other provided.

"Malfissa, why does your sheet not show certain points?"

"Because, dear Czara, it is advisable not to show as giving such information away is foolish."

I stared in annoyance, but eventually just went with it. I'd figure her out later. Anastelle wanted to speak up, anyway.

"Czara, I have got an, ugh, idea. How about we leave a smashed Dummy Core behind to fool whoever will show up to investigate?"

I perked up at her idea.

"A Dummy Core? That's a thing?"

"It costs a *Cough* a decent amount of DP, but it is absolutely worth it, yes."

I checked the menu. 5000DP was not cheap for us, but we had a juicy source of DP standing eagerly in wait. If this would help keep people off our trail, it would make sense.

"Okay, due to the price we need to alter the plan; it's probably best if we kill all but 4 of the invaders, that should be a reasonable gain of DP- is there a problem, Malfissa?"

She looked at me, an oddly surprised look on her face. But then she shook her head.

"Oh no, no, of course not. For the sake of advice, I could recommend several ways of action. But really, I was just wondering if you are in fact quite sane? You do seem to switch between wanting to help people and wanting to murder them for their DP at the drop of a hat. Ah, but that must be my fault. Do go on."

"Well, we do need the DP right now..."

"Actually, Malfissa, how long'll the [Charm] hold? Can they remember what happened here?"

"Not if we permanently alter their memories so they will believe the same thing regarding what happened. Do you have anything in mind?"

We all thought about that.

"Well, ideally they'd forget the dungeon was ever here, but that's not an option considering, you know, everything so far... Anastelle, Mimissa, you got any ideas?"

Mimissa spoke up.

"Czara, I think it might be best if they believe they managed to destroy the dungeon on their own despite suffering many losses. With only four of them, we'll just make them all think the same thing."

"I agree," Anastelle offered, "we should strip the dungeon bare. If we turn everything into DP, then with the addition of the killed invaders we should have enough DP to leave a smashed core behind. Alongside their testimonies, whoever will come here should confirm their story."

"Right, then let's do that."

~~~~~

We were standing outside, just about ready to go. The dungeon had been emptied out, everything we could turn into DP was converted back. A Dummy Core cost 5000DP, and we were still at a mere 3521; not nearly enough to enact the plan. We really ended up having to kill them, but that's just how things go.

The still [Charmed] soldiers, and a couple horses, were waiting outside the entrance but inside the dungeon-claimed area. Bulky the Bulk Petonator, as a monster that didn't actually have a name - only Malfissa called it such but it was not registered - was already gone, same as the ratsies and batsies. If it left the mana field it might have become hostile, and it was far too big and conspicuous to keep around anyway. Also, I originally totally misread its species name...

(This must be how people feel when they misread 'Wurm' and 'Wyrm'.)

This left the soldiers as the sole source of DP unless we decided to cut down a whole forest - and considering how cheap a forest was to make with DP, the payout seemed just not worth the effort.

"All of you," Malfissa began, "are fine soldiers of Smirnov. Your Lady, that is me, now demands only one further sacrifice. Your lives must be given for the sake of the future."

They all saluted.

"I offer my life for her Highness!"

"So do I!"

"And me as well!"

I could only stare in discomprehension.

(As if I needed any more proof of how worrisome mind control is. Their faces are eager beyond reason to die and become energy.)

"...What a drag. Well I am not that much of a sadist so I will just roll a die or something, that way this will be fair. Everyone aside from Anastasiya and adjutant Whatsyourface, line up over here. Two of you will be spared."

(Russian roulette with one chamber empty would make this quicker, but no one here seems to have a revolver. And I'm not going to buy one from the catalogue when I need all the DP I can get for a Dummy Core.)

Malfissa did some dice rolling; two were spared as promised. The others, well, after she and I killed the rest, not even their blood spilled on the snow was left once I absorbed them. I quickly went into the core with Mimissa to separate the bodies from their belongings, just in case there was anything worthwhile to keep.

"Czara, how about we keep one of the four to interrogy... uhm, interrogate later? Like we ask questions so we know more about them."

Mimissa had a good idea there, so once we exited again, one of the remaining two regulars was bound and gagged. Which of course meant removing his mask. It hadn't occurred to me before, but the fact they were all wearing such masks made from some dark material that roughly matched their fuzzy coats and ushanka-like hats kinda suppressed their individuality. The only marks of identity were the various lines on each side of their masks and matching ones on their shoulders. Rank insignias? It was as good a guess as any.

I bought the Dummy Core for 5000 DP. Via map placement, I zipped to the inside of the locked room - my first proper creation I guess, though there was also the prison - and formed a pedestal that matched the one the true Dungeon Core rested on. With a rifle taken as spoils, I went prone, pressed it against my shoulder, and... remembered to put the real Dungeon Core outside first. Then I fired the first shot...

"Ouch! Ffffffuck, that's some kickback!"

I really felt that recoil; no wonder they had such padded coats. But I bit the pain down and shot the Dummy Core several more times. When it lost its ethereal glow, I knew it was considered dead. I felt the urge to turn it into DP, but resisted.

Once outside again, now with the real thing by my side, we were finally ready since Malfissa had already reprogrammed the three soldiers - that is, Anastasiya, the adjutant, and the other soldier who I noticed was holding a pink winter coat in his arms - and had them on their horses.

I summoned a wooden cart. Mr. Imp stepped up. It was time.

