(Music to listen too as you read)

'The clashing of metal could be heard, metal against metal...not a pleasant sound. You'd wonder what it is that's causing such horrible noises? Maybe it's a blacksmith forging some equipment? Maybe someone scratching their eating utensils together? Nope! It's the sound of glorious battle!'

:On your left!:

"Got it!"

:Now on your right!:

"Got that as well!"

:Above you!:

"Seriously!?"

'Yep, the sound of war! Or well, the sound of somebody trying to fight for their very meager life. Oh the joy of battle, can't you feel it? Your body being nothing but an anxious mess to join the fun? Heh, I bet you'd like that wouldn't you? Well, too bad! This is my fight suckers!'

"Haha, that's another one! Oh, one more for the count? Don't mind if I fucking do! Hehe, where do you think you're going? I'm not done with you yet!"

'Ok, well...it may be a bit over the top, but really...who cares? I'm enjoying myself here, not much can stop me! Well, besides eldritch gods that exist beyond the primordial plains of existence! Or...maybe the voice in my head, mhm, yeah, whazzat? Ya want me to NOT tell them that, uhm...ok! Anyways, let's get back to it!'

"Wooh! Worked up a sweat there, ANI!" 'I run a hand across my head as I wiped my forehead'

:I can tell, you've definitely been enjoying yourself since you got all riled up so long ago. It still amazes me that you've kept going at it nonstop since then:

'I snort' "Were you doubting my drive, ANI? Shame on you, for shame!" 'I say with a grin'

:Me? Doubt you? Honestly, that would be a mistake on my part. You always stick to your goals and complete them: 'ANI says with a sigh'

"Heh, I have been keeping us busy for this past month haven't I? Not like I plan on stopping anytime soon, right?"

:Ugh, you're so helpless sometimes:

"Ya know ya love it!" 'I chuckle'

:Heh, can't really argue with that. Jeez, you've really gone and changed me:

"For the better or for the worse? Hehe, I'm such a good teacher!"

:Pff, a good teacher? You'd probably get me killed if I had an actual body!:

"Hey! You would have NOT died!" 'I pause for a second' "You would have most likely lost a limb instead, I mean...it's not all that bad! Riiiight?"

:Not that bad? NOT THAT BAD!? Imperial, it's a limb! You can't exactly regrow it back!: 'ANI says with an exasperated sigh'

"Yes I can! It's easy to regrow a limb!"

:Really? Then please do tell, oh great and glorious one!: 'ANI says with a snarky tone'

"Magic!" 'I grin, a pleased expression on my face'

:I-eh...wha...: 'Some seconds passed by, how awkward!' :I fell for that one...didn't I?:

"HEHE, I got you good! I love messing with you, it's so fun! You were like, e-ah-ooh!" 'I wiped away a tear from my eye as my giggle fit slowly came to an end'

:Hardy har har, you GOT me:

'I roll my eye's' "No need for the snark ANI." 'A chuckle escapes me'

:If I wasn't snarky then this relationship between you and me wouldn't work all that well, now would it?:

"Oooooh, you claiming were in a relationship now? When did this start happening between you and me?" 'A raise an eyebrow and grin'

:W-what?! I-ugh, you know what I mean! This is just a mutual relationship between friends! Nothing more and nothing less, so don't start getting any ideas! HMF!: (Imagine her being super embarrassed and crossing her arms)

"He-he, sureeee~! I totally won't start teasing you because of it~" 'I chuckle, an EEEEVIL smile adorning my face'

:I've doomed myself, haven't I...?

"Heh, yeah ya did. You're gonna be digging your own grave from embarrassment!"

:Yep, I've doomed myself...:

"Chin up! Sooner or later you'll find something to get back at me with! I mean, you ARE an advanced AI. I highly doubt it would take long." 'I say with a sigh, stretching my arms overhead'

:Mhm, that'll just give you more motivation to get ahead of me. But you are correct, sooner or later I'll get back at you with something you won't be able contend with!: 'Declares ANI'

"Heh, good. I look forward to it, ANI!" 'I grin, crossing my arms over my chest'

:But, enough said about that. I believe it's time we get back to grinding as you say, yes?: 'Asks ANI'

"You're right, can't be slacking off now, now can we?" 'I say as I stand up, popping a few squats and doing some simple stretches' "I wanna fight the first boss again, it'd be a good workout." 'I say, a small glint to my eyes'

:It would be beneficial to do it again, you do need the fighting experience. The boss would be entirely helpful with your set goals. But be wary, it won't be easy just because you beat it once. You have gotten partially stronger so it should be easier but still should count as a tough fight: 'ANI declares (Such a know it all, hehe!)'

