Episode 11 Dungeon Crawling Experience

There were so many things that weighed on my mind. I decided to double down on my stance and welcome more refugees into Proxima. Now I have over two thousand refugees. If I want to fight that bastard, I might as well put both my fists up, right?

Kiss my ass, Jax Brynn.

My mornings often began with the sharp clash of steel as I engaged in fencing and martial arts training. These rigorous sessions not only kept me in good shape, but I needed to be prepared in case a challenger comes and tries to take the throne away.

Back in my old world, I wasn't the sporty type. But here, it was like living in a more motivated and healthier body. I had a big reason to be on my toes. I don't want to die again. Dying the first time was heavy on my soul. If I die here, what would happen to Proxima?

What would happen to me on my judgment day?

Following the exercise, the day unfolded with a series of award ceremonies, each one a celebration of achievement and dedication. These events were a reminder of the remarkable accomplishments of our people and a source of pride and inspiration. This part of my schedule made me question whether we should outlaw award ceremonies.

Then, I'm back in the throne room, with the desk waiting for me. There was the inevitable administrative work—endless digital stacks of paperwork that required meticulous attention. The weight of my responsibilities could be felt most acutely during these moments, as I sifted through policies, reports, and decrees that would shape the destiny of Proxima.

Meetings filled the hours, both within the halls of my building and across virtual screens connecting me to distant advisors and diplomats. These discussions were the heartbeat of governance, where strategies were devised, alliances forged, and decisions made that would impact Proxima. I hated interacting with people.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the day often culminated in yet another award ceremony, a fitting end to a day of accomplishments and exertion. Wow, isn't that great? Another award ceremony.

Really, how many award ceremonies do these people need?

The fatigue that settled over me was undeniable, but I had to admit it. There was a sense of fulfillment. I had to be a dedicated leader who cherished every moment of her role, no matter how demanding. I feel like I'm slowly dying.

For some reason, it feels like I've been playing a different game. All this time, I've been resource-managing and civilization-building.

I nearly forgot. The rogue-like and dating sim mechanic! Shit.

I groggily rose from my comfortable bed, the soft sheets clinging to me like a reluctant embrace. With a yawn, I reached out and activated the game system screen. It loomed in front of me, casting a soft, blue glow in the dimly lit room.

My focus zeroed in on one particular window—the affection points tracker for my love interests. Currently, there was only one name on that list, and it held a special place in my heart—Eyseck.

Eyseck's name was prominently displayed, accompanied by his affection point meter, which stood at a mere 635 out of 10,000 points. It was a reminder of the long and challenging journey that lay ahead, filled with countless interactions, conversations, and heartfelt moments needed to deepen our connection.

Augh, I feel bad for doing this to him. It felt like I was just using him. But at the 1,000 marker on his affection bar, there's a 2% increase in Proxima's research and administrative speed. That 2% increase could really help with the research regarding Scourge.

If I want to raise affection points with Eyseck, I should spend more time with him, right? But what if I come off too strong? I am still his boss. There's a fragile power dynamic at play, and I don't want to be labeled as a creep.

I wonder if he would be happy if I set Queen Regina's corpse on fire? No, Reina, that's also creepy behavior.

"Don't forget to enjoy the moments, no matter how strange or unexpected they may be. There's still room to grow, Reina."

I suddenly remembered what the God of Gaming said to me. Yeah, they're right. I should enjoy the dating aspect of this game!

I navigated the holographic interface, opening a window that displayed Eyseck's contact information. His name and face glowed softly on the screen. Damn, he's so handsome.

I glanced at the time. It's 3:20 AM.

With a sense of purpose and anticipation, I began composing a letter, my fingers dancing over the holographic keyboard. It was a message to Eyseck, a request to clear my schedule for the afternoon. There was somewhere I wanted to go with him—an excursion that held the promise of adventure and meaningful connection.

As I typed, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement and a sense of joy in dating someone again. Gosh, it has been a long time since I wanted to connect with someone on a deeper level.

I turned off the holographic display and collapsed on my bed. With that over, I can finally sleep.

As Eyseck and I stood before the entrance of the dungeon, a sense of awe and anticipation washed over me. The afternoon of the appointed meeting had finally come!

Gosh, I hate award ceremonies.

The portal before us was a testament to both the advanced technology and the mystical elements of the game's world, seamlessly blending science fiction with fantasy.

The entrance resembled a towering archway constructed of shimmering energy. It hummed with an otherworldly power, casting a soft, iridescent glow in the surroundings. The energy arcs that danced along its edges created intricate patterns, like ancient runes etched into the very fabric of the portal. Yet, parts of it seemed to have been restored with metal, making it look like a doorway.