~~~~~

I looked at the core, propped up on the pillar. Outside. For everyone to see. It was so very foolish of Czara to attempt this. I only waited in glee; my chance of freedom had finally come.

"You three better get inside the core now, or your bodies will stop working."

Anastelle, Czara, and Mimissa all disappeared into the Core Room; Mr. Imp and I were the only ones left. I looked beyond the border of the dungeon's influence. As a contract I could leave the area, but I'd be compelled to regularly return whether I wanted to or not.

I spotted a group of rats. Their burrow was nearby, but outside the mana field. If I had been a critter, even despite being dungeon-born I'd be weak enough that my body could sustain itself without issue. I would not be compelled to return, either, the connection would simply have broken entirely.

One of the rats caught my attention. It was bigger, stronger. It was no mere mindless drone, it seemed to have a mind of its own.

"[Identify]."

Name: Sergeant Jerry
True Name: Sergeant Jerry
Species: Rat; Dungeon Critter; ???
Class: Critter Lv.2
HP: 25; MP: 4; STR: 9; AGI: 17
Status Effects: N/A
Equipment: N/A
Skills: N/A
Titles: The Leader; The Alpha; The Messiah; The Shoutout; ???
Affiliation: N/A
Allies: Cheese

(Imagine naming a mere rat. A critter with a name, something no sane dungeon would ever deign to create. And those titles, it's so laughable.)

I turned my attention to Mr. Imp.

"Are you ready to put the core into the cart and start pushing?"

Perhaps I should have felt lucky I was at least spared this menial job. Mr. Imp was a contract as well, so he would not shut down from this. He stepped up to the pillar and carefully grabbed the core in both hands. He took firm hold and raised it.

The change was immediate; the inside of the dungeon died. The torches all went out in a second, the corridors crumbled, crashing, breaking, as stone walls fell to pieces and ceiling tiles rained down in dusty explosions. The underlying cave partially disappeared, anyone seeing this would have to sift through tons and tons of rubble to arrive at the false conclusion that this dungeon was, in fact, killed. I smiled.

Mr. Imp stilled, confusion clear on his face. I observed the change, the smile on my face turning into a grin. A dungeon acts as an amplifier of the core. Like a dungeon-born monster, a contractee must obey the dungeon as long as the dungeon core's will reaches it. Since the core had lost its permanent connection to the ground, its reach had been reduced to exactly zero.

"Grrrrbbggtttff... fffffr... fffree...dom..."

I waited. I wanted to see if all their misplaced trust in this imp would pay out for my amusement. Whether it would bite them in the ass. He struggled, oh he struggled so much. It was delightful seeing him squirm as he gripped and tangled with the fact he did not have to go through with this. If he just smashed the defenceless core, he would be permanently free, no questions asked. Tears ran down his face.

(Wait, tears...? What is happening!?)

I motioned to him to trample the core. A good kick would damage the artefact, a few more would completely shatter it. The two of us would be free to go and live as we wanted. But something was off. He made no attempt to destroy the core.

I lost my patience and snatched the core from his vein-covered hands. It was just a Dungeon Core like any other. Small, smaller than before. Dungeon Cores grow with the amount of Floors. This one had further shrunk since it technically had not a single Floor to its name anymore. My hands were placed to its sides and I wanted to push.

But I could not!

(Why? Why why WHYYYY!? If I just destroy this accursed thing I will be free!!!)

It made no sense. I tried dropping it, get the damned thing away. I could not even do that.

(What kind of bondage is this!? Why can I not-)

Mr. Imp pulled on my sweater, not unlike a mother's young child would pull on her skirt. He wanted it back, so I gave it to him. This, at least, was possible to me. I felt weak in the knees, and fell to the ground in defeat.

(I don't understand a thing...)

With the care of a mother to her baby, Mr. Imp put the core into the cart. Several layers of cushioning and cloth were in the cart so the core would not get damaged during the trip. I internally cursed, or rather wanted to, but my mind felt blank. My freedom had seemed so close, but it was further away than ever before.

I forced myself to calm down. Took deep breaths. But my pulse was racing. I decided to figure out this mystery. What had gone wrong that day. What it was that made us care for an object that by no means should have had any hold left over us.

With a light breeze of fluffy snow for company, we began our trip towards and across the lake.