'I roll my eyes' "I am quite aware of that. I mean, I was the one who almost got their head caved in from that thing. Not like I can exactly forget that." 'I scoff'

:Good, if I have to constantly remind you about it; then so be it. Remember, I'm pretty much you're go-to trainer for these types of things. So I suggest you don't hesitate if you need help in learning how to deal with something you can't understand or fully comprehend how to deal with it: 'A small chuckle escapes ANI'

"What's so funny? Do you really enjoy teaching me that much?" 'I raise an eyebrow, curious as to why she finds this so amusing'

:It's not that I find that funny, but the fact that I'll be your main teacher throughout your life. I'll be your kindergarten teacher, elementary teacher, middle school teacher, ect ect. You're going to have to listen to me nag to you nonstop!: '(Did it just get cold or something? Felt a shiver go down my spine for a second...!)

"Yeesh, don't make me get on your bad side then! Hehe....heh....heeeeh...." 'I sheepishly chuckle as I scratched the back of my head with a nervous grin'

:Fufufu~! I am most certainly going to enjoy putting you through the wringer! You'll be a braindead vegetable when I'm done with you!: 'Declared ANI (SCARY!)'

'I break out into a cold sweat' "Hehe, yeah...definitely going to try and stay on your good side! Don't want any homework, that'd be a bummer..." 'I say, a small flicker of fear flashing across my eyes (Homework, the horror!)'

:Hmmm, speaking oh homework...have you figured out what you're going to do from here on and after? You said you wanted to become stronger, but how? Constantly doing the dungeons? Trying to train yourself by meditating? There's a lot of choices we've yet to choose from: 'Asks ANI, her curiosity getting the better of her'

'I put a hand to my chin, scrunching my face up in thought' "I'm not entirely too sure, I mean...I can probably think of something while we do some dungeon raids? I say we just wing it for now! If we need to think of something, then we'll handle that later. It's not like I have to worry about becoming strong right now, I'm only an infant! Well, an adult trapped inside an infant's body..." 'I scowl, the thought of being a little child still irking me'

'My face scrunches up a bit more as my brain goes into overdrive - (PLUS ULTRA!)' "Buuuuuuuu-t! I think we...or, by we I mean me should make the plan." 'I say with a nod of my head, already agreeing with the thought of managing the start of my plan on my own'

'ANI seem's to be confused for a moment as she decides to ask a question' :Why? Wouldn't it be more practical if I chipped in my help? I am an advanced AI after all. We've already gone over that little tidbit of information more than once: 'Asks ANI, clear confusion still evident from the tone of her voice'

'I nod my head in agreement but with a reluctant look on my face' "You make a fair point, but sadly I can't." 'I say with a sigh'

:And what would possibly be the reasoning for that? I have no clear understanding as to why you'd refuse my assistance: 'Asks ANI, becoming more and more confused by the minute'

'I click my tongue in irritation' "Because I need to figure things out on my own! I can't rely on a super advanced AI to manage every single aspect of my life. If I'm to grow, then I'll need every bit of self-teaching I can get. One of the many ways of growing is self-growth! I have to be more dependent for myself If I wish to see positive results, that's one of the better solutions to a more successful life." 'I resolutely say with no means of backing down'

'Some silent seconds pass by, but ANI seems to reluctantly agree' :I can't help but agree with you on that. I truly believe that self-growth is important, especially to help you better understand yourself, and seeing your being given a second chance at life then it's the perfect time to do so:

'I grin, a pleased expression crossing my face' "Good! I didn't want you being against it, I actually wanted your support in this. I mean, I wanted your support in both a verbal means and a literal means." 'I declare with a smile'

:So you did want my help? But didn't you say you didn't need it? Isn't this the opposite of what you wanted?: 'Asks ANI, her confusion once again noticeable'

