Chapter 2

So the results are in, and I'm proud to say that it is a tie between the Ex Goddess Aqua and a random hero and trust me when I say that I have a delicious idea for this.

So let's get this party started!

Beta: Old Man of the Mountain/Darklord331

Goblin Cave. One Week Later from the previous chapter.

Issei groaned as he woke to see him sitting in Kali's lap before smiling. He was glad that Kali slept well after their training session. Issei then used his tentacles to walk out and get some sunshine which was always outstanding in his eyes since he liked the morning rays that always told him that it would be a good day today.

Issei then looked at his stats, wondering how strong he was getting after becoming the Dungeon Master after claiming it from the Goblin King just a week ago.

Name: Issei Hyoudou

Class: Demonic Jellyfish

Level: 20 Next Level: 5,500 EXP

Title: Player. Dungeon Master

HP: 2500/2500

Magic: 120/120

Strength: 85

Speed: 90

Endurance: 85

Intelligence: 70

LUK:?

Attribute Points: 110

After realizing he had to get stronger and learn how to be strong while utilizing his speed, he asked for Kali to help him train in his jellyfish form, which was a bit easy given that he can move with his tentacles to help him gain some momentum to make his attacks more effective against his foes. However, Kali explained that even though he's built for speed, he should still boost his other skills to be prepared for any enemy that may try to attack him.

After Issei became the new Dungeon Master, he decided to make the Dungeon seventeen floors instead of seven, with the seventeenth floor being the final boss floor where the throne room resides. Kali still enjoyed being in the vast cavern where the tree once resided so she could reform it to make it even better.

The Dungeon was also a hideout for the Diablo Cult to experiment with their newest members to become more monstrous like the others. Issei and Darkness, well Darkness really, reported the Diablo Cult and tried to gather information on them. Still, unfortunately, the information-gathering process took a lot of time since Alderp, the corrupt nobleman, was missing, which left the city of Beginners Town with a bit of a power loss until Alderp's son took over and was able to do a good job filling in the position while also making a few good changes that helped the people a bit more comfortable with their life choices such as becoming an adventurer or another career.

Darkness was glad this was happening and asked Issei if she could introduce him to their new Governor. Still, Issei refused since it would make the adventurers look bad if they knew that a respected Crusader like Darkness revealed that a monster killed the last noble.

The Crusader respected his wishes and decided to take him back to Kali, who was a bit protective of Issei at first due to him technically dying for a second time. Still, after being saved, Issei trained hard by taking on other creatures in the forest while fighting with Kali.

Kali's personality is a bit of a mix between a strong Amazon in battle and outside of battle; she turns into a big softie who loves to snuggle with her master and intends to make him her mate when they get together. Kali enjoyed having a human body and struggled with using her beast form and instincts to assist her in battle.

Issei then closed his Stats window and began to ponder how he should improve to combat the Kraken while strengthening his Dungeon.

"Hm. Seventeen floors, and Kali has already claimed the eighth one as her domain, which makes sense, but I'm not sure what else to add to the Dungeon since the creatures and layout differ from another dungeon game I've played back home." Issei said to himself before he heard rustling near some of the bushes, which made Issei prepare himself to fight the intruder until a pair of hands were raised.

"Calm down. I'm not here to fight. I'm only interested in assisting you since you seem to have trouble." The voice said as the figure came out to reveal that their whole body was hidden in a massive black cloak while the hood hid their head.

Issei could tell that this person radiated Death, and yet the person made no attempt on his life until the man handed Issei a book about his size, and he used his tentacles to take hold of it before reading the cover.

"Dungeon Master 101: How to Become an Excellent Dungeon Master," Issei said aloud before hesitantly looking up at the cloaked individual. "What's your angle? No one does this out of the goodness of their heart."

Issei could hear the smirk as the figure replied to his question.

"That's simple. You are an interesting individual that I would like to invest in to help you become stronger. It's obvious you lack physical strength, but remember that what you lack in strength makes up for speed and intelligence. Not all fights are won with strength alone." The figure said as they began to walk away from the cave before taking out another book and giving it to the boy.

"This book can also be of assistance since it'll let you know the monster's abilities and locations. Know you can trust the Crusader and the DemiHuman. Let them in, and let them help you." The figure said before patting the boy's head which Issei surprisingly didn't mind since it reminded him of his father when he ruffled his hair when he was still human.

"...Thank you, mister. What do I call you?" Issei asked as the individual chuckled in reply before responding.

"Call me Death. That's all you need to know." The figure, now known as Death, said as he walked back into the forest, leaving Issei alone until he looked at the two books before opening the Dungeon Master one.

Congratulations on becoming the Dungeon Master though you're probably wondering this. 'How do I make my Dungeon even better?'

Well, this book can help you set up your Dungeon and prepare for intruders that enter your domain.

Issei was amazed by this as he continued to read the book and learned that different types of dungeons have traps that can be used to weaken parties. In contrast, other dungeons have unique challenges, such as powerful monsters of a certain type, using elemental powers to keep intruders out, and even curses and traps to lure the enemy into a false sense of security.

However, before we continue, I must know what kind of Dungeon you want to create.

Dungeon of Power: Overwhelm the enemy with so many powerful monsters and creatures that the adventures won't know what hit them.

Dungeon of Intelligence: Make the adventurers think their way out by setting up multiple traps and puzzles that'll weaken the enemy and create rooms where the monsters can sneak up on the enemy and attack them.

Or finally, the All Round Dungeon allows you to customize a dungeon loaded with traps, curses, and powerful monsters that can defeat the enemy.

Issei pondered his choices before selecting the All Round Dungeon since it'll allow him to use the best of both dungeons before tapping it, which made the second book begin to open and reveal monsters in the area he could recruit.

