Chapter 134 Once more into the breach (1/2)

It is a known phenomenon that not all monsters of the same species are created equal. From as far back as the Rending, when monsters had first appeared on the surface of Pangera, it had been noted that some monsters boasted far more individual strength than others of the same kind. The difference was so p.r.o.nounced it could not be explained by a simple difference of levels.

Indeed, over the centuries, as all the sentient species of the surface delved into the Dungeon, eager to unlock its mysteries, it was discovered that some monsters are simply sp.a.w.ned stronger than others. Faster, more powerful, more intelligent and altogether more deadly.

When these monsters reached maturity they typically were able to display a leaders.h.i.+p type quality amongst other monsters of their own kind, gathering together bands of followers, groups of monsters that grew in power rapidly due to the leaders.h.i.+p and guidance they received.

It is generally accepted that this is the reason such monsters came to be known amongst scholars as 'Champions'. Mercenaries and freelance explorers were more crude and direct with their naming, out of fear these elite monsters caused in them as well as the strength they displayed, the common name for such monsters became 'Brutes'.

It isn't known why such monsters sp.a.w.n, or how. They appear infrequently in normal times but numerous studies suggest that in times of great conflict or upheaval in the Dungeon the sp.a.w.n rate of champions rises tremendously.

Some have claimed that Champion monsters can grow so powerful as to exert their controlling influence over monsters not of their own kind, forming armies of mixed monsters in the depths that rampage endlessly until they burn themselves out in endless conflict, or settle down and go into hiding.

Such claims are often rebuffed, as little evidence of such has reached the surface in the time of writing.

Excerpt from Chapter 4 - Dungeon Champions, from 'The Dungeon Monsters, a primer' by Hedger Oldfinger.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After breaking down the final bit of dirt the now familiar glow of the Dungeon a.s.saults my eyes. The screaming of the monsters, the sound of claws tearing at flesh and pulse running through the mana veins on the walls, like the pulse of the very planet itself.

I almost missed this. Not quite, but almost.

Tiny certainly did though. Crouching in the narrow tunnel behind the sounds of vicious combat are like music in the ears of the ape. In an incredibly short amount of time he can no longer contain himself and shoves me forward out of the way, leaping into the Dungeon with a bloodthirsty roar!

Tiny is back in town!

I however, am crumpled on the floor with a rather heavy ape standing on my back.

[Get off me you goon!] I shout.

I don't think he hears me, or if he does he clearly chooses to ignore me. Screeching with rage the giant ape hurls himself onto the centipedes, hounds, lizards and rabbits in his path, fists blazing with electricity.

We are not significantly deeper into the Dungeon here than the farm is but I can already see that the monsters sp.a.w.ning here are visibly more powerful, with some of the more dominant low level monsters appearing.

Even this little upgrade is enough to pump Tiny's blood and wake his thirst for battle!

As the giant ape leaps into action the enemies rapidly crumple one by one as they are unable to resist those potent fists. Body after body is being blasted into the walls or smashed into the floor, never to rise again.

Hold on! Leave some for me!

I scramble to get my feet under me and hurl myself into the fight!

Ten minutes later we have cut down everything in our way in this section of tunnel and have settled down to munch on some Bioma.s.s.

[You happy now Tiny? You got have a decent fight finally] I say to my gorging pet.

He doesn't even pause his eating but a frown creases his bat forehead as he ponders my question, turning the words over in his mind.

[No] he replies.

I'd figured as much. Although it was a little tougher than the farm it simply isn't enough to satisfy the big guy. That's ok though. We'll keep digging deeper until we find something and start to level up once more.

Speaking of levels I actually gained one in this fight! n.o.body was as surprised as me to finally get my level up from killing a thorn lizard but hey, there it is.