The center of the archway was a swirling vortex of colors. It was as if a rift in the fabric of space and time had been harnessed to create this magnificent gateway.

I exchanged a glance with Eyseck, our excitement mirrored in each other's eyes.

"Is there anything you need from the dungeon, Your Majesty?"

I turned to him. "Yes, I got word of a treasure within the hidden realms. I thought I would try my luck with you."

Eyseck was clad in a meticulously crafted ensemble perfectly suited for our impending dungeon crawl. His attire bore a striking resemblance to a futuristic SWAT uniform.

At the core of his gear was a sleek, form-fitting bodysuit made from advanced, lightweight materials that offered both flexibility and resilience. The dark, matte fabric hugged his frame, accentuating his lithe and agile physique while providing a layer of protection against potential hazards.

Over the bodysuit, Eyseck wore a modular tactical vest adorned with an array of pouches and compartments. Each pouch held essential items, from medkits to tools and ammunition, meticulously organized for quick access during our exploration. The vest itself was made of reinforced material, capable of withstanding impacts and offering additional protection.

On his feet, he sported heavy-duty combat boots with thick, grooved soles that provided stability and grip on uneven terrain. These boots were not just practical; they added to his imposing presence.

A pair of gloves with textured grips covered his hands, ensuring a secure hold on his weaponry and equipment.

This was a different outfit for Eyseck that even I haven't seen him wear in the game. Why is he so handsome? Why is he so hot? There was no point in making the secretary so attractive, gamedev!

As we crossed the threshold of the portal and entered the dungeon, a wave of disorientation washed over me.

The surroundings blurred for a moment, the colors and shapes swirling in a disconcerting dance. My balance faltered briefly as I stumbled forward, finding my footing on the uneven terrain of the dungeon floor. The air felt different here, carrying a faint metallic tang that heightened my sense of unease.

Beside me, Eyseck remained steady, a reassuring presence in the midst of my momentary disorientation. He extended a supportive hand, his gloved fingers gently gripping my arm as I regained my composure. 

"Th-thanks," I said to him. I could only look at his boots as I tried to regain my balance. There's an awful smell here.

The experience of stepping into the dungeon reminded me that despite the game's surreal and sometimes fantastical elements, this was unquestionably my reality. I can't just ignore the realistic sensations, emotions, and the very real people I had encountered since living here.

I looked up. The interior of the dungeon was unlike anything I had ever imagined. Instead of the typical stone walls and dimly lit corridors, what lay ahead was a nightmarish landscape.

The floor beneath my boots was an unsettling shade of pink, as if it were composed of fleshy tissue. It squirmed and pulsed beneath each step I took, sending shivers down my spine. The walls that enclosed us were even more horrifying. They appeared to be covered in twisted veins and arteries, their pulsing rhythms resembling a heartbeat.

I felt an overwhelming urge to vomit. I had entered countless dungeons in various games, but I had never encountered anything so repulsive and visceral. Back when this was still a game, I simply clicked on the dungeon icon, navigated through the unexplored map and defeated bosses in a rogue-like. What the hell is this?

"Are you alright, my Queen?" Eyseck's voice was laced with concern.

I tried to steady myself, pushing aside the initial wave of nausea and disgust that had threatened to overwhelm me. I couldn't afford to appear weak or uncertain in front of him.

I took a deep breath, forcing a small but determined smile to my lips. "I'm fine, Eyseck," I replied, my voice more resolute now. "Just a bit taken aback by the... scenery. Let's press on; we have a dungeon to explore."

Squish. Squish. Squish.

Yuck, I could feel the texture through the thick soles of my boots. I quickly realized that there were no regular doors or passageways. Instead, the walls seemed to be composed of fleshy crevices that pulsated and shifted, creating openings through which we had to pass.

The entire environment was a nightmare-fuel. A maze of pulsating, living tissue.

I couldn't help but notice the unsettling qualities of the fleshy material that surrounded us. The floors and walls were coated with a slippery, sticky liquid that clung to our boots and clothing.

Ew, it's warm.

We finally reached a larger crevice within the dungeon. My instincts as a seasoned gamer kicked in, and I couldn't shake the feeling that we were on the verge of a significant encounter – perhaps even a boss battle.

I exchanged a glance with Eyseck, a silent understanding passed between us.

As we stood before the ominous crevice, I couldn't help but brace myself for whatever formidable challenge awaited us on the other side.