I think so much would be enough, Spok said. It is a good idea to conserve your energy in case of an emergency.

“I restore energy fast enough,” Theo completely ignored the suggestion. “Are there any skills for platinum or silver coins?”

The question made little sense. Even so, the spirit guide swallowed its sarcasm and once again attempted to explain the utility of the request.

Platinum coins are mostly used by high nobility and some temples. Having them in large amounts is certain to attract attention. As for silver, you can just get them as change from the gold coins.

“I take that as a no, then.”

Instinct urged Spok to say “yes,” however, self-preservation made him remain quiet.

Gold making continued well into the evening. By that time, it was too late for Cmyk to go and buy the door, and so it was mutually agreed that everyone would enjoy some well-deserved rest. Spok attempted to argue under, reminding the dungeon that the last time the nap had lasted a few months. The suggestion was outvoted and ignored.

Morning came with a series of knocks on the door. Only this time they were accompanied by rather loud yells.

“What is it this time?” Theo grumbled. “Can’t a dungeon get a decent night’s rest?!”

Peeking through the upper window, Theo saw a rather large adventurer bounding on the door, yelling for Cmyk to open. From observing his minion two days ago, Theo knew that to be Ulf, and he strongly disliked him.

“Cmyk, your adventurer friend is out there,” the dungeon said in a disapproving tone. “See what he wants and then get to buying the deed. And paying off your debt.”

The minion didn’t budge from his bed. Theo was fully aware that Cmyk could hear him—just as the minion knew that his master knew—so he resorted to the tried and tested method.

“You can spend the rest of the gold on things you like,” Theo relented. “Provided you bring back more hay!”

The moment he said that, Cmyk jumped out of the bed and rushed downstairs. Being a lifeless minion, he didn’t need to remove his clothes, and thanks to his innate magic, didn’t need to wash or comb either.

It might be a good idea to create an entrance hall, Spok said while the minion was making its way down.

“What the heck do I need that for?” Theo grumbled. “Just a waste of Core Points and energy.”

The spirit guide tried its best to ignore that remark, especially since Theo had wasted an astronomical amount of points for two of the most useless dungeon abilities in existence.

There might be less questions if people didn’t see one vast empty room upon opening the door. And it’s far more economical than relying on illusions.

“Hmm.” Theo considered the option. He liked economical things—that way he wouldn’t have to spend energy constantly maintaining something, but rather focus on important matters, such as sleep. “You’re just trying to turn me into a conventional dungeon, aren’t you?”

You’re by no means conventional, Spok replied. I’m just trying to look out for your best interests and minimize potential complications.

“Fine,” Theo grumbled. “Cmyk, stop for a moment.”

Thank you, the guide said, rather relieved to have won an argument so quickly for once.

ROOM CREATION

Spend 50 energy per square foot to create or transform a room within you. Additional items could be added to the contents of the room, but need to be created separately.

The ability seemed remarkably close to downloadable content creation. And since Theo had no knowledge of interior design, he left the actual details to Spok, as he had with the house’s exterior.

Floor, walls, and ceiling in the respective section trembled, then moved like shaking jelly. Theo observed with fascination as floorboards, tiles, and other roomly decorations grew around Cmyk, creating the ideal entrance lobby. Both idyllic and refined, it looked like something that had come out of a movie set. Without a doubt, Spok was quite talented in that regard. Back in his previous life, Theo could only dream of owning a building with such a lobby.

“Go ahead, Cmyk,” the dungeon said.

The minion opened the door.

“Hey, Cmyk!” Ulf said loud enough for half the neighborhood to hear. “You sleep till late, don’t you?”

Cmyk stared blankly forward.

“That’s what I like about you!” The adventurer laughed, slapping Cmyk on the shoulder. “Never ashamed of his habits. It takes strength for that, you know.”

“Are all adventurers idiots?” Theo whispered on the upper floors, his question directed at Spok.

There are all kinds. Mostly, they are just obsessed with finding and looting dungeons.

“So, ready for a new day?” Ulf continued. “A few friends came back from a quest, so they’ll be celebrating the occasion. I told them a thing or two about you, so all of them are dying to meet you. What do you say?”

There was no response.

“Come on.” The adventurer poked Theo in the ribs with his elbow. “You can bring Wanda too. I know she’ll be happy about that.”

The minion blinked. It wasn’t that Cmyk had any particular indication to blink. Rather, he had found that blinking every now and again was better for his eyes. Like everything else about him, however, that too was wildly misinterpreted.

“There you go.” Ulf laughed. “Just—"

At this point, Theo abruptly closed the door. Small talk was never his thing, but more practically, the dungeon had created a large sack—filling it with as much gold as it could hold—and levitated it to the minion.

“Here’s your pocket change,” Theo said. “Remember. Deed and debts first, fun afterwards!”

The dungeon opened the door again, at which point the minion just walked out, a sack of gold on its shoulder. The conversation with Ulf continued, but since Theo was by no means interested, he closed the door shut again. Then the waiting began.

Normally, this would have been a calm and relaxing process. After all, Theo had his quiet, there were no immediate annoyances, and thanks to the silence spell, all outside sounds stopped at the door—with the exception of knocking. Today, however, the time dragged on, moving with the speed of a drunken snail.