Dungeon Keeper (LitRPG/Monster Evolve)

[Chaperone]

Little disturbed the water's surface. Moss paddled across the inky mirror with an eerie silence as company. And the Doul. Its tiny candle allowed him to see barely three keepers out.
He hugged the shore, saying nothing to his mute companion so as not to attract the attention of any hungry MonarchWorms. Especially as the blue pollen was a part of his cloak now. Even scrubbing with a rough bone and water couldn't wash it off.
As they drifted along, Moss noticed a dull twinkling beneath him. He leaned down to get a closer look letting his boat drift. As the ripples died a star scape revealed itself.
Thousands of lights danced in the depths. Nestling on the riverbed in a murky jade that reminded him of the Graveyard's sky. Except these moved and flowed with the water. A festival played out before him, filling him with a sense of wonder. Only Pools could produce such beauty in a dismal place like this. He thanked her for sharing a moment like this with him, even if he had merely chanced upon it.
The lights slowly faded away. Leaving him staring at the reflection of his stitchless cloak, his thin cloth and stumpy claws. He felt disconnected from the dungeon, lost in its darkness. How am I supposed to stand up against the Supreme? What if she has me killed on the spot?
Moss sat back, thinking he should focus on the present and its more immediate dangers. Where's the shoreline gone?
With a hint of desperation, he pumped the paddle towards the festival..
But he couldn't find any lights, not even a hint.
A strange coldness brushed his face.
He turned to find the Doul poking him and shaking his head with the pace of a FortSnail.
"Well which way is it?"
It didn't answer. But the river did. Gripping them with a current.
The river was moving and pulling the boat. A turbulent gurgling came from the darkness ahead. Growing louder and more violent with each flicker.
"Pools! Save us!" Moss yelled. "I'm sorry for doubting you!"
Paddling with all his might. He looked over his shoulder as the waterfall revealed itself. It drank the waters like a greedy dragon. Chugging away as the keeper's tiny arms tried to resist it. Desperate, he looked for an escape and spotted a purple rune. It was huge and engraved into a black totem that protruded from a rocky bank. Moss rowed towards it with all his might. The bone paddle had activated his CorpseCarrier ability. Allowing the weak monster to fight the force of the current with improved strength.
The keeper praised himself for making the right choice when his breath grew heavy. His arms sagged.
Stamina wasn't the keeper's strong point, yet he had the determination to force the bank closer. Each stroke brought him within claw distance. He could almost touch-
Crack.
The paddle hit a rock and snapped. Its end was whisked away immediately, leaving Moss with the handle and no hope. His claws sank into Fangor's body as the torrent flung them over. He screamed into the Doul's face, seeing a reflection of his own terror in its warped eyes.
The boat flipped. Cold water soaking and blinding him.
Then light. Overwhelmingly bright after their time in the bleak Passage.
A kaleidoscope of greeny brown smothered his vision as he struggled to open his eyes. Then impact. Back into a watery doom. No barrel this time. No body boat within his grasp. The keeper was rolled and tussled. And just as Death pursed her lips for his last kiss. He was spat out and onto dry land.
Sweet, beautiful land. I'll never leave you again.
Exhausted, he passed out.