So you want to be a Round Dungeon? Well, it's a good thing you have many floors since there is a good selection of monsters in the area that can help improve your Dungeon.

The second book then begins to reveal monsters in the area that can suit his Dungeon.

The Assault Ants are like normal ants except that they are well known for their much larger size. They are around the same height as a normal human. They appear to look similar to brown ants with red eyes; however, their appearance will change depending on their rank in a nest. As the ants grow in rank, they may grow wings and different colorations and wear other indications of their position in the hierarchy.

Assault Ants live in underground nests with passages wide enough to serve as caves, which various other monsters may also inhabit. As a result, Assault Ants can be quite aggressive toward other creatures, though they come to coexist with certain monsters like Goblins since they are both carnivores and despise humans when they invade their territory.

The rank system goes from Foot Soldier, Winged Assault Ant, Samurai Ant, and Ant Queen.

Issei was amazed by the information as he read them and was rather impressed by the description and abilities that the Ants have, which can be useful given that ants can not only lift ten times their size, are excellent workers and attackers, but also being able to use a special toxin to poison their enemies to take them down easier.

"Hm. The Assault Ants can be useful when helping me dig out enemies and make some extra rooms to help with possible attacks from unknown enemies. I should try recruiting them for the Dungeon." Issei said as he marked the Assault Ants as a possible member of his Dungeon before looking at the other monsters the book suggested.

Dungeon Mimics: Monsters that dwell in dungeons that can modify their appearances to lure in their prey. Their proper form is characterized by large maws filled with fangs.

Dungeon Mimics are also known for ambushing hunters by changing their appearance into objects their selected prey are likely to approach, such as treasure chests for adventurers and humans for monsters, so once the prey steps within their biting distance, the Dungeon Mimic will reveal its proper form before snapping out with its vast maw.

"...Definitely a good trap monster to have. Another good choice." Issei said as he wrote down in the book The Dungeon Mimic before moving on to others.

One-Punch Bears are mighty bears that can kill people in one hit. They are extremely large bears with massive claws on their forelegs. They are an apex breed of violent bears with powerful claws capable of beheading unprepared targets in one hit. However, sometimes hunters take advantage of them being solitary animals to take them out since their livers are said to fetch a reasonable price.

"Hm. Good monster to have around for a Tank or a Melee combat fighter. I'll have to put that one down on the list." Issei said as he marked it before looking over a few others.

Lovely Rabbits: They are cute-looking but aggressive rabbits. They look like cute rabbits with horns growing out of their foreheads; however, despite their cute and docile appearance, they are carnivorous and will lunge at people to impale them with their horns.

This surprised Issei as he learned more about the rabbits being vicious when attacking intruders and their unique abilities to act more like bloodhounds instead of cute bunnies.

"Wow. Putting them down as a recruit." Issei said as he looked at one who surprised him but was interested in this one.

Liches are the highest-ranked undead known as the "No Life King." They were usually mighty arch wizards in life and became even more powerful when they turned into a Lich. The appearances of liches vary, ranging from horrifying revenants to astonishing beauties. However, the general conception of them is skeletons wearing wizard robes and wielding magic rods while glowing with unholy magic.

Once arch wizards who had mastered the limits of magic, Liches abandoned their natural bodies through arcane rituals, becoming kings of the undead. Although most liches used to be human, it is also possible for other races to become liches. Despite their power and immortality, Liches can be harmed by holy water and the holy magic of priests and are vulnerable to powerful purification magic.

"...Hm, that's good to know; there may be a way to prevent a Lich from being affected as much by Holy Magic. I'll have to look into that." Issei said as he heard footsteps coming from the inside of the cave. He turned around to see Kali approaching him with a smile on her face.

"Good morning, Issei-sama. What are you reading?"

"Oh, it's a book that helps me know about the creatures in the area. Since we hardly know about the other creatures in the forest, I thought it would be best to see if we could recruit some of them." Issei explained as Kali was amazed by her master wanting to strengthen the Dungeon while training to get stronger, which fired up her spirits as she wanted to assist her master.

"Then count me in. Let's go recruit and train, master!" Kali said in excitement as Issei was glad to have a great partner like Kali by his side in this new world while Darkness was busy with her job as a Crusader and an Adventurer.

"Alright then. Let's begin." Issei said as he used his monster book to help track down the ones he wished to recruit.

Meanwhile, with a certain Goddess

"This bites! I am a Goddess, and yet I was forced here by some HikiNeet! Worst of all, I'm separated from him because of that idiot Eris! When I get back up there, I'll ensure she doesn't get paid for a while and does all my work." A woman yelled to herself while trying to find her way through the forest.

The woman who was grumbling right now had light blue hair and eyes. A slim figure with ample breasts, long legs, wide hips, and blue waist-long hair partially tied into a loop with a spherical clip.

She was wearing a sleeveless dark-blue feather dress with white trimmings, an extremely short dark blue miniskirt, a green bow around her chest, a blue gem in the middle, and a translucent purple underskirt, and detached white sleeves with blue and golden trimmings. She also wore thigh-high blue-heeled boots over white stockings with blue trimmings. Her hair clip resembled an H2O molecule.

Aqua, the Goddess of Water, was responsible for sending many deceased souls into the world that she and her siblings were given so they could rule over. The Goddess was okay with this since she thought sending souls to a fantasy world would be a cinch, given the many NEETs that love the idea of living a fantasy isekai adventure, which also helped her job.

Unfortunately for her, even though she's a Goddess with a nice body, her personality ruins it since she is a lazy girl who not only pushes her work onto her younger siblings but also doesn't give a care about the effects that can happen if she doesn't think through and, trust me when I say that has happened a lot.

Unfortunately, Aqua will be given what has been coming to her for a long time now, starting with a certain plant she's walking near.

