38th Floor
“A deal?” Said Aro and Pierce as Neo pulled out a contract.

“Yes, Meow. A deal.” He showed it to Pierce as he read it to Aro.

“Find my client’s brother, Aro. He’s a young centaur who has a deep voice.” Pierce said what’s on the contract as he and Aro looked at him.

“And… if we find his brother?” Asked Aro. “What’s in it for us?” He asked.

“Yes… why does your client want to find this centaur?” Asked Pierce.

“Well… you must know, he wants his brother to know that he’s doing well, meow.” Said Neo “You both will be compensated 50 Dungeon coins…” He also pulled out 2 baskets of magic cherry tomatoes “200 magic cherry tomatoes, meow.” Spoke Neo, which shocked them both.

“Cherry tomatoes!?” they both yelled in shock as they both examined it.

(“I’ll be a great husband for my wife!”)

(“Lord Tirek’s magic will return to him!”)

“Well… I believe you don’t need us to find your client’s brother.” Said Aro, which confused Neo.

“Huh?”

“I’m your client’s brother.” He said that made Neo look surprised.

“Huh… didn’t expect it to be that quickly.” He said, “Want the money now?” He spoke.

“Next time.” Said Aro as he grabbed his basket and Pierce did as well. “You’ve met my brother? Where is he, why hasn’t he gone to me and left the dungeon?!” Asked Aro as Neo cleared his throat.

“Well meow…” He said as he remembered what Lone told him.

FLASHBACK
“Remember Neo. My brother might break your bones if you don’t tell him where I am.” Said Lone, which made Neo gulped in fear. “Don’t tell him or his companions that I’m on the 99th floor. I don’t want him to sacrifice himself to save me.” He said as Neo looked at him. “He’s my only family and I can’t lose another one, like my grandfather.”

“I understand, meow.”

“He saved my life on the 40th floor. So, I’m returning the favor I owe him, meow.” Neo answered, which surprised Aro & Pierce, who was shocked to learn where he once was.

“The 40th floor?!” they both said as they looked at him.

“I didn’t know of an adventurer who made it to the 40th floor. How can a single creature get that high without being captured?” Asked Pierce. “I mean, I’ve heard that the adventurers of Scorpan’s army capture any awakened Centaur & Gargoyle to prevent them from being part of a rebellion.” He questioned as Aro snarled.

“Don’t remind me. We could have them as allies, but that tyrant always finds a way.” Aro complained as he turned to Neo. “Tell me, did Lone-”

“Shhh…” Neo shushes him.

“Sorry. Your client, did he talk about me?” Asked Aro, who was showing actual emotions as Neo nodded.

“Yes. He misses you a lot but given that he’s awakened, he can’t risk leaving without getting captured.” Said Neo as Aro smirked.

“That’s my brother. He rather slit himself than getting captured.” He said proudly while scaring Pierce and Neo. “But tell me, did your client discover the tomatoes as an item?” Asked Aro.

“My client is a great creature with many secrets, meow.” Said Neo as Pierce wondered about Aro’s brother.

(“The 40th Floor… how in Celestia’s name did he manage to get there while the best members of the guilds all over the planet haven't. If he managed to get there without any support and did it entirely solo, he must be an extraordinarily talented creature!”) Through Pierce, he had an idea. (“We could recruit him but given that the Centaurs & Gargoyles have a strong distrust towards ponies. But if we keep his brother safe from Scorpan’s army, he might trust us. We could have some benefits with making a contract with Neo, but I have to think smart. I better not misused his trust.”) He turned to Neo. “I agree with the contract.” He said as Aro grinned.

“So have I.” He said, Neo pulled out the pen. “What’s that?” He asked as Neo explained it to Aro like he did with Lone. “This would make those dumb quills useless.” He said as Pierce looked at it and nodded.

“I can imagine those store owners crying about that.” He said as they both signed the contract as 3 screens appeared before them as both carried their baskets.

“We’ll see you in 10 days.” Said Pierce as Aro turned to him.

“Tell him that his brother is an adventurer now, but he promises to meet up with him.” He said with joy as Neo waved farewell to them as they parted.

Lone’s Farm
Lone was watching the bunnies making their own burrow home. “Impressive.” He said “Back in my land, it's either a cave of monsters you got rid of or a house made out of junk.” He said as they looked at him “It’s not a great place but it's home.” He spoke.

“PII…” They said as they showed him their home.

“Impressive.” Said Lone as he looked at it. “Green onion leaves roofs, a lounge where you can relax, I see wheelbarrow is doing that already. It looks a bit bigger than your parent’s since there’s 7 of you. Amazed that Shovel and Sickle made the house with durable walls.

“PII.” They both said as Lone looked at them.

“Let’s have what my race’s ancestors call a housewarming party.” Said Lone as all the bunnies cheered.

“PII!!!” They all said as Lone made them some tomato juice as the juicer crumbled.

“Damn it! It’s now worthless.” He said as they groaned. “Hope that Tool Store sells me another one that’s not weak.” He said as he poured some juice in their carrots that they hollowed out. “Smart of you guys to hollow out these carrots for the juice and eat them.” He said as he noticed Hubby and Wifey were getting all lovey-dovey as he realized something. “Oh… now I see why they kicked you all out.” Said Lone.