Moss awoke in a groggy state. His Doul remained perched on his shoulder. Seemingly mocking his sleepy demeanour with a crazy grin - Or was that just his imagination.
They were in the Watcher's Woods. Now he knew where the Infinite Falls got its water from. Having almost drowned several times in it, the keeper was done. His boat, that was Fangor, was also washed up close by. He wobbled over to the gnoll's remains and remoulded it back into a ball.
His abilities were increasing nicely. It didn't take long to manipulate the dead remains thanks to his improved VenomClaw. As he worked, Moss felt a chill in his cloak. The keeper scanned the mists. Feeling exposed. Feeling watched.
It's just exhaustion, not maddness.
Every dweller knew not to stare into the mists.
Just watch your feet while Pool watches your back.
That old saying didn't feel as reassuring as normal. But Moss followed the advice while rolling Fangor to the floor's entrance to deposit him into a well. With the fatigue kicking in he decided rest was a priority, and not the liquid potion type, but an actual bed. He always felt terrible after a vial of the green stuff wore off.
Plus 4 scrips added.
Wendy told Moss as he wobbled to the Village's hidden pulley system. Tugging on a series of ropes that activated the weighted mechanism and flung him upwards into the misty canopy.
The settlement among the great trees bustled with dwellers. The main bazaar in the whole dungeon offered almost any item or service a monster could afford. Though most spent their scrips in the Quarter - where enhancing stimulants were sold at a reduced price - not all had access.
Moss wasn't used to being awake at this time. In fact he couldn't remember the last time he'd slept. He weaved through the loud crowd of creatures. Trying not to get stepped on and already dreaming of his bedroll. He skirted two young HowlerBears having a chuckle to each other.
"I heard raiders got in and put holy water in the kegs." One said.
The other scoffed. "Nah my mate was there, said as he heard the bells go off. Then Hell's ghost rose out the stage and slaughtered them all. That's why so many went missing."
"How'd your mate get out then?"
"Stood perfectly still, ghosts can't see movement."
"Course, basics. I'm glad it went to shit, my brother's stall has been heaving for shifts now."
For shifts? How long was I asleep?
Moss started to rush, getting beyond the stalls, away from the noise and into the keepers' Grotto. The mounds were dark, their residents slumbering.
He found his hovel, the front door left open to welcome him home.
That's nice of them to think of me. Moss crept in and collapsed on the floor, too tired to climb into his bedroll. The meagre light of the Doul's candle didn't even phase him.
Events played out in his mind. So much was happening so fast to the little keeper that he couldn't keep up. He just wanted to do a normal shift, go back to routine and not have to dodge death at every turn. The fatigue was awful, but it also smothered his anxious mind.
I'll find Tink and the others tomorrow after work. Introduce them to Rene. I'm sure he'd-
Ombay's roar brought the howling winds and a flurry of parchment. Fresh from the Herald of Truth.
It swept into the hovel, rolling Moss into the wall.
"Holy Pools!" He yelled, snapping awake.
Franc's head poked out from his nook. "Moss? You're alive-" His red eyes grew. "Is that FairyDust?"
A pink tongue flicked out another bunk and licked Moss's shoulder, right where the Doul sat. It screamed in horror, but remained.
"Nah, not sure what it is?" Dill said.
"Hey, I thought Stew was taking that bunk." Moss said to him.
"We haven't seen him since..." Dill motioned to the state of the hovel.
It was trashed. Light streamed through grooves in the wall. Fabric and rubbish were piled beneath the white parchment. The bunks had been destroyed and licked back together. And the front door hadn't been left open for him - it was missing completely.
"What in the Hells happened here?" Moss asked.
They shrugged and started climbing out of bed. Franc passed Dill an ebony to crush up with the last few nuggets of LowGrade herb he had left.
"Are none of you even a little concerned your home was trashed?" Moss asked, perplexed by their casual reactions. "We're keepers for Pools sake. Why would anyone do this?"
Franc shook his head. "It's simple, dwellers hate us."
"Dwellers don't hate us, they would have to notice us first." Moss pointed out.
"True. But keepers hate other keepers. Maybe it's one of the blue cloths."
