Najicablitz
patreon
Creating Games In A Dungeon ch 5
🕑 Added 2024-12-31 13:47:06 +0000 UTCTwo weeks have passed, and I'm bored out of my mind. The only company I have are my loyal slimes, and while they're great, I can only play so many rounds of "Slime Volleyball" before it starts to feel monotonous.
With nothing else to do, I've been pouring my energy into creating a new game - Super Mario. I've been studying the mechanics and design of the classic platformer, and I'm slowly but surely making progress on building my own version. It's a welcome distraction, but I can't help but feel a twinge of loneliness as I work.
I glance over at the map in my Dungeon Panel, taking note of the expanded territory my slime scouts had claimed when I sent them out two weeks ago. At least that's one piece of good news - the areas surrounding my cave are now considered my domain. I can see all the living beings within, mostly Goblins and Kobolds.
I decide to leave them be for now, as long as they don't cause any trouble. The last thing I need is to have to deal with hostile creatures while I'm trying to focus on my game development.
Sighing, I turn my attention back to the circuit board in front of me, carefully inputting the codes using the Runeboard. The process is slow and meticulous, but I find a strange sense of calm in the repetitive motions.
As I work, my mind wanders to the possibilities of what this game could be. Maybe someday, people will discover my dungeon and be drawn in by the allure of classic gaming. The thought fills me with a renewed sense of purpose, and I redouble my efforts.
The hours tick by, and I lose myself in the flow of creation. The slimes around me chirp and bounce, offering their silent support. I can't help but smile at their enthusiasm, grateful for their unwavering companionship.
Eventually, I sit back, stretching my arms above my head. I glance down at the progress I've made, and while it's not finished yet, I'm steadily making progress.
I can't help but smile as I watch the slimes bouncing around the arcade cabinet, completely enthralled by the simple game of Pong. They may be simple creatures, but their childlike wonder and enthusiasm are infectious. I'm glad I was able to bring them some entertainment in this otherwise dull and isolated dungeon.
As I lean back against the cave wall, my eyes are drawn to the glowing map on my Dungeon Panel. Suddenly, a new blip appears, and my heart races. It's not a Goblin or Kobold - the map identifies it as a Beastfolk.
Intrigued, I sit up straight, studying the map more closely. The Beastfolk seems to be moving slowly but steadily in the direction of my dungeon. Could it be a person? Even if it's not human, if I can communicate with it, maybe I can invite it to join me here.
I quickly gather a few of my slimes, instructing them to stay close by my side as I venture out to investigate. The farther I move from the dungeon core, the more I feel a nagging sense of weakness, but my curiosity outweighs the discomfort.
(Beastfolk POV)
I wander through the forest, my fluffy tail swishing behind me as I take in all the familiar scents. The trees and undergrowth are no obstacle as I navigate the winding paths, my dog-like ears twitching at the slightest sound.
As I move deeper into the forest, I can't help but feel a sense of curiosity and adventure. Who knows what I might discover today? Maybe I'll find a new clearing to play in or a hidden berry patch. The possibilities are endless.
As I wander through the familiar forest, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and adventure. The trees and undergrowth pose no challenge to my nimble, four-legged movements, and my keen senses are on high alert for any new discoveries.
Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes catches my attention. I pause, ears perked up, and see a pack of Goblins emerging from the undergrowth. They're about the same height as me, but their beady eyes and sharp teeth make them look menacing. Without hesitation, I crouch down, ready to defend myself.
The Goblins charge towards me, their crude weapons raised high. I dodge their clumsy swings with ease, my speed and agility giving me the upper hand. I counter-attack, my sharp claws and powerful jaws making quick work of the Goblins. They try to surround me, but I leap and spin, striking them down one by one.
After the last Goblin falls, I let out a triumphant growl, my fur slightly ruffled but my spirit unbroken. I turn to leave, but then I hear a rustling in the bushes again. Cautiously, I approach the sound, hackles raised, and see a strange figure emerge.
It's a human, I think, but his appearance is unlike any I've seen before. He's wearing a black, form-fitting garment that covers his entire body, and his features are obscured by a hood. I tense, unsure if this newcomer is friend or foe.
The human steps forward, and I notice the quality of his clothing is far superior to anything I've seen before. He must be a noble, I realize, and I feel a sense of unease. Nobles can be unpredictable, and I don't know if I can trust this stranger.
I growl low in my throat, warning the human to keep his distance. He raises his hands in a placating gesture, and I can see his eyes are bright with curiosity.
"Easy there," he says, his voice calm and soothing. "I mean you no harm."
I study him for a moment, trying to gauge his intentions. He doesn't seem like a threat, but I'm still wary. Cautiously, I take a step forward, my tail swishing back and forth as I watch him closely.
"Who are you?!" I say, my hackles raised as I confront this strange human in the forest.
The human raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Calm down, I mean you no harm. Why is a child like you here alone in the forest?" he says, his voice calm and measured.
