Chapter 35: Astral Guardian

  "Greetings, master," Zyrris intoned, his voice resonating with a chilling yet melodic tone that filled the room.

  Brent blinked, momentarily taken aback. "I don't... wait, what?" he stammered, trying to process the situation.

  Zyrris tilted his head slightly, his star-filled eyes glimmering with curiosity. "How may I serve you?" he asked calmly, as if their encounter were the most natural thing in the world.

  "I'm sorry, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this," Brent said, shaking his core slightly as if to clear his thoughts. "You're already talking... and you have a name? What’s going on here?"

  Zyrris's expression remained serene, though there was a flicker of something that might have been amusement. "I am not sure what confuses you, master. I am Zyrris, as I have always been."

  "Emil?" Brent called, a touch of exasperation in his voice.

  "I'm here, Brent," Emil replied, his metallic form shimmering into view within the Dungeon Vision. "I’ve been following you through the Dungeon Vision feed."

  Brent's voice lowered, still filled with bewilderment. "What’s happening? Why is Zyrris different from my other minions?"

  Emil stepped forward, a reassuring presence in the chaotic storm of questions swirling through Brent's mind. "Zyrris is not like your previous minions. He isn’t a construct or a mechanical being crafted by your hands. He already had his own identity when he was summoned, and thus, there’s no need for you to name him."

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  "But... I thought all minions had to fit the theme of my dungeon?" Brent asked, his glow pulsing with renewed confusion.

  Emil nodded, his eyes shining with patient understanding. "They do, Brent. Zyrris still fits your theme. Remember, your dungeon's focus may be on constructs and mechanical challenges, but it isn't strictly limited to those. There’s a wide range of creatures that can serve as minions, and Zyrris is here to help balance the dynamic. He represents a different facet of your dungeon's potential."

  Brent's core dimmed for a moment as he considered this new information. "So, you're saying the System is actively balancing the types of minions I have?"

  "In a sense, yes," Emil explained, his voice gentle but firm. "The System strives to maintain balance within your dungeon and the world at large. It recognizes your preferences but also works to ensure you aren’t overly reliant on a single type of strategy. It wants to challenge adventurers in new ways and ensure you can adapt."

  Brent let out what could only be described as a resigned sigh. "That feels a bit like meddling, don’t you think?"

  Emil’s expression turned thoughtful. "It may seem that way, but the System’s goal is ultimately for your benefit. Balance is crucial in this world—it prevents any single force from dominating unchecked. There will always be moments where power shifts, but it never remains stagnant. Balance keeps the world from descending into chaos, even if it feels like an interference."

  Brent mulled this over, his core pulsing gently. "So, what you’re saying is... the System steps in to make sure everything stays somewhat even. It doesn’t let one side gain too much power?"

  "Exactly," Emil said, nodding. "Think of it as a guiding force that helps steer the course, not outright controlling it. While some may feel its hand, it's often subtle—nudging events, adjusting odds, and ensuring equilibrium."

  Brent’s core brightened as he processed Emil’s words. "Well, it seems I’ve got a lot to learn about this world. But I guess if it keeps things interesting and challenging, I’m willing to roll with it."

  Zyrris watched their exchange with quiet intrigue, a small smile flickering across his starlit features. "If balance is the order of the day, then I am here to serve in whatever capacity you require, Brent," he said, his voice reverberating with power and subtle grace.

  "You went straight to calling me Brent... That's new," Brent said, surprise evident in his tone.

  "Your dungeon companion referred to you as Brent. I assumed you preferred a less formal address and thought it best to follow suit," Zyrris replied coolly, his star-filled eyes shimmering with an almost knowing glimmer.

  "Wow," Brent said, taking a moment to collect himself. "I’m just... not used to having someone with this level of intellect right from the start. No offense to my other minions—they’re amazing in their own right—but you seem to come with a depth of experience that they didn’t have when they were created. The others are still finding their way with having true consciousness."