"Holy shit!" Dill jumped up. "It's fucking Stewy going after Moss. It all makes sense."
"No, Stew loved his job more than he hated me. He wouldn't risk it. But maybe he was here when it happened."
"There wasn't any blood. Not a drop." Franc said. "He's just missing."
"Probably dancing in the mists with Pittons and your cousin Twig." Dill giggled.
"That's not funny." Moss snapped. "We know Pittons has a few loose stitches, he could actually be lost out there. Has anyone looked for him?"
"The dungeons got him now." Franc claimed. "I looked for cousin Twig for three seasons and never found a scrap of him. Checked everywhere and let me tell you, there are some dark places out there that not even a monster should go." He suddenly yanked Dill's hood around to stare deeply into his eyes. "Promise you'll never try and climb down into the Abyss. Promise me."
"I promise." Dill said, shaking him off. "Now stop acting like such a den mother and light this." He handed over the rolled parchment containing the mixture. It was a copy of the Herald of Truth.
Moss could only see part of the headline, 'Quarter closed for refurbishment.'
How are three keepers missing and no one cares?
"What is happening here?" Moss wondered aloud.
Franc poked his glittery cloth again. "Could ask you the same question?".
"I fell in a crevice on the Third floor. It's some sort of fungal spore."
"Actually, now that I think about it, it looks more like MoonSugar." Dill stated.
"MoonSugar." Another voice groaned from the top bunk.
Kole poked his hood over the top.
"Hey, that's my bedroll." Moss snapped, annoyed he'd been replaced in less than a shift.
All the keepers were poking and sniffing him now. More concerned with free enhancers than their chainmates feelings.
"It's not spores. There's no smell." Franc pointed out.
"Hhhmmm, did you meet a ManaLich?" Dill asked. "Gotta bit of a tingle to it. Where abouts is this crevice?"
"Graveshifts on the second floor. Minor's Quarter. Hustle up keepers!" The new keeper Orderer shouted from outside the hovel before stepping in. Moss's mouth was agape, the bastard had finally taken the job. Working both key and manager positions now. He must be confident in himself, Moss thought. The others looked happy to see the 'pride' of their race enter their trashed hovel.
But Kai only had eyes for Moss, he squinted at him. A moment of confusion painted his usually stoic face. Then all the keepers were all staring at him. Waiting for an explanation.
But he couldn't say it. He'd have to admit he'd been in a restricted area and how he'd gotten there. Which would connect him with the Quarters brawl.
Where Kai had also been. Moss knew he'd got out using his loot, for he was an annoyingly illusive keeper.
The Oracle's wisdom was meant for moments like this.
'The wool is soft for a reason'. Moss thought as he looked around his chainmates. He couldn't show them the truth without endangering their lives.
"Like I said, I got lost in the Trenches and fell in a hole." He lied. "It happens to the best of us."
"Does it Kai?" Kole asked.
The Key keeper cleared his throat. "Shift starts soon lads, and we've got a lot of work to clean up. Let's get to it"
They all piled out, even Moss hoping he could help tidy up the mess he'd made.
Kai stopped him. "JunkDuty is needed in several other areas." He pushed a rolled scroll into his chest. Lingering there for a flicker before pinching his cloak. Nothing came off, but Kai remained unsatisfied. He leaned in, inhaling deeply. "You smell Moss-"
"That's fucking rude."
"-Of cinnamon."
His accusation was clear. The suspicion laid out. But the heavy coating of glittery pollen was difficult to place. Though Moss was surprised that even with all his recent water plunges that the smell of smoke had clung on.
"You think I've been baking treats with all that spare wax I've got?"
Kai tutted and went to leave. "Stews… missing. You are to report to Guk now, every four candles at the entrance of each floor. That will line up perfectly with the job listings. You're allowed to clear HolyRelics again. But to save candles, Guk will be disposing them for you. However he will give you the scrips at the end of each shift. No more crevice diving, keeper. We all have to do our part." He left.
Moss almost tore the scroll where he stood.
That demon loving shit expects me to find holy items for him. He can suck on my cloth.
Moss stormed out of the hovels. The list was dauntingly long, essentially covering every part of the dungeon. Except for the Sixth floor, nobody went there these shifts.
"Back to the grind."
When did I start hating work?