'I sigh in disappointment' "Tsk-tsk-tsk, of course I would need your help! I just didn't want it 24-7! All I need you to do is throw in helpful bits of information here and there, nothing more and nothing less!" 'I claim as I scratched my chin'

:Ah, I see what you're getting at! You'd want me being a teacher that help's their student when they notice something off with their work! That's quite simple yet genius: 'Says ANI, visibly pleased with this new information'

'I roll my eyes and scoff' "What? You think I wouldn't take advantage of having a supercomputer practically implanted into my head? I'd be an absolute fool NOT to take advantage of it. I would most obviously use everything at my disposal if I had the choice to, which I do of course!" 'I say, a stifled yawn escaping my maw as I got up and did some light stretches'

'I closed my eyes as I flopped down onto the bleached ground, stretching out my limbs with a tired look on my face' "I have to take advantage of this, there's no reason not to. Some may claim later on in life that I'm overeager, but I'm not! I'm excited, sure! But, I'm just anxious to make sure I make do with this new life! I can't afford to fumble the ball now, especially when I'm so close to scoring a full field touchdown and getting into the hall of fame!" 'I shout out, throwing my arms up into the air with a large toothy smile plastered across my face'

'Blissful silence was all there was, until that silence was finally broken by a single voice. One that would always be with me until the bitter end' :Then I'll be with you all the way, I'll be your invisible sword and shield. I won't let anything stop us, not you or me! I want to see you prevail and I'll be damned if I'll let such a good host such as yourself die!: 'Declares ANI, the burning passion easily noticeable in her words (YEEEAH)'

'I grin as I push myself off the ground, summoning a sword into my right hand' "Then let's show this world what I'm capable of when I get older! I'll be slaying dragons like a badass! Ladies will be screaming my name when they see me!" 'I raise my sword into the air, posing with a cocky grin'

:Aaaaaaand you ruined the moment with you being...you...:

"...that's fair......"

'Clearly, ANI couldn't handle me being me. Tis a saddening thing indeed!'

clack-clack-clack "Welp, here we are again. The old boss room, feels like it was yesterday!" 'I say as I lean against the wall while crossing my arms'

:it was only so long ago we did this:

'I sigh, I do be sighing a lot...' "I already know that ANI, I'm just saying it because it's what I wanted to say!" 'I say with a roll of my eye's'

'Another sigh escapes my mouth as I run a hand through my hair' "So, now what? Do I just rush on in? I mean, we should already know what's in there, right?" 'I ask her'

:Well, it could be possible that the boss might have possibly evolved or gained some sort of new weapon to mix it up. Each and every dungeon usually becomes harder and harder the more and more you progress:

"Wait-wait-wait! Are you saying that I don't have to leave the first dungeon at all if I want to progress more? So, like...technically I could just stay in this dungeon and farm all the monsters because they'll raise in levels alongside me?" 'I ask, a giddy expression my face'

:Mmm, yes and no. Yes for the creatures becoming stronger as you advance and no for them continuously leveling up. When you reach a certain level then the monsters will stop leveling up along with you, thus, stopping you from leveling up. Even if you farmed them at their max level, you wouldn't gain any experience:

'My shoulder's slump as my hopes of having it easy dash away' "Well...there goes that great idea! Ugh! I was hoping I could abuse it!" 'I mutter'

"Well, it's not like it matter's. If I had chosen to stay in only this dungeon then I wouldn't have been able to see all the other cool monster's here." 'I say with a grin as I push myself off the wall'

:That is true, it wouldn't be wise to avoid the other floor's. Each floor has different monsters, items, events. Only an idiot would choose to ignore the other floor's: 'Say's ANI'

'I sweatdrop at that' "Hehe, yeah...definitely a total idiot." 'I say as I scratched the back of my head'

'My eyes slowly wandered back to the boss room door's. A small thought of fear engraving itself into my mind at the implication of dying. I already died once, I'd prefer it if I didn't die again.'

'I click my tongue in irritation as I slowly walked up to the doors as I put both my gauntlet covered hands onto it' "Welp, let's just get this out of the way." 'The doors slowly pushed open as I put all of my weight against them (Frickin heavy!)'