The area that the former Goddess is in was once a settlement situated so close to Axel that local inhabitants could walk there for a stroll by taking the old road connecting them. Unfortunately, it had since fallen into dilapidation, with the roofs having caved in long ago. As it gets further overgrown by the vegetation inside and out, only the stone walls and rotted wooden doors remain, while various low-level monsters call it home. Yet despite its abandonment, the sewage system running beneath it still belongs under the administration of Axel.

It's also where the Head Researcher buried one of the seven magical stones that possessed great powers. Unbeknown to the local humans of the kingdom, tucked at the bottom of one of the walls is a hidden passageway dug by Goblins, through which they lead raids onto the surface straight from their underground kingdom.

Which was cleared out thanks to a certain jellyfish.

Aqua continued to stomp her way through the vegetation without realizing that she was waking up a monster asleep near the Dungeon that Issei had taken over. The Goddess then looked to see that there was hardly any life in the area, which she blamed on her little sister for not caring about the vegetation since it was her job to do so.

"Geez. My sisters have become lazy. I do so much work, yet my sisters are too lazy to do anything as they act like immature brats while I, the hardworking one, get no appreciation." Aqua said as she was annoyed while a certain number of Goddesses sneezed while glaring at the ExGoddess of Water for her horrible description of them since it was the complete opposite of the younger siblings doing more of the work while their bratty older sister. Aqua gets the love from their parents because she is the daughter of a great god.

So, let's say the sisters don't care much about what'll happen to Aqua now that she's an ExGoddess.

Meanwhile, with the new Dungeon Master...

"So, these are the Lovely Bunnies, huh?" Issei said as he and Kali looked around to see the many rabbits surrounding them, which didn't bother them much, given that the two were much stronger than the rabbits even though there was a much larger number of them.

While looking at the bunnies, Kali licked her chops as she was salivating at the idea of eating some of those bunnies for breakfast. On the other hand, Issei was looking at a certain bunny that seemed to be different from the others surrounding them.

Deadly Bunny: A special breed of the Lovely Bunny that specializes in leading the fluff, a group of bunnies, against their enemies.

Issei smiled at this as he looked at Kali, who nodded in reply as she could tell what her master was up to.

"Take care of the underlings. I'll take down the leader." Issei said as Kali smiled in glee while becoming her beast form while letting out her predator aura, which made the bunnies shake in fear until Issei used his Aqua Jet to blast through the bunnies as Kali pounced and began to kill some of the rabbits.

The Deadly Bunny hissed at Issei as he got near the leader until the Aqua Jet hit the Deadly Bunny's head, sending it flying back to the tree, which made it collapse for a bit until it shook the water off before glaring at Issei and focusing on him.

You have engaged in combat with the Deadly Bunny Boss.

Issei chuckled at this as he could tell that, unlike Alderp and Kali, when she was in her beast form, the Deadly Bunny wasn't precisely smart because the rabbit tried to stab Issei with its horn or bite him with its giant teeth.

Issei used his two longest tentacles to whip the rabbit and slap the other rabbits when they tried to interfere with their battle. The Deadly Rabbit hissed as it tried to harm Issei, but the Jellyfish's speed on land and his tentacles gave him the advantage when dealing with the beast.

The Deadly Rabbit kept trying to strike Issei with its teeth, but the tentacles kept it away until Issei began to bring the rabbit towards him. The rabbit tried to get free from the tentacles, but Issei's paralytic venom prevented it from moving as it kept struggling a bit until Issei saw it was within range.

"Consume," Issei said as he absorbed the Deadly Rabbit into his body which made him have a horn on top is his head until Issei saw his new Skills appear.

Congratulations on defeating the Deadly Rabbit Boss! The new skills you have gained are:

Horn Drill allows the user to use their horn while spinning, causing damage and inflicting Bleed to their target.

Horn Cannon is a particularly unique skill that the Deadly Rabbit knows since this breed of rabbits can shoot multiple sharp horns at their enemies.

Issei was surprised by this as he saw his new horn appear on his head, including his long tentacles that weren't out at the moment, but Issei could tell they were there.

"Stop!" Issei shouted as Kali and the other rabbits stopped as they looked at Issei before the rabbits bowed to him, which amazed Issei, while Kali wiped the blood on her face.

"Issei-sama? Can you order them around now?" Kali asked as she looked at the bunnies following her masters' orders before Issei nodded in reply.

"Correct, Kali. We have new comrades who will be part of the Dungeon." Issei said before he spoke to the rabbits. "If you do not approve of my presence or being your new leader, step forward."

Issei waited patiently as none of the thirty bunnies moved from their spot, which relieved the Jellyfish before speaking to them again. "Now, which of you is the strongest among you?"

Issei then saw a rabbit appear in front of him as it twitched its nose before Issei could see that the Lovely Rabbit in front of him now was different from the rest due to it being not only a Black Rabbit but also because it was the strongest and most experienced due to the scratches on its fur.

Due to you being a Dungeon Master, you can name any monsters to allow them to evolve, but it drains your Magic, depending on their level. Would you like to name the Lovely Rabbit?

"I'm tempted to give you a name, but not now," Issei said before holding a hand/tentacle for the rabbit. "Do you accept this invitation to join my dungeon?"

The rabbit nodded as it nuzzled Issei's tentacle before Issei decided to go ahead and organize the thirty rabbits by sending them to his Dungeon so he could organize them later. The Black Rabbit, however, asked Issei if it could join him in the recruitment, not with words but more like it asked with its actions, which surprised Kali as she wasn't expecting the rabbit to be joining them until Issei allowed it.

After sending them away from their location, Issei, Kali, and the Black Rabbit headed to the area where the Assault Ants lived.

Issei was riding on top of the Black Rabbit, who asked if he wouldn't mind a ride, while Kali felt a bit annoyed at the bunny for being able to carry her master until Issei spoke to her.