 

[Chaperone]

Moss poked the goblin with his foot. Its yellow eyes stared blankly into the graveyard's night sky. All seven of them looked quite peaceful in death. Except for the bloody froth bubbling from their mouths. The golden apples from DarkPines orchards lay nearby, only a few bites missing from each.
"There's a metaphor." Moss said to his new carer.
Guk spat a globule of EbonyBark on the goblin's body. "Metaphors are for WoodElves." He flicked Moss's glittery cloak. "You fit the scroll then. Wait for that poison to run out before you clean this mess, I'm not licking any dead cloths today. I'll be at the entrance." He said already walking away.
Can't believe I miss working for Stew.
The goblins always loitered around the graveyard floor causing mischief. Typically attempting to steal the golden apples without success. Both the FruitBats and DarkPines would scare them off before they got close. Annoyingly Gala and her warriors hadn't been present to discipline the skittish monsters, resulting in the entire tribe's death. But more importantly, Moss was hoping to talk with the OverSeer about the Believers. The only benefit of working JunDuty was knowing he'd eventually be in her territory. But where is she?
He kicked the greenskins in frustration. Goblins had always been a pest in the dungeon, never quite sticking to a floor or point of interest. Some dwellers believed the green kind were an old monster race gone mad due to a GreedCurse. Others say they're born from the shrooms in the trenches and are walking spores, used to spread the fungal forests. Whatever the case they only really become an issue towards the end of the season - when LootGoblins appear and the Hunters come for them.
Right now Moss had this group on his job list. Of all the menial tasks their kind had to do, this was the most insulting.
The goblin gang's smiles were partially covered with the frothy residue that continued to pour out. As if mocking him from the dead.
They're only going to hop out the well and head straight back for the orchard.
"We've got better things to do, aye little Doul?" He asked his companion. No other dwellers were able to see the strange creature. Moss had no idea why, but assumed it was because of the glittery spores still attached to him. Through his friend's ghostly body, Moss spotted a flash of gold. Not the polished gleam of the apples, which were unnaturally coloured. But the dark yellow of real treasure.
Beneath the skinny frame of a goblin, was a purse of coins. They always had gold on them. Where they stole it from, no one knew. But Moss wasn't going to waste an opportunity, since technically the anti-looting policy strictly applied to HolyRelics. He pillaged all their remains, hopping between each one deftly to avoid the toxic spilling out.
32 pieces filled his pouch. That was more wealth than he'd ever owned before, he assumed. The keeper had never actually got his hands on GoblinGold before. Heroes and demons seemed to love them just as much and always looted the bodies. He now had something on top of his scrips to spend at GaDiver's shop. With all the events that had played out recently, Moss decided that the bastard cheater Kai was right. He needed enchanted items to survive instead of leaving it all to chance. The keeper's new abilities were helping, but mostly in terms of work related situations.
Moss laid each Goblin out flat. Then with a quick lick and his CorpseCarrier, he piled them atop each other to make a log. That way he could avoid their smiling faces and the nasty aftermath of the apples. With a heave, he started to roll the goblin log to the nearby well. Flattening the blue grass as he went, until a small bump rocked the log. Moss looked back to find an old body lost amongst the foliage. He couldn't identify the race from the mere bones that remained. But the keeper was more interested in the silver bracelet around it's wrists. A HolyRelic. This is my chance.

Guk hucked a black globule from his patch of grass, then scanned Moss's work order.
"Sure, did this. Done that… maybe. That one… Who care's." He smeared phlegm across the scroll as he went. Using his ebony stained mouth like an ink pot and his claw the quill.
"You know I'm not going to miss anything. I always do my work to the letter." Moss said.
"I always do the work to the letter." Guk mocked him in a youngling's voice. "You're such a cloth sniffer. I'm surprised Stewie hated you. You would have made such good bedroll buddies."
Moss glared at Guk while he 'worked'. Kai was a lot of things, but the keeper had style and decorum. None of that had licked off onto his chainmate. Guk found very little interesting about JunkDuty. There were practically no scrips in it, no exciting events or laughs with his chainmates. He was miserable.
Guk scrunched the work order into his cloak. "I bet the boys are already shooting dice at the KeyHouse. They'll actually be winning scrips for once since I'm doing all the hard graft now. Obviously not including Kai. That keeper's got Elite work ethic. Wakes up at the 2nd candle everyday and trains. Only eats the best. Minotaur calf's, LionsMane, you know. None of that magic in a bottle poison you grubs chug all day. It's a mindset, it's why we're the best chain in the dungeon."
Moss wasn't in the mood to hear about Kai's DragonDung routine. He hadn't stopped since speaking with the key. He'd wanted to break away and meet up with the QuestGivers in the Shifting Sands, but Guk was latched onto him like a parasite. Following him around each floor, always in his shadow.
Ensuring Moss got all the rubbish and bodies from recent scuffles. Not raids, but dweller on dweller crimes, which were starting to peak with the closure of the Quarter. This led to many back alley taverns and alchemy labs popping up and seizing the demand. Enhancers were being sold on each floor. Grog was flowing without watchful gnoll guards and peaceful music to subdue the rowdy lot. Guk had found it comical, saying the dogs suppressed our freedom, yet he never helped clean up after so many died from expressing their freedoms.
In fact his new manager did little else but complain and brag. Moss was sick of hearing his self proclaimed title of 'second' key. He never thought JunkDuty could get any worse and yet Kai had found a way.
I'm a Custodian, a QuestGiver and a highly ranked keeper. I don't need a DenMother to watch over me while I pick up rubbish. I have my own quest to get on with.
But none of those achievements were going to get him out of JunkDuty.
Moss needed to look past the petty numbers and dig deep, just as Fangor had said.
The keeper had a plan. He'd considered how little Guk disrespected and loathed him. His carer looked down on Moss like he was a literal grub - that couldn't be trusted to his normal job.
"I found a HolyRelic." Moss said, pulling out the bracelet. "It burns so bad that I keep dropping it though. Maybe I should go hand it in now."
Guk spat out a black globule and snatched the item. "Not a fucking chance in hell. Keys' orders."
His smile reminded Moss of the dead goblins. He's already thinking about how happy this will make Kai. And all the scrips he'll get for it. Now to poke his ego. Let's see how long the 'second' key can oversee the real JunkDuty.
"I've cleared the Graveyard now." Moss pointed out.
"Wow, congratulations. You want a colourful ribbon for your cloak?" Guk snapped, spitting again.
Moss tried not to let his irritation show. "I just meant, I'll be heading back to the other floors now and sweeping the back passages. But before that, I have to sort my bags out." He tipped out one of his rubbish bags beside Guk.
"Banish me!" The carer yelled as he rolled away from the sudden mess "Are you stitched in the head? That's a whole shift's worth of shit. "
"This is the best part Guk. I'll show you."

