Dungeon Life

Chapter One-Hundred Eighty

Despite Tarls pessimism, Im pretty confident the ODA can do something if things really go pear-shaped, even if it only ends up being an early warning. Of course, Im still going to do my best to keep things under control. Its difficult to not wonder about Tarls vision, though.

How much of Earth did he see? How much did he understand? How much detail could he glean about the voids? If they were clear silhouettes, that doesnt hide all that much, honestly. Well, whatever he saw, he has trouble describing it, so I guess its a moot point. Still, it nibbles at my curiosity.

Im going to need to ignore it for now, and probably for later, too. The search for Aranyas old dungeon and the source of the weird invaders are both important enough that I should try to keep distractions to a minimum. Scouts are still scouting underground, and still not finding anything resembling an actual trail, so that is still normal on that front.

The other front is turning into a proper front over with the Southwood. Honey and Leo requested some wyrms and healing slimes, which I sent pretty much immediately. Theyre both a bit slow to move, but should get there in another day or two. The wolves should be reinforcing the lines a lot better since I upgraded the spawner, and Im tempted to spend mana there until I get the next variety of wolf, but I hold off for now.

Instead, I decide to send a bit of everything to go reinforce, too. I dont think the normal leafcutter ants will be able to do much, but Ill leave that to Leo. Maybe hell come up with some novel use for them. Honestly, even just using them to help the Southwoods herbalism nodes probably wouldnt be a terrible idea.

Sending a bit of everything is mostly because of a good bit of wisdom I first heard in a terrible movie: Id rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. I dont think it saved the character in the movie, but its still good advice.

As for what I expect Leo will use the reinforcements for: I dont know specifically, but I get the feeling the other shoe is getting ready to drop up there. Things have been progressing pretty smoothly, with the tundra wolves being great at hit and run kind of tactics. Id like to think its just tactical expertise on Leos part, and honestly the ease and success of what hes doing there is thanks to that, but the invaders will have to start adapting to the change eventually, right?

I dunno, I just dont like it. I dont think Leo likes it, either, and even Honey seems to feel the growing tension in the air. Leos even changing the plans for the defense, at least a little. Before, I think he was going to try to be subtle and nudge attacks and potential observers away from the planned illusory killing field, but I think hes tossing subtle out the window, at least as far as keeping the invaders well away from the border goes.

He has enough scouts and forces now to be able to project a stronger presence outside Southwoods territory, and with having pushed the invaders back a bit, he can be more proactive about keeping them away. With them not able to get close, the work can continue quicker, now they dont need to be subtle about it.

I think speed is going to be important, too. If theyre putting up less of a fight, they might be trying to gather their forces and make a more concentrated assault, instead of the semi-random attacks all over the place.

Maybe I should see if Rocky wants to go help. Id been keeping him and Fluffles here in case we suddenly trip over Aranyas old dungeon, but thats looking less and less likely. I want to keep Fluffles close still, just in case, but it shouldnt be too risky to send Rocky.

I could maybe try to send Slash, too, but I think Ill keep him close as well. His music would be a great way to help keep my dwellers safe if fighting erupts around here. The only other I might send would be Nova, but I think Id like her to stick close until shes a bit more experienced. And Im not sure she has the temperament for a long expedition and constant fighting.

Yeah, lets see if Rocky wants to head out with the sampler pack of reinforcements.

Ill need Teemo, and it looks like hes just relaxing with Yvonne as she tests some more bows. The first prototype was basically all steel, which makes it a bit heavy, but easily able to handle the forces. A little enchanting by Thing is enough to make it light enough to carry around, but we also have those fancy new magical metal nodes.

Right now, shes just methodically going through every combination of metals for both the body and the arms as we can think of, looking for the best mix of weight, strength, and cost. Engineering wisdom says you can pick two, but theres a bit of wiggle room as we find the balance.

Hey Teemo, can you go talk to Rocky for me?

Sure, Boss. The bees have all the writing handled. Hey Yvonne!

Hmm? She looks up from assembling the latest combination of body and arm.

The Boss needs me to go talk to Rocky. You good here without me?

She smiles and waves him off, returning her focus to the bow. Ill be fine. Just make sure he keeps some healing ants around to help with my shoulders. Im enjoying the process, but Ill get sore without some of their help.

I make sure to send in some more ants as Teemo heads down a shortcut. Queen would usually handle them, but shes up to her gaster in the alchemical traps in the lava labyrinth, so I can deal with it on my own.

My favorite zombie is enjoying himself in his arena, currently beating the sand out of a heavy bag. I need to have Thing enchant something to be strong enough for Rocky to punch regularly, but itll have to be pretty low priority for now.

Teemo exits his shortcut atop a turnbuckle and shouts. Hey Rocky! Leave that poor bag alone! Whatd it ever do to you?

Rocky laughs and gives the bag a stay of execution as he walks over to my voice.

Heya Rock. The Boss wants to know if you want to head to the Southwood and lend a hand with the defense? Nah, nothing is going particularly bad there, the Boss just wants to make sure everything will be fine.

Rocky chews on his mouthguard as he thinks, and grunts a question.

Will he be in his lich outfit?

Eh up to him, really. If he wants to, he could even go there in the disguise, and drop it if the fighting calls for it.

Teemo repeats me and Rocky thinks a bit more. Im going to need to make sure to send a few extra mouthguards for him, too. Another grunted question, and Teemo doesnt bother translating it straight to me.

Nah, everything should be safe around here. He wanted to keep you here in case we found the dungeon Aranya fled, but its looking like its going to take longer than expected. Besides, even if things do get dicey, well still have Fluffles and Slash, not to mention Tiny and Poe. Nova can probably handle a good fight, too.

Rocky nods at that and rubs his chin with his gloved hand, then nods.

Great! Youre gonna pretend to be a lich at first, then?

My zombie nods again and starts digging around beneath the ring, where he presumably keeps his stuff.

Dont sell yourself short when it comes to fighting, too, Teemo. You handled the Stag like a pro. My Voice just shrugs.

Eh, maybe, but in a real fight, I dont know how well Id do.

I think it was a real enough fight for the Stag.

Teemo grins. Yeah, but not for me. Hes strong, sure, but hes slow enough I probably could have dodged everything even without shortcuts.

That sounds to me like youd be pretty good in a fight, then.

Teemo raises a finger to argue the point, but lets it droop as he fails to find a good argument. After a few seconds, he just huffs and folds his arms.

Hey, Im not going to go throwing you on the front lines or anything, Im just pointing out a fact.

Yeah, but Im the one whos supposed to knock you down a peg or two and point out what youre missing. Youre not supposed to do that to me!

Rocky grunts as he pulls his black robe out from under the ring, and gives Teemo a curious look.

Nah, not you, Rocky. The Boss is pointing out facts that I dont like.

My boxer grunts and gets his gloves off, and slips on the robe, and Teemo smirks at what he said.

Thats fair. Facts dont really care if I like them or not, and its not a great idea to try to ignore them. You gonna practice your affinities on the way there?

Another nod and another grunt has Teemo tapping his own chin. A staff with an orange ball? I bet you Larx can help with that. You might be able to get Thing to do a few quick enchants on it, too.

Rocky grunts again and Teemo laughs. Thats also fair! You gotta look the part! If youre going to rope a dope, it helps to lean into it a bit!