"Kali. When you were with the Goblins, did you ever meet the Assault Ants in the area? I'm only asking because you can help us with negotiations." Issei asked before Kali did a so-so action with her hands.

"The Assault Ants aren't necessarily bad, but they are very territorial. The Goblins and the Assault Ants made a deal with the ants that we wouldn't enter each other's territory. However, the Assault Ants hadn't been around for a few weeks before I met you, so I'm guessing some adventurers attacked them. From what I understand about adventurers, they collect the cores of the ants to show as proof of their kills, including the queens." Kali explained as Issei could see that they may not even meet the ants due to the information he was told about them.

They were still talking about the ants and how they would be able to help with the Dungeon before they reached their destination to see that many corpses of the Assault Ants were killed in various ways that, include being burned, drowned, beheaded, or even brutally murdered.

The battle appeared bloody as human corpses littered the battlefield until Issei spoke to Kali.

"Search for survivors. Someone has to be alive." Issei said as he and the Black Rabbit headed into the fray, with Kali walking around the battlefield to see the many corpses of the ants before slowly gathering them up into a small pile.

"So many lives were taken, and for what? Just because humans see us as a threat? They think we are just mindless beasts who only know how to kill?" Issei asks himself as Kali gathers a couple more of the ants before looking in Issei's direction and sighing to herself.

"It's like this a lot. Many monsters may attack humans, but they choose to do so because the humans have invaded their territory. Not everyone wishes to coexist with us. The Demon King wished to negotiate a truce between humans and monsters, but ultimately, humans showed their true colors by betraying the Demon King. Even his wife." Kali said as she had heard the story, as did Issei but hearing how Kali learned of it told him that it's been this way for a long time.

Issei then gathered more of the ants until a figure walked towards the three of them before speaking to them.

"Excuse me. What are you doing to my people?" The figure asked as Issei and Kali turned around to see an ant-like figure wearing a strange hat on top of his head. He had some light but durable armor on his body, as if he was a warrior, as shown by the sword on his side.

"We are giving them a proper burial. May I ask who you are?" Issei asked before the ant bowed to the Jellyfish.

"My name is Nomad. I'm the last of my nest after the adventurers attacked us and desecrated my people's corpses. We had done nothing wrong. We left those humans alone and only defended ourselves. They are the ones who attacked us first and went after our people because of our hearts. They only cared about how much money they would make from us. After the battle, my wife and children were also killed and desecrated. I was the only one who survived the battle, and even though I lived, nothing was left of my home." Nomad explained as he recalled the battle and the many brothers and sisters killed in battle against the adventurers. The cries of the slaughtered innocent and his wife's screams, who begged the adventurers to spare the children, but the Heroes didn't care and killed them in cold blood.

Issei was shocked by this as he couldn't believe the actions that the heroes had committed. It's rare for monsters not to attack, but even he knew that monsters do not attack others unless provoked—one wishes to harm them for a reason or just because they wish to gain experience.

Kali's fists clenched as she felt nothing but hatred at the humans who seemed to care only for their selfishness and not give care about the ones who their enemies wrongly killed. She then walked towards Nomad and bowed to him.

"I am sorry for your loss. It must've been hard losing your whole family, wasn't it?"

Nomad sighed as he nodded in reply. "Yes. It still hurts as I recall that day I lost everything."

"I'm sorry you must live through all that pain and guilt."

"Heh. Funny. I haven't lived since that day."

"I understand how that feels, but my master wishes to build a dungeon that protects us so we can live in peace. I'm sure your wife would've wanted you to live, no?" Kali asked as Nomad pondered this before nodding in reply.

"Your right. She would've wanted me to live." Nomad said before he looked at Issei, still on the bunny, and asked him. "This new Dungeon. You will protect the residents within its walls and welcome new ones?"

Issei was silent for a moment until he replied. "I wish to see both sides of the world between monsters and humans. I'm building the Dungeon so I can survive, but yes, you are correct when I will protect the lives of those in my Dungeon. I won't force you to join me. That is your decision, though. I know what it's like to be alone."

Nomad could hear the sincerity in Issei's words before nodding as he got on one knee and bowed his head to him.

"Then I, Nomad, the last of the Assault Ants of this clan, shall lend you my sword and skill. I will cut down all who stand in your way, my master." Nomad said as Issei nodded in reply before thanking Nomad as the four burned the corpses so the ants could rest in peace.

Issei then looked at the fire as it burned the corpses to ashes until they died on their own without any trouble, which relieved Issei until he decided to head back to the Dungeon to check on the rabbits.

Kali and Nomad followed Issei back to the Dungeon before he saw the rabbits settled in on the first floor. Issei decided to name them to see if they'll become DemiHumans like Kali did when she gained a name.

Issei named all of the normal Lovely Rabbits, which made all of the normal rabbits become DemiHumans, but three were the unofficial leaders of the clan that served under their former leader.

Their names were Misaki, Tsuki, and Luna. Two of them looked the same, given that white fur covered their bodies, strong legs, red eyes, and a small horn coming out of their head. Meanwhile, the black rabbit, whom Issei had named Tsuki, was a dark-skinned woman with long black hair but kept red eyes. Issei could see in her stats that the black one was a lot stronger than she looked to a normal person.

"Thank you, Hyoudou-sama. My sisters and I are grateful that you have blessed us with names. We are ready to serve under your guidance." Tsuki said as she bowed to their new master, as did the rest of them, which made Issei very nervous, given that the rest of the bunnies were loyal to him now.

Kali pouted at this but was interested in possibly training them to defend the Dungeon until Issei decided to give them some orders.