"I'm asking the questions here, human!" I retort, my tail swishing back and forth in agitation. "What are you doing in this forest?"
"I live nearby, actually," the human, Rai, as he calls himself, replies.
"A human living alone in the forest?" I say, my brow furrowing in confusion. "What kind of human are you?"
"I have a name, you know. It's Rai," he says. "What's your name, kid?"
"Don't call me a kid!" I snap. "My name is Ruka, a proud member of the wolf tribe!"
Rai nods, seeming to take my words in stride. "Ruka, then. What are you doing out here in the forest all by yourself?"
I hesitate, unsure if I should trust this human. "I... I was just exploring," I say, my tail lowering slightly. "I like to wander the forest and see what I can find."
"Are you okay being by yourself?" asked Rai.
I bristle at his condescending tone. "Don't underestimate me, human," I retort. "I can protect myself just fine out here."
I puff out my chest, trying to appear as intimidating as possible. "I'm a proud member of the wolf tribe. We're not just fragile little pups, you know."
"I didn't mean to imply you couldn't handle yourself. I was just curious, that's all."
I narrow my eyes, studying him closely. There's something about this human that doesn't quite fit the mold. He's not like the humans I've heard stories of.
"Well, I'm doing just fine on my own," I say, my tail swishing back and forth. "I don't need some human looking out for me."
"Fair enough. I was just making sure. I know these woods can be dangerous, especially for someone as small as you."
"I'm not small! I'm a perfectly respectable size in my tribe!"
"Whatever you say, kid."
"You, human!" I brandish my claws, feeling my hackles rise. "I said to not call me a kid!"
"Then you should start calling me by my name." The human, Rai, says calmly.
"Grrr...fine," I reluctantly concede, not wanting to antagonize this strange human further.
Rai takes a step closer, and I tense, ready to spring into action if needed. "Look, I know we got off on the wrong foot. Why don't you come back to my place? I can offer you some food and a safe place to rest."
I narrow my eyes, studying him warily. "You're not trying to kidnap me, are you, human?"
Rai raises his hands placatingly. "Not at all. I just want to make sure you're safe."
I bristle at his words, but the offer of food and shelter is tempting. My stomach rumbles, betraying my hunger. "Fine, I'll come with you. But I'm keeping an eye on you, human!"
Rai nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "Fair enough. Follow me, then. And call me Rai!"
As we walk through the forest, I can't help but feel uneasy. What if this is all a trap? What if the human is leading me to some hidden lair to do who knows what? My claws itch to tear into him if he tries anything funny.
(Rai POV)
As we walk back to my cave, I can't help but steal glances at Ruka. I've never seen a Beastfolk before, and I'm fascinated by his unique features. He wears simple clothing - a tunic and soft trousers - but his brown dog ears and fluffy tail immediately catch my eye. Even his arms and legs are covered in a layer of soft fur.
When we arrive at the cave, Ruka's gaze immediately falls upon the slimes playing my Pong game. "Are you a tamer?" he asks, his tail swishing back and forth.
I pause, considering his question. "I suppose you could call me that," I reply. "These slimes are my companions, and I've trained them to assist me."
Ruka's eyes widen as he watches the slimes effortlessly manipulate the controls, their gelatinous bodies bouncing and wiggling with each move. "What is this strange contraption?" he asks, his curiosity palpable.
"This is an arcade machine," I explain, gesturing to the wooden cabinet. "It's a device I created to provide entertainment. The slimes are playing a game called Pong on it."
Ruka's ears perk up, and he approaches the machine cautiously. "Entertainment?" he murmurs, his fingers gently tracing the wooden frame.
"Yes, it's a simple game where you try to hit a ball back and forth," I say, stepping up beside him. "Here, let me show you how to play."
I demonstrate the controls, and Ruka's eyes light up with fascination. Without hesitation, he takes a seat in front of the machine, his tail wagging excitedly as he begins to play.
I watch with amusement as Ruka's tail wags furiously, his eyes glued to the holographic ball bouncing back and forth on the screen. His fingers move with surprising dexterity, batting the ball with precise timing.
"You're a quick learner," I remark, impressed by his skill.
Ruka's ears twitch, and he grins, his concentration unwavering. "This is incredible! I've never seen anything like it."
The game continues, the two of us volleying the ball back and forth. I find myself getting caught up in the competitive spirit, my reflexes honed from hours of practice. With a well-timed strike, I send the ball zipping past Ruka's paddle, scoring the final point.
"Ha! Looks like I win this round," I say, unable to hide the triumph in my voice.
Ruka's tail stops wagging, and he turns to me with a determined expression. "Again! I want to play again."
I chuckle and reset the game. "As you wish."
This time, Ruka seems even more focused, his movements fluid and precise. The game is a close one, but in the end, I manage to emerge victorious once more.
As Ruka stares at the screen, disappointment flickering across his features, I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I may have found my first customer for this dungeon of entertainment.
