Chrysalis

I look over my options one last time before I confirm everything. I have to say, the ol’ status sheet is looking pretty darn good. A massive boost in stats, my brains becoming mutable, a heck of a lot more physical power and the benefits of expanding my Vestibule setup to become even more of an enduring powerhouse. I can hardly wait! Not to mention the slow process of reforging my body into something better than what I started with is quite exciting. It may only be the antennae and Vestibule so far, but eventually the whole body will be remade! We can make it better! Faster! Stronger! We have the technology!

Satisfied with what I see, I confirm the options and once more feel my consciousness falling into the now-familiar sinkhole of nothingness. The sensation of having your awareness circling the drain filled with a black void is a little disconcerting, I have to say. But as the saying goes, you can adapt to anything, so it's more of a detached fascination that I feel as I fall endlessly until I come into the presence of the great bearded one once more.

[I don't actually have a beard, you know.]

The voice echoes out into my mind, sounding mildly amused.

Look, Gandalf has a beard. Gandalf without a beard just isn't a thing. I don't think my mind could even comprehend it. Like… fire without heat or water without wet. If Gandalf didn't have a beard, would he even be Gandalf? Actually, this is getting deep…

[I am not this Gandalf that you keep calling me. You do realise that, don't you?]

Are you going to tell me your name this time?

[No.]

Gandalf you remain.

[… I suppose that's fair enough. In terms of the level of delusion those in your position usually possess, this is quite minor, all things considered.]

Yeah, that's a question I have actually. How many of my kind are actually kicking around down here?! Since the last time we spoke, I've met three. Three! It's not like I've covered a wide range of territory either, only a tiny sliver of the world! Are you snatching souls from Earth constantly? What's your deal, man?!

[The collection and injection of souls into the world is not something I handle directly. It is mere happenstance that your world aligns closely with this one. When a suitable soul is detected, it is drawn here and reborn into the Dungeon. It is simply a thing that is.]

to

surviving the transition to a monstrous form. The following challenge of having

like you have

who had the better chance of survival. The first generations of transplanted souls were… disappointing, to say

like a relatively mild way of describing people suffering breakdowns and getting eaten in

it isn't something I control directly, it

lying about Garralosh, by the

but her savagery was not tempered by cunning. She grew too fast, and did not hide her strength from those who would do her harm. Any monster that shows such rapid growth is marked with a target, something

on my back now, seeing as I

You have already drawn to your side those that would see you grow

You know about

that is outside

about the ancients and the stuff

the voice sounds rather smug at this, [regardless of what they might wish, they are bound by

make it sound as if they want to break out

you? What reason would I have to

Because you're super

got a laugh out of

a force, and you yourself continue to rise from strength to strength. Your current path of evolution has you on a powerful trajectory. I am curious, however, if you are so comfortable tying

it's fine I guess? If they all die, it's not like I'm going to be alive anyway,

[…]

…

[Why?]