"Okay, so here's how well separate you all into the floors. Luna and nine others will be training with Kali regarding hand-to-hand combat training. That way, you can utilize your punches and kicks very well." Issei said as Kali nodded before taking Luna and her team to the forest while Issei looked at Nomad.

"Do you think you can train some of the others in swordsmanship? I do believe it'll greatly benefit the Dungeon and the others." Issei asked as Nomad looked at the bunnies before nodding in reply.

"Of course. I'd be honored, my lord. I shall take the one known as Misaki and her team to begin their training." Nomad said as Misaki was honored by this before leading her team to follow Nomad to begin their training while Issei was left alone with Tsuki's group. The black rabbit seemed excited about this as she was interested in what they would do.

"Now, while the others are training, we'll be doing our training. We'll be doing some recruitment for the One Punch Bears; after we recruit them, we'll begin laying out traps and such in the Dungeon for invaders." Issei said as Tsuki's group saluted Issei as they began to head out to the One Punch Bears, unaware of the one observing them.

"Hm. Not bad. Already recruited a skilled Samurai Ant, the Lovely Bunnies, and the rare Black Rabbit. This'll be interesting to see how he develops his skills and people." Death said as he watched them until he saw Issei's group begin to head toward the One Punch Bear group near his location in the forest.

The majority of the species reside near the Crimson Demon Village, but there are other One Punch Bears who wish to hunt stronger enemies, so they hunt in small packs and search for worthy enemies for them to engage in battle.

Issei had seen Tsuki's stats and the other nine bunnies and saw the difference between the ordinary rabbit and Tsuki's stats, making him wonder how she wasn't the leader instead of the one he had consumed earlier.

"Hey, Tsuki. Why is it that you were not the leader of the Lovely Rabbits? You were stronger than the former leader, so why remain a soldier?" Issei asked as Tsuki sighed and replied.

"It's because the former leader had more skill than I did. I tried to take control of the group, but I was defeated because I thought I could take him down. I took my defeat well and started to understand that my pride blinded me to think I could've taken him down the first time, but I won't make the same mistake twice in a row." Tsuki said as she walked beside Issei until they made it to the bear's cave, where many of the bears were enjoying their fresh kill.

You are entering the One Punch Bears Domain. Are you sure you wish to continue?

Issei accepted it as he stopped the rabbits from going ahead of him.

"I'll speak to the bears. Tsuki. Have the others hide in the bushes and keep quiet. If they attack, then when I give the signal, ambush them. Understood?" Issei said as Tsuki nodded in reply before she ordered the rabbits to split up while keeping an eye on the entrance of the bears' domain.

Issei stepped out into the opening, and he looked at the guards.

One Punch Bear Guard

Level: 18

HP: 2300/2300

Magic: 00/00

Strength: 100

Speed: 50

Endurance: 80

Intelligence: 70

LUK: 20

"Excuse me. May I interrupt your meal for a moment? I wish to discuss a possible alliance with you and your clan." Issei said as he stepped out of the shadows to see the bear guards look at Issei for a moment before laughing at his small appearance.

"Ahahaha! You are nothing but a puny weakling. You think you can speak to us like that and get away with it?" One of the guards asked as he rushed towards Issei until Issei used his small size and speed to dodge the massive punches, which created a crater underneath each one that hit the ground.

There were four bears outside the cave, so Issei could move around easily since the bears may have power but are slow in speed. Issei smirked at one of them before launching himself onto the bear's head which made the bear roar as it felt Issei's body take over his own, which made the others surprised by their enemy until the bear turned around to reveal Issei had successfully taken over the bear.

"Shall we continue?" Issei asked as he snapped his fingers to have the other three bears assaulted by massive kicks from Tsuki and the other rabbits that broke their arms and killed them.

The rabbits cheered in victory as Issei smiled at the succession plan. "You all deserve the spoils, so have at their corpses," Issei said before heading to the cave.

"I think it's time to speak to their boss. Tsuki. You are in charge of making sure any stragglers are captured. If they resist, then only capture. Not kill." Issei said as Tsuki nodded in reply as she went to eat the other three bears with her sisters while Issei headed into the cave with the bear under his full control.

Kali and Nomad were done training with their teams of rabbits by helping them not only rely on their legs but their arms as well since Kali could tell that the rabbits specialized in speed and strength in their legs to crush their enemies or stab them with their horns to take down their enemies.

"You all are greatly skilled, I will admit, but you all struggle with weapons and fighting with your fists, so I'll continue to train you in hand-to-hand combat. If you continue relying on the same old tricks, the enemy will take you by surprise and kill you." Kali said as Nomad nodded in reply.

"Indeed. That is why back in the nest, we always have different soldiers and warriors to take down the enemies ranks and their support to ensure they cannot heal when wounded. Taking out the rear while keeping the front busy is why my people could deal with them until that monster warrior cut us down with his sword." Nomad explained as the rabbits were in awe of their masters' words before they took them all seriously by sparring against each other to try and learn from one another.

Kali and Nomad were worried for Issei, but Kali knew that Issei had improved from this past week.

"Say, Nomad, who was this adventurer who destroyed your home? You never mentioned his name but only his sword." Kali said as Nomad sighed to himself before speaking to her.

"The one who led the attack on my home wielded a sword named Gram. I don't recall the adventurer's name, but I recalled the sword used to slaughter my people. That is why if I find the sword, I'll find the killer and make him suffer for the Death of my clan and my family." Nomad said as Kali patted the ants' heads before the ground began to shake underneath them.

"What is this? An earthquake?" Kali asked as Nomad shook his head.

"No. this feels different from a normal earthquake. It's as if something is coming out from underneath us." Nomad said before shouting to the rabbits.

"Scatter!"

The rabbits did so as they ran from the Dungeon's entrance to see that a massive monster began to appear from the ground, which revealed itself to be a massive plant monster of sorts. It looked like a giant rose to possess a fanged maw and multiple tentacle-like thorned vines.