 

[Chaperone]

Moss sat amongst the pile of rubbish.
"I'm going to sort out the common items from the junk now. Get any scraps of BlancMaterial for the wagons, probably burn the rest." Moss pulled out a slither of heel. He nibbled the end, licked the side then carefully inspected each crack. "Yep, almost certain it's junk. But only Pool knows the truth, I can only pray she offers me a glint of her wisdom. Will you pray with me." He asked the carer.
"Fuck no."
Moss got on his knees and silently prayed for several flickers. He opened an eye at the sound of leathery wings beating through the air. The mighty crack could only belong to one FruitBat.
Finally.
Gala blocked out the moonlight as she circled overhead. Not once did she look down at the keepers. But Moss wasn't worried, he was getting far better at catching the attention of giant monsters.
As Guk started to grumble, Moss decided to hold the prayer a little longer.
"Come on." Guk snapped. "She doesn't give a toss about you or your junk."
Moss finally stood and placed the heel by itself.
"Thank you Pool's for your clarity, she told me it's a… maybe. This is the maybe pile."
"It's trash you stupid grub. All of it." Guk was on his feet now, hopping in frustration.
"Wait!" Moss shouted before clawing through the pile to reveal a shiny shard. "BlancMetal. One keeper's junk is another Ke-"
"That's literally glass!" Guk howled. "Even if it was BlancMetal you're only holding a shard, no one's going to pay for it! Holy Pools!" He pulled the JunkDuty work order from his cloak and tossed it at him. "Make sure you tick off all that crap in the next several shifts then find me at the Grotto." He ordered before rushing off.
Moss cleared the rubbish pile, shoving it all back into his bag.
Fangor was right, the numbers don't show all your strengths. Like being the most annoying keeper in the whole dungeon.
Moss knew his usual overenthusiastic self was enough. Guk was lucky he wasn't chained to this duty. Otherwise escape from Moss would require a painful 'accident' to take place. Now alone and ready to go, he headed away from the exit and made for the orchard once again.