  "I understand. I am pleased to serve alongside someone who genuinely cares about the well-being and growth of their subordinates," Zyrris said, his tone thoughtful. "It is far better than some of the other places I have served."

  "So, you've been with other dungeons before?" Brent asked, curiosity piqued.

  "I have indeed," Zyrris replied, his ethereal form shifting slightly. "My existence is long-lived. Dungeons rise and fall in this world; some make fatal mistakes, others are brought low by forces beyond their control. When a dungeon perishes, its minions do not simply vanish. We are recycled by the System, repurposed for future use. Those who have proven themselves, such as myself, often hold specialized roles upon reassignment. Meanwhile, simpler minions, like base-level constructs, blend into their new dungeons with little fanfare, especially in the case of mechanical creations." Zyrris floated gracefully in front of Brent, his presence a blend of ancient knowledge and palpable power as he explained the intricacies of the System's workings.

  Brent's core pulsed softly, reflecting his growing interest. "So, Zyrris, would you be willing to tell me more about your past? What kind of dungeons have you served in before?"

  Zyrris seemed to pause, as if searching through the memories of ages past. His star-speckled form dimmed slightly before he spoke. "In my time, I have served under many dungeons—each with its own flavor, its own ambitions. There was the Abyssal Vault, deep within the oceanic trenches. A realm of crushing pressure and endless darkness. I was its guardian, tasked with keeping intruders from reaching the core. That dungeon was magnificent... until it was breached by an alliance of powerful mages and water-elemental knights."

  His voice carried a note of nostalgia mixed with bitterness. "It fell. We fought hard, but in the end, the waves consumed it, and the System claimed me back."

  Brent absorbed this, sensing the weight of Zyrris's memories. "It must have been hard, seeing all that you protected come to an end."

  "It was," Zyrris admitted, his gaze distant. "And there were others—the Red Spire, a mountain-top dungeon with a penchant for fire traps and molten flows. I served as a gatekeeper, and the adventurers called me the 'Blazing Warden.' That place was undone by the hubris of its Core, who refused to adapt to evolving strategies. Time and time again, I have seen dungeons rise and fall by the weight of their own choices."

  Emil interjected, his voice carrying a hint of somber understanding. "The System, for all its rules and structure, is efficient. When a dungeon collapses, its minions—those who have served valiantly—are reabsorbed and eventually reassigned. Each cycle, minions retain echoes of what they once were. It is rare, but those like Zyrris—unique and storied—become fixtures in the cycle, called upon when needed."

  Zyrris nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Most base minions are simply reconstituted energy, lacking true continuity. Constructs, for example, have no memories to carry over. But I—" he paused, as if weighing his words, "—I have seen the cycle many times. I understand the weight of survival and adaptation."

  Brent considered this. "So, your presence here means the System deems me... what? In need of your experience? Destined for something specific?"

  Emil's voice was reflective. "It means the System sees potential, Brent. It sees growth and recognizes the challenges you might face in the future. Bringing in a veteran like Zyrris suggests that the stakes are going to rise. The System is equal parts guide and referee."

  Brent’s glow dimmed slightly, the enormity of it all settling over him. "No pressure, right?"

  Zyrris’s eyes sparkled with faint amusement. "None at all, Brent. Only the fate of your dungeon and whatever impact you make upon the world."

  "Great. Just great," Brent muttered, his core dimming momentarily before brightening with renewed resolve. "But that's why I have all of you. To make sure we rise, not fall."

  "Indeed," Zyrris said, his form blazing momentarily with starlight. "I, for one, am ready."

  "As am I," Emil added, his voice warm with encouragement.

  Brent floated closer to his new boss minion. "Then let's get to work. I want your insights as we continue building this next level. You’ve seen what works, what doesn’t. Together, we're going to create something unlike anything this world has ever seen."

  Zyrris bowed his head, his voice solemn and filled with purpose. "I look forward to it, Brent."

  Brent's core glowed brighter, filled with the sense that this new chapter would push them all to their limits—and beyond.