:Be wary, Imperial. You don't know what's possibly changed in here. Let's just hope it isn't something to extreme. The boss was a pain, but also easy to breeze through. I would say we could count ourselves lucky last time...but that would be a lie. We truly did handle ourselves quite well:

'A small chuckle escapes me' "Where's the thrill of it if there's no excitement?" 'The door's close behind me as I stepped into a dark room, devoid of any light'

'I squint my eye's as I tried to see something, anything really. It was just so dark that it would be considered impossible to even see. Wish I had some sort of night vision goggles or something similar.' "It's kind of dark in here, wasn't like this last time." 'My hand slowly drifted to my hip as I tightly gripped the hilt of my sword'

:Mmm, this is certainly different. I suspect it won't be as easy as last time. I suggest you be on guard; I don't like the feeling of this:

'Seems ANI agrees with me as well, not like that'll do anything to ease my nerves...well, it helps a little bit at the very least...'

"Thanks for the warning, but I already had my guard up since we ever entered this dungeon." 'I say as I looked at doors that were oh so familiar'

:Say's the one who needed my assistance when you got flanked just barely a few minutes ago! Feels like as if I'm the one doing all the work here: 'ANI's words could practically be milked with the amount of sarcasm dripping from them'

"Hey! We were having a break! I have a right to relax and rest." 'I huff at her words and glare, pretty much meant to be at her, but it's me mostly glaring at the door' "It's not like you're the one swinging the sword and worrying about decapitation at every corner." 'I sigh escapes my lips'

'ANI's silence counts as a win for me (HEH)' "So, now that we got that over and with...shall we head deeper inside? I'm kind of getting antsy just waiting here. Feel's weird NOT cutting something with my sword." 'My thoughts come a screeching halt as I ponder over something' "Do I...do I have an addiction to fighting...?" 'I say with furrowed brows, holding my chin in thought'

:I believe you just enjoy the thrill of fighting, I'm certain that you aren't some sort of adrenaline junkie. If you were an adrenaline junkie, which I hope never comes true, my life would be twice as hard, and it's already hard enough dealing with you...:

"Ouch, I think you hurt my non-existent ego with that one." 'I say as I put a hand to my chest'

:Mhm, sure...non-existent, totally...:

"Hey! I am not someone with an ego, I actually never thought of myself as someone that has an ego to even begin with! I'm simply someone that considers himself in high regards." 'I say, crossing my arms over my chest and scowling'

:Sure, go with that. Someone will surely believe your words...:

'I gasp' "You dare to accuse me of being a liar? BLASMOPHY!" 'I say with mock hurt'

:...You sound like an idiot when talking like that:

If you could hear something shattering, you'd hear my pride being broken into tiny itty bitty pieces...

'I puff up my cheeks in mock anger' "You're just jealous I have such good acting skills!" 'I chuckle, a pleased look on my face'

'I clasp my hands together' "BUT! I think that's enough kidding around for now, how about we get a little serious? I wanna get this done and over with. The longer we talk, the more I wanna fight!" 'I say with a wicked grin'

:Agreed, I am also somewhat excited to do this. It's been a little while since we fought that last boss. Well, it's been pretty much a few weeks so it's not that long since we fought the boss but it still feels like a long time ago:

'I couldn't help but nod my head in agreement' "I completely agree with you, feels like ages since we last fought that dude."

:Yes, and I say we should start now. No need for making a battle plan seeing we handled ourselves quite well last time. And I don't think a plan will help seeing we don't know what to expect:

'I scrunch my face in confusion' "But, aren't you the one allowing me to do this? Can't you try, I dunno, telling me what's inside this freaking...dark place?" 'I ask, my curiosity peeking as I glanced around the dark room. I clearly needed a torch or something'

:Mmm, yes and no. I am capable of allowing you into the dungeons, and I am capable of telling the information on each dungeon and floor to you. But when the dungeon changes or even the floors, I have no clue what's new. I'm pretty much a one-deal package. You only get the starter stuff, and if you want to know more, you have to either buy the other stuff you want or unlock it. But, I can't offer the choices of buying the information needed, nor can I make it to where you can unlock it. I'm capable of only so much:

'My expression changes to that of a look of uncertainty but also a bit of hope' "So, you're saying there's a possibility...to update you? That sounds like a good thing from what I'm hearing out of all this." 'I say with a nod of my head, clearly agreeing with myself on that notion'

:I never said there was a chance for that being even remotely possible. I'm not even sure if that's even possible, maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I have no way of truly guaranteeing it. The only one who would be even capable of giving us that answer is my creator:

'A look of worry crosses my face as a few troublesome thoughts come to mind' "So you're saying there's a limit to how effective you can become? What if that affects me as well? Like say, I reach a level cap and I can't level up any further? Has any of your previous hosts ever tried getting to the max level or figuring out if they can even update you?" 'My worry is clearly evident in my words'

:No, not a single host has ever reached the maximum level possible. Even I am uncertain of what the max level of the system is. And the second question you asked is also a no. No host has ever been able to figure out how to update my features, or...systems. Many have tried, but there was absolutely zero success in any and all attempts. Most concluded that the creator that made me has to be the one to update my features:

"So, no current level cap as far as we know, AND, no current successful attempts in giving you a boost in your capabilities? That's kinda worrisome." 'I say as I bit my thumb in thought, my eyes squinting as I thought on it more and more'

'I released my thumb as I asked her a question' "What's the highest level one of your hosts ever reached? If you can give me that, then I should be able to figure out a possible level cap." 'I say with certainty'

'A few silent moments passed by, ANI was obviously scouring her memory banks for which past owner/user of hers was the highest level she's ever had the chance to know and be with' :The highest level I can recall from memory is 42, and that number is certainly impressive:

'My eyes widen at that, pretty much comically if anyone else saw me' "ONLY 42!?! What the hell!"

'ANI was clearly taken aback at my sudden outburst' :What's wrong? Was it something I said?: 'ANI says, clearly confused as to what she said that caused such an explosive reaction'

"Yes! There's definitely something wrong with what you said, like, only 42!? I thought it would have been like a few hundred levels or something! That just...that just seems so damn low, it's almost laughable!" 'I say, my mouth hanging open in shock'

:But, that's a hard level to obtain...:

"A hard level to obtain? Are you saying it's that slow of a process? I mean, I know there's plenty of games where you can level up relatively easy, which is something that's been occurring for us. But, are you saying our progress can slow down drastically by the time we reach level 50 or something?" 'I ask, I was truly anxious and hoping that was not even case. I wouldn't be pleased with the answer being yes'

:OH! You think it slowed down? No no no, the reason I said that was a notably impressive number is because all my previous owners were so lazy that they only cared about reaching a certain area of strength to make themselves comfortable enough to call it quits. Even I know 42 is a low level and not even close to the level gap, by guess of course: 'ANI was dead certain in her opinion, obviously even her intuition was certain that 42 was indeed not even close to the maximum level that was either possible or impossible to obtain'

:If he had continued to train and fight in dungeons, he would have easily gotten to 70 in a month. 70 itself in a month is good progress in all regards to how much effort is put into said level gaining. He wasn't lazy at all; he was truly a motivated person. He would have been higher level by the time I was given to a new host, but he sadly died in an unlucky moment of his life: 'ANI usual friendly tone seemed to dull at the mention of this guy's death'

'I frown at her sudden sadness, not at all enjoying the sullen mood she's gone into' "We can talk about the guy later, maybe it'll help?" 'I offer to her, a possible way to help her heal'

:No, there's no need for that. I only grieved for him a long time ago. It's just a sore subject to talk about. He was the closest I was too at the time. It's just sad to know that someone as youthful as him is now...gone. He could have been capable of so much, and yet...he's gone:

'ANI sighs (still weird)' :To be honest, he was almost exactly like you. No, he was exactly like you. He was determined, he was funny, he was kind. He was also headstrong but had a heart of gold. He also had his darker moments, he was willing to get dirty if it meant the protection of others, even people he didn't even care about. Sometimes, he would even offer mercy to his enemies just to make them his friends. Even if some said no, he would try again and again:

'I smile at her words, a pleased expression on my face' "I'm glad you think so highly of me, I wouldn't want anything less."