"Gala! Do you remember me? It's Moss." The keeper yelled into the trees. The great bat hung from the upper branches. Awake, vigilant and ignoring him.
Tear my cloth. Why is it never simple?
The keeper didn't want to shout any louder and attract Happy Howl's attention. He peaked through the orchard to the hut nestled at the back. It was home to a monster that matched Pitton's level of maddness. Furrys used to throw stones at his door, thinking they were safe amongst the trees.
Took us a whole shift to get all the pieces out of the branches. And here I am climbing them again.
Moss dug his claws in and started to climb the apple tree. His body shook as he got higher and higher. The soft grass below started to look a lot harder at a distance. It wasn't his climbing ability he doubted. But appearing as a thief to the winged monsters.
"Gala! It's Moss. The keeper you spoke to!" Her ears twitched but her oval orbs looked everywhere but at his blue cloak.
How could he appear as anything but a grub in the trees. Shouting you're a Believer is one thing. Convincing a dweller you see the truth is another. He knew what would convince him.
"I'm here to talk about our freedom, my freedom! From bloody Pool's and her fucking rules!" He shouted, looking to grab the next branch.
It swayed before his claws. Causing him to miss and fall.
The keeper scrambled for branches but couldn't grasp any. The hard graveyard floor rushed towards him. Eager to catch his body and drink his blood.
A gust of wind blinded him as he was wretched back into the air.
A sharp pain cut into his leg from Gala's claws. He didn't have time to think before she dumped him back at the exit and flew off into the night sky.
"Banish my life." He moaned.
But more wings flapped over him. Causing the keeper to cower on the spot. He sunk into his hood and held his cloak in fear completely. Any bravery he felt climbing the tree was gone, any pride after tricking Guk had vanished. He was a monster for the shadows and crevices, not an open plain.
But it wasn't claws or poisonous apples that brushed against him, but a scrap of parchment. A symbol filled most of the paper. The red ink showed a shield imprinted with a clawed hand. Underneath was written 'Hide behind our shield and unite, for Pool's is watching'. In tiny writing was a location with four candles beside it. The Abyss, an endless pit located in the Fungal Trenches. As Moss read the parchment, small runes on its side started to smoke.
Why would they put runes on-
It burst into flames. Engulfing the dry paper as he cried out and tossed it away.
The keeper had been invited to attend a meeting. He presumed it was the same one the Lesser mentioned in the Quarter. This was his chance to gather actual information.
Moss looked at his bloody leg and dirty cloak. If he was going to infiltrate a secret rogue organisation, he needed to prepare.


The gold rattled onto GaDiver's counterspace. Rolling and pinging off jar's full of oddities and elixirs. The HowlerMonkey hung from a rafter, his long legs dangling down to inspect the coins. Picking up several pieces to sniff and lick was his methodology of choice. The keeper was impressed by his recently accumulated wealth. The shop owner wasn't. "GoblinGold. Cheap stuff. It's more BlancMetal than actual gold."
Moss, who was already browsing on how he'd spend his riches, snapped around at the obvious false accusation. "That's true dungeon tender right there. Everyone trades with it."
GaDiver rolled his eyes. "Listen keeps. We both know you had fun 'acquiring' this wealth. You can't have both."
"Fun? What are you accusing me of?"
"When my balls were higher than my howl, I used to go goblin bashing with the troop. It's a laugh. We'd impress upon the LadyHowlers, competing with each other. They're walking training dummies." He tapped his head and made a knocking noise. "Head's full of SoftWood. That's the point of them. To be killed and looted. But these crappy coins could be melted down into a nice knife or doorhandle. They aren't life changing."
Moss was a little shocked by GaDiver's casualness to simply kill them for sport, it was demonic behaviour. At the end of the shift they were fellow monsters, just suffering from a persistent SlowSpell. But the HowlerMonkey's confession showed his honesty, he wasn't trying to swindle him. Moss's imaginary wealth just took a dive. Now he couldn't afford most of the shop's stock, he wanted it so much more.
"So what can I get for my 'fancy door handles'?
"A handful of LowQuality herbs or a thimble of elixir."
Moss groaned, this wasn't going to help him during the meeting. A claw full of herbs against the rebelling OverSeers of the dungeon. He was going to get laughed at then boiled alive. It was just the same muk, different day.
"I've got about sixty scrips as well." Moss offered. To the keeper, that was a lot. But looking at the prices on the products was a harsh economical reality slap.
GaDiver saw the defeat in his eyes. "Hhmmm, I'm sure we'll find something for you. But all this dungeon turmoil isn't great for the supply lines you see. The SnailWagons haven't been coming through as often."
"The Core suppliers? Is this because of what happened at Minors?"
"Who knows, bloody rumour mill is all you get. My mad neighbour thinks raiders are hiding on the Sixth. Some dwellers reckon it's the Core punishing us for destroying the Quarter. Others blame Queenie, but she's always had sand in her clam." He clicked his fingers together with sudden realisation. "Some Furries saw a Ghoul in the mist. Swore on their litter it was true. But that means nothing, they'll eat younglings if they're closer than the pantry."
"A ghoul. They're just a myth, right?" Moss said, chewing on his claws. He was just in the mists.
GaDiver hopped down from the rafters and leaned close to Moss. Whispering in a hushed voice. "I wish, little keeper. I've seen one, a real terror of our world. Was like a DreamCurse mixed with a bad batch of ManaCrystals. That shit never leaves you."
Moss remembered the noises on the second floor. The feeling of being watched in the mists. He was scared to know. But he had to ask.
"Tell me, what you saw."

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