"What the heck is that?!" Kali asked as she readied herself while Nomad shook his head.

"I don't know, but we can't let the dungeon of our masters be destroyed by it," Nomad said as he drew his sword and looked at one of the other rabbits.

"Shirō. Alert the master of this development immediately. We'll keep it busy as long as we can!" Nomad shouted as Shirō nodded before running off while Kali brandished her axe and pointed it at the plant monster.

"ATTACK! For Hyoudou-Sama!"

Kali and the rabbits roared as they charged at the massive plant monster, which didn't seem to notice them as it was moving towards a different target.

'The stone...The Stone of Poseidon...I must have it!' These were the only thoughts in the plant's mind as it began to head towards the location where it was sensing the stone that a powerful aura had activated.

Unbeknownst to anyone that a certain goddess awakened the stone.

"Finally! Dad sure knew how to set up a great trial for the ones after the stones." Aqua said as she pulled out the stone and looked at it in the light since it was a shining ocean blue color. The gem was shaped like a sapphire, but the power that radiated from inside the crystal was a small parting gift that her father had left for his daughter to find should she end up in the world.

Aqua cheered as she looked at the gem before putting it in her mouth and swallowing it, which made her sigh in relief while feeling the power of her father's magic flap within her body.

"Yes! With this power, I can take down that Demon Lord alone and get revenge on that stupid NEET for bringing me here. Am I a genius or what?" Aqua asked herself as she puffed out her chest until the ground shook underneath her.

"W-What's happening?" Aqua asked herself as she looked to see a massive monster appearing near the Goblin Cave, which made the ExGoddess worry until she realized that she had her father's power and now nothing could beat her.

"Heh. You don't scare me! Take this!" Aqua shouted as she summoned her God weapons, consisting of a translucent pink hagoromo and a staff with a massive flower at the end of one side.

Magic began to charge all around her as she pointed the staff toward the flower monster. Before heading toward her, it sensed her presence, specifically the stone's power. Aqua smirked at this as she began to boast about her power.

"Prepare to fall by my might, you monster! I am Aqua, the Goddess of Water, and I shall, and thanks to the stone's power, I cannot be stopped!" Aqua shouted as the flower on the end opened up and charged her spell before the monster rushed toward her even more.

"Now, face my power! Gods Spear!" Aqua shouted as the staff became a spear before she threw it toward the monster. The spear grew in size and power before hitting the monster successfully, which made Aqua cheer at her successful attack.

"Hahahaha! Take that foul beast and know you've been bested by-," Aqua shouted in a haughty tone before feeling something wrap around her body she was then forcibly dragged towards the plant monster, who seemed more annoyed than harmed from the attack, which made Aqua fear for her life until asking herself what happened.

"I-I don't understand! The spear should've worked! Nothing can survive the Gods Spear, and the gem even powered it up!" Aqua said to herself until a screen appeared next to her to reveal a green-haired girl who was also a teenager.

{Oh yeah, so the thing is that you're no longer a Goddess since your kind of a human now with high levels of magic. And if you had read the warning of the stone, you would've known that only humans can use the stone if they are worthy of its power. You are human, but the stone decided you are not worthy.} The woman said as Aqua began to argue back.

"This is an outrage! I am a Goddess who was forcibly brought here by a stupid HikiNEET! I should be back in Heaven and doing my job, but I'm stuck here!" Aqua cried as the woman on the screen rolled her eyes as she was used to this side of her older sister.

{Yeah. Sorry but not sorry. Well, I hope you live, and if not, then I just wanted to say one thing I've wanted to for a long time now.} The woman said as Aqua tried to get out of the plants' roots until the woman replied.

{I hate you, Useless Goddess.}

Many awws were heard in the background of the woman's screen as Aqua was shocked by this before struggling even more to get out.

"Grrr. When I return, I'm making you do more of my paperwork!" Aqua shouted as she continued to struggle until the Plant monster could see that the stone was inside of her stomach before using its roots and shoving them into the woman's mouth. They went towards the stomach and attempted to pull out the stone, but as soon as he touched it, the stone shined brightly as it burned the roots of the monster.

The monster hissed in pain as it looked at Aqua before smiling at itself.

'Food. Consume girl to get stone.'

The plant monster then opened its mouth before eating Aqua whole Aqua screamed in fear as she was sent into the monster's mouth. The monster licked its mouth with a slithery tongue until it saw a few monsters approaching it, which made the plant prepare itself to defend its food that would be digested soon.

Kali and Nomad charged at the plant monster before climbing up the vines, as did the rabbits who followed them.

"Cut the roots, and the monster won't be able to escape!" Kali shouted and yelled while leaping into the air and heading towards its stem before stabbing the axe inside its side, making the plant monster roar in pain. In contrast, Nomad began to cut the roots he was running on and the ones attacking him, which made the plant monster realize that it was in danger of being killed by these Demihumans.

'No! I must run! Consume stone, then return!'

The plant monster began to detach its head from the stem of its body before having the wind carry it away from its old body.

Kali growled in frustration that the target got away until Nomad reassured her they'd be ready when it returned.

Kali nodded in reply as she turned around and spoke to the rabbits. "We are victorious! We managed to chase away the monster, but we shall end its existence when it returns. For now, it's time to heal and start building defenses. Master Issei informed me of a few things that we can do to make the Dungeon more protected. If none of you are injured, you'll be working with me to set up the traps, which the master has provided for the Dungeon."

The rabbits cheered in joy as they were happy to have been victorious over their first enemy until they began to take the roots back to the Dungeon to see if they could use them for defense.

Kali watched them and assisted them while speaking to Nomad.