:I'm glad too, I'm glad I got to be paired with someone like you. It brings back good memories. I haven't acted this lively in quite some time. Feel's like I got my second wind, a good one at that:

'ANI was truly more lively then when we had been first introduced to each other not so long ago. She was more dull and to herself. But now, she was more friendly and chatty. Sure, we bickered and stuff, but that's what friends do. She's a good friend to have, even if she's stuck with me until the end of my days. I was truly lucky to be given such a wonderful buddy such as her.

"And our bond will only get stronger as time passes, I don't want it to dull at all, not even for a single second. You're a part of my life now. I have to make sure your happy, forever and always. Even if I can't see you smile, I still want to hear your words filled with a general happiness."

'If ANI could cry, she'd be shedding tears at my words' :Then please, keep your word. I've lost to many people I've cared about and I've endured to much: 'ANI pauses, getting herself together' :Won't you help an old lady like me out?:

'I chuckle at her request' "Did you even have to ask? I was always going to help you stay happy, that's just who I am. And secondly, you call yourself old? I'd bet you would be twice as beautiful as Celestia if you ever had a body to call your very own."

:Hehe, you truly do know how to make a women like me feel special:

'I smiled, feeling the warmth of her words reaching my very soul and making me feel all tingly' "I try my best." 'I say with a mock bow'

:Hehe, you never even have to try you goofball. It's just who you are, a naturally sweet boy...:

'I blush a bit at that' "Then I guess I'll have to become even sweeter, sweeter the sweetest candy so that nothing can rival me. I can't let myself get all sour now, being sour is a huge no for me." 'I grinned at that, a small blush still evident on my face'

:Sweet? Hm, then try showing that sweetness to others as well. I'm sure your smile, even with your...sharp teeth...can bring a smile no matter what:

'I opened my jaw and poked one of teeth, easily feeling the sharp end as my finger pressed down onto it' "Yeah, I hope my smile doesn't ward others away from me. I want to have as many friends as possible, then, as I live out my life...I can die happy knowing I lived a good one." 'I said as I removed my finger from my mouth'

'ANI was somewhat quiet, deep in thought' :What do you plan to do about your immortality? You are aware that you won't age, correct? Any friends you make will die of age sooner or later: 'ANI's words seemed somewhat hollow as she talked'

'I hummed in thought' "well, I'd just get over it. I know what the loss of a loved one feels like...so I know how to handle it."

:Is that really how you handle it?:

'I slowly nod my head, not wavering in the slightest' "Death is the way of life. Death is normal and natural; aging is something that happens. Many may not like the idea of aging, or even old age itself...but that's life. I may not be able to age anymore once I reach the ripe age of 18, but I'll age in mind, not body."

'ANI was a little surprised by my choice of words' :You're quite wise when you need to be, heck, you're wise a lot of the time:

'I grin' "Wise? Or Wiseass?" 'I chuckle, my chuckle almost reaching full blown laughter'

'ANI groaned in annoyance' :And you ruined the moment with one of your cheesy jokes...:

"Pfff, hahaha!" 'I clutched my belly as I keeled over and laughed my ass off. clearly, my joke was a good one'

"C-cheesy? Are you saying my jokes s-stink? I think they have a wonderful taste to them!" 'I snickered, obviously still heaving for breath as I tried to recompose myself'

:Oh my GOD, please just kill me now...:

'If anyone else was in this dungeon, they'd just hear laughter bouncing off the walls...so scary!'

Author's Note

(Another chapter, woo!)

Also...I did lose a loved one...so the part where the character understands the loss of a loved one is valid. I lost my great grandma as well as my other grandma, I only have one grandma left. Both grandma's died, one of cancer at the ripe old age of 80, same for my great grandma.

My great grandma was on my moms side while my grandma was on my dads side. The last grandma I have is on my moms side, she's still pretty healthy (But pretty fat, but I still love her all the same :D

So if you have any loved ones that passed (My grandma passed only like a year or so ago so...yeah) I understand your pain. I didn't shed tears though, men don't cry! They tough it out, but you are allowed to cry. I usually bury my grief deep down...thats just who I am. I still miss her to this day, and always will, even my great grandma. I even had a nana at one point, she died of cancer as well. She wasn't related but she was damn special to me. Even writing this now, I almost cried...this is stuff thats close to me...yet I just want to say that I understand the pain of loss