33. A Distraction

Resting beside the recovering troll family, Jake reflects on dungeon timelines and the uncertain fates of dungeon-born beings. Seeking answers, he contacts the Malefic Viper, who, amid a private struggle, answers. Jake senses Vilastromoz’s subdued tone and offers support before posing his questions about dungeon life and time.

Vilastromoz explains that entering a natural dungeon binds a creature’s Records to that instance. When a dungeon ends, its residents usually disappear; rarely, the dungeon persists as a separate, accessible space. Extraction is exceptional: allowed dungeon mechanics, resurrection exploits, transitional undead rituals, race or soul alterations, or binding a soul to the extractor. If two identical beings are brought out, the later duplicate vanishes due to a shared Truesoul.

On timing, Vilastromoz notes that a cleared instance continues briefly after exit; indefinite stays merely stagnate growth and regrowth, with the risk of the door vanishing over long spans. He suggests dungeon rewards often align with dungeon themes and delvers’ needs, hinting Jake might hope for life-affinity outcomes relevant to the trolls.

Buoyed by the exchange, Jake thanks Vilastromoz and leaves the healing parent troll and its two juveniles behind, resuming his Deepdweller purge. Alone, Vilastromoz reflects on disciples who never challenge him, contrasts Jake’s candid care, and, despite countless ages and failures at the obelisk, resolves to keep trying, heartened by their bond.