"There was something about that plant monster that made no sense. I remember hearing about it, but it's been asleep for so long. I don't know what might've awakened it, but when I was working with the goblins, they told me of a stone that was blessed by one of the Gods." Kali explained as she recalled an ancient stone that was part of a set of seven stones that held incredible powers that could give a Human, DemiHuman, or any other species the power of the Gods. Unfortunately, it will only work if one is worthy of the stone.

"That must be why the plant ate the stone, so its body could absorb its power. What powers did the stone grant the wielder?" Nomad asked as Kali sighed before replying.

"I don't know, but I know that something woke up the plant monster after being asleep for who knows how long. Hopefully, whatever it was won't make it much of a threat now that it's separated from its body. Still, we should inform Issei-Sama about it immediately." Kali said in response as Nomad nodded before heading towards the cave with some do the roots as well.

Fortunately for them, Issei will be able to hear the message.

"You know, for a couple of bears with extremely high amounts of strength and durability, their speed and magic were severely lacking. Plus, when planning to overwhelm one of their own, they never considered that they were weaker than this body." Issei said as he had consumed the One Punch Bear, he was controlling until he looked at the many different bears that lay on the ground dead due to Issei using his high speed to make his borrowed body extremely agile to dodge the others and even make the leader of the pack flee in fear.

"In the end, they didn't want to join. Hopefully, the stragglers escaped and will join us when I show them my superior might." Issei said as he walked out of the cave after consuming the remaining bodies on the cave floor before seeing that Tsuki and her team had tied up a set of five One Punch Bears.

Tsuki smiled at her master's return before he greeted her with a warm smile.

"Tsuki. I'm glad to see you and the others are okay. Did they cause you any trouble?"

"No. These bears were easy to capture to ensure they were prepared to see you. These bears are muscles only. They believe long names are signs of cowardice; however, I believe the 'great Orso' is ready to speak to you." Tsuki said as Issei thanked her before walking to the five bears to see they were wrapped in vines that held their arms in place.

The leader of the bears reminded Issei of a game with pocket monsters in it. The best he was facing appeared to be a bipedal, ursine creature.

Its broad body was covered in brown fur, except for its muzzle, inner ears, and paw pads, which were a light tan. It had narrow eyes, a triangular, black nose, and a wide mouth with small, visible fangs in the upper jaw. The fur on its shoulders was longer and more structured, with rectangular extensions. A large, tan, ring-shaped mark was also shaped like a new moon on its chest. His forelimbs were long and bulging with muscles that ended in five claws each, while his hind legs were short and thick, ending in three claws each. Its tail is large and spherical.

'It does look like an Ursaring from that game.' Issei said to himself before looking at the leader in the eyes. "I defeated your precious subordinates whom you abandoned despite having such a bold and brave name like Orso. Care to prove yourself to your remaining comrades, or do you prefer Death?" Issei asked as Orso growled at the Jellyfish before him; he snapped the vines in a rage before roaring at him.

"I accept your challenge! Prepare to fall to the Great and Mighty Orso!" Orso roared as he charged at Issei before he willed his tentacles to become a barrage of punches that pummeled the bear, who was shocked by the attack until he was sent flying a few feet away from Issei, who looked confident but not completely arrogant in his abilities as he was before due to his second Death.

"Is that all you have, Orso? Is this the limit of your bravery?" Issei asked as Oroso growled at him before charging at the Jellyfish once more but was stopped by Issei's tentacles before wrapping them around Orso's arms. Orso struggled to escape them until he was thrown into the mountain of his domain, which made him groan in pain as he tried to stand up a bit more until he realized that even with his incredible strength, Orso was no match for the Jellyfish.

However, as a One Punch Bear Leader, he has his pride to think about, so he could choose to either swallow his pride and join Issei's Dungeon and become stronger than he is now or attack and try to kill the Jellyfish, even if it means ending his life.

Guess which choice he made...

Orso roared as he charged at Issei, intending to kill him, but Issei could already see this coming from the look in his eyes before using his tentacles to wrap the massive bear up.

"Farewell, Orso," Issei said before crushing Orso's body and letting it fall. Issei then turned around to see the other four in shock and awe at their masters' defeat before one of them bowed to Issei.

"I pledge myself to you, Mighty Hyoudou-sama. I am known as Ursa. The second in command of the One Punch Clan. I am willing to serve you and assist you in your Dungeon." Ursa said as the other three bowed to Issei. He was glad that someone saw reason until he felt someone trying to communicate with him.

"Thank you, Ursa. Free them while I take this call." Issei said as Tsuki nodded in reply while Issei answered the message.

"You called Kali. Is something wrong?"

[A couple of minutes ago, a massive flower monster woke up near the Dungeon and seemed to be looking for the Stone of Poseidon. I'm not sure if it found the stone that it was looking for, but I can tell you that we managed to chase the plant away. It left most of its body here, which was used to help the Dungeon. You should be able to sense it near you since it flew in your direction.] Kali explained as Issei nodded in thanks for the information.

"Thanks, Kali. I could not only absorb and defeat most of the One Punch Bear clan, but some of them wished to join us, so I spared them."

[I'm glad you don't give into your monster side so much. It shows that you are serious about wanting to see both sides.] Kali replied as she recalled Issei's desire to learn more about both sides of monsters and humans which made her happy that her future mate was a reasonable one and not one who'll only go down the path of a monster.

"Thank you, Kali. We'll be heading back, and if we do see that flower, I'll personally consume it before it becomes a threat." Issei said before ending the message to see that Ursa and the others were getting along with the rabbits.

Issei was about to speak until Tsuki hissed as she felt a strange aura approach the area.

"Issei-sama! Stand back. I sense an unknown enemy approaching the area. Sisters!" Tsuki shouted as the other nine rabbits readied themselves for any surprise foes while the bears also readied for a fight.

Issei's eyes scanned the area and saw no one near them until a hiss was heard from the forest as the flower monster's head appeared with a new body forged from a massive tree.

Boss Encounter: Munch Munch Plant

Ursa and his other companions rushed towards the massive tree monster as they used their upper body strength to break and cause massive damage to the main body while the head tried to strike them with its vines. Still, Tsuki and the others acted quickly, thanks to their instincts guiding them to take down the vines.

Issei was amazed by their teamwork before seeing that they relied more on their instincts, which was helpful in this situation. However, when facing more experienced and powerful opponents, instincts won't be enough to take them down.

"I better join in the fight as well," Issei said as he flung himself off the ground towards the head of the monsters with his tentacles before making his smaller ones fuse to become a drill. Issei spun wildly, which made the monster hiss at him as it lunged its head at him with its mouth wide open until Issei smiled at this.

"Try this! Tentacle Drill!" Issei shouted as he kept spinning until he went into the mouth and out of the other side, making the plant groan in pain as its mind told it that its life was over.

The head of the Munch Munch Plant fell from its new body before Issei used his two king tentacles and wrapped it up before he consumed the head and what was in its stomach.

Congratulations on defeating the Munch Munch Plant Boss. You have leveled up to Level 30. Also, you have gained a few new items and can evolve into a Humanoid Jellyfish. The stomach of the Munch Munch Plant reveals an S Ranked relic and a body suitable for your human form. Would you like to absorb the human body and the S Ranked Relic?

Issei pondered this before asking the screen. "Can I see the relic and the human body before I consume them?"

The screen was blank for a moment until the screen popped up with two windows.

S Rank Relic: Stone of Poseidon. A stone that was crafted by one of the seven Gods. This stone allows the user to increase their magical powers, and those with water magic affinity can manipulate it without magic circles and chants freely.

You have also met the requirements of the Stone of Poseidon so that you may consume it for its power.

On the other hand, the human body appears to be an Ex Goddess. The body has massive amounts of magic, but the memories of the King Toad clarify that the one in the plant's stomach is none other than Aqua, the Goddess of Water herself. By consuming her body, you'll be able to gain her human body, Magic, memories, and much more, although this will force you to evolve into a more powerful creature.

So will you accept this?

Issei nodded as he accepted the conditions before feeling funny as if his body had been rearranged. His eyes slowly began to close themselves off without hearing Tsuki's and Ursa's concern for Issei.

Evolution has begun. The estimated time will be three days.

Eris looked at this through her viewing mirror. It was conflicted by these events that took place since, on one hand, she felt sorry for her older sister being not only sent to another world and losing her Godhood but also the fact that she's dead and is now being consumed by the human soul that Diablo's child reincarnated.

On the other hand, Aqua has had it coming for a long time now due to the many things she has done with the souls of the ones she had sent to the world they rule over and assist. Eris was usually the one who was forced to take ridicule her sister, pinning the blame on her for things that were the Water Goddess's fault, taking on Aqua's responsibilities due to the Goddess being a lazy drunk at times when 'resting her brain after a long day of work.'

"Eris? Oh, there you are. Make yourself useful and get me some more tea." Aqua said as she gestured to the empty teapot while shaking that empty cup in front of Eris, who had bags under her eyes from doing a good mission.

"Eris! Do this for me since you are not busy at the moment." Aqua said as she put down the massive mountain of paperwork which made Eris bite her tongue as she did the paperwork and could hardly sleep while Aqua laughed at another mortal's hilarious Death.

'I swear, one day, Aqua, You'll get what's coming to her.' Eris grumbled to herself as she returned to her job without noticing that Aqua was speaking to a particular thief known as KazuTrash.

"It's so funny how things play out, don't you agree, Eris?" Death asked as Eris was startled by the man's appearance before the man chuckled at the image before him.

"So Poseidon's daughter was killed and now soon to be absorbed. I always knew Aqua would take after her father more than her mother. How amusing. A new God of water shall be born, and I believe this one can put the power to use better than Aqua could. Do not feel saddened by Aqua's Death. Think of her being...reborn. You are a good girl Eris. Not like your father but more like your mother." Death said as he patted Eris's head before ruffling her hair until Eris smiled at the touch of affection she hadn't felt for a long time.

"I understand. I won't say anything until I see what he'll do with Aqua's power. And thank you for your words, Uncle Hades." Eris said as Death smirked underneath his hood, but before he left the room, he spoke to her one last time.

"Heh. Trust me when I say this, this boy shall do some interesting things to improve this world. Thanks to Aqua, much better than the great champions that were summoned here." Hades/Death said before leaving the room as Eris looked at Kali and Ursa taking Issei to his throne room back at the Dungeon so they could hopefully wait to see him awaken from his evolution.

'If Uncle Hades and Diablo's son believes that this boy is better than the other champions of this world, then perhaps it's best I speak to him about the others and how much damage they are doing to the people of this world.' Eris said as she transformed into her adventurer form, Chris, before smiling at Darkness.

"Time to do some investigating."

The Wheels of Fate are Turning as the Dungeon is coming along well.

Scene!

Eris, Aqua, Diablo, and the other four Gods of this world are children of the Greek Gods, and the seven stones were blessed by their specific father, such as Eris being the Goddess of Fortune and Luck—Aqua, the Goddess of Water, and Diablo, the Goddess of Monsters.

The other four Gods play different roles: Life and Death, Sun and Moon, Fire, Air, and Earth. In the reviews or PM, let me know what kind of God or Goddess will suit the role. I'll accept OCs for future stories and even OCs for future champions that Issei will have to fight since I wanted to show that not all reincarnated heroes are noble or have a strong sense of Justice.

Anyway, the next chapter will be Issei-Chan since our Fallen Angel is going on a date with Murayama and Azazel. Ta-Ta!~