“PII?” Said Mage.

“You’ll be getting baby siblings.” He said as a screen appeared.

The Seed Store will open.

Seed Store Open

“Alright. The Seed Store is open! Nearly forgot about that since we’ve been busy.” Said Lone as he checks what's in stock. “What’s for sale today.”

You will see 3 types of randomly selected seeds for sale today.
Your level allows the purchase of one type.

• 100 Seed Potatoes 5 Dungeon Coins
• 100 Strawberry Seeds 0.5 Dungeon Coins
• 1000 Lettuce Seeds

“Free Seeds?!” Yelled Lone but stopped “Wait a minute… Nothing in life is free! I’ll never get back the blood I’ve lost for believing.” He said as he looked at the potato choice. “I did see them in flower pots but since I didn’t buy them… I’ll buy a different type of potato.” He said as he picked the potatoes. “Wish I could buy more.” He spoke.

You have bought 100 seed Potatoes.

Lone, 5 Dungeon Coins will be withdrawn from your Seed Bank Account.
You have earned 50 Seed Store Points.
Your Seed Store Balance is 56 Points
Thank you for shopping at the Seed Store. You may use the Seed Store LV.1 again in 30 days.
Thank you for shopping at the Seed Store.

A big brown bag appeared from thin air and over Lone. “What the?!” He yelled in shock.

*THUD*

The bag landed on Lone as he looked annoyed “Ow…” He said as the bunnies looked at him while Hubby looked angry while Wifey was scared. “Sorry.” He looked at the seeds as he remembered how he grew more from the sweet potatoes. “I can’t wait to harvest these. If I remembered from the cookbooks at my home, there was something called fries and wedges that were made from potatoes. Also mashed, steamed, boiled and potato pancakes.” The bunnies were drooling at the thought of those meals. “Let’s start planting tomorrow!”

“PII!!!” Yelled the bunnies as Lone looked up.

“I wonder how Neo is doing?” He asked. “I hope he managed to get what was on my list.”

The Middleman Zone
Creatures of different species within the tower, young and old, were going through the area; buying, selling and trading or children having fun. Neo was coming out of the Merchant’s guild holding his packsack. “Now I can hold more ware!” He said happily as he went to buy what Lone asked him to buy. “Let me remember, a big blanket, pillows, 2 ladles, bowls, spoons, forks…” He went to buy them and found some pots and pans. “A frying pan and a pot.” He said as he picked up a big stir fry pan.

“This might be perfect to make a fish stew or a pan-fried fish.” He said while drooling as he turned to the vendor. “How much are these, meow?” Asked Neo to a kobold vendor.

“Let’s see… a pot, 2 ladles… 2.9 Dungeon Coins will do.” He said as Neo looked at him.

“I’d like a discount, meow.” He said calmly, which surprised the vendor, but he stayed tough.

“Ahh… I like our confidence! You must be a new peddler in town.” He said, “Okay, I’ll do 2.5 Dungeon Coins as a welcome offer.” Said the Vendor.

“Lower, meow.” Said Neo, which shocked the vendor.

“Nah… I make a living doing this, man. I need some profits. 2.5 is my best offer.” He said while crossing his arms as Neo looked at him.

“Is it?” Asked Neo as he handed the stuff to the vendor. “Bye, meow.” He said, which shocked the vendor as Neo walked away as the Vendor ran in front of him.

“WAIT SIR! Are you going to just leave?” He spoke.

“Meow? You didn’t give me a competitive offer, meow.” Answer Neo.

“Urgh… All right. I’ll take… 1.5 Dungeon Coins.” He said, Neo smiled.

“1.3 coins or I’m going, meow.”

“Okay, 1.3 Coins. Last offer.”

“Deal, meow.” He said as he placed it on a barrel as he took what he gave the Vendor as he walked away with his purchases “Thanks, meow.” The Vendor watched Neo and sighed.

“I thought he was a rookie, but he’s a master haggler.” He said as he looked at his money to see Neo’s paw print. “Did he stain it?” Neo placed his purchases in his backpack and smiled.

“I did it, meow.” Said Neo happily, “I haggled without getting ripped off, meow.” He said to himself as he remembered what Lone taught him.

FLASHBACK
Lone wrote on a rock wall

NO MORE RIP OFFS!

YOU CAN DO IT!

“Take these lessons on not to be a pushover!”

1. Always haggle down the 1st offer.
2. If they say no, leave immediately
3. If the seller tries to stop you, haggle down for the 3rd time!

“Got it? No one will take advantage of you if you remember these 3 rules.” Said Lone.

“Lone was right, meow. I only need to do exactly as he said, meow." said Neo proudly. “Perhaps I can find a gift for him for all he’s done to him?” He said, Neo walked somewhere to find a place to buy.

“You see, this is from outside the tower.” Said a shady voice as Neo’s ears perked up to turn where he heard the voice to see Zam the Golin who scammed him and another creature in a blue cloak.

“(Female Voice) Outside the tower?”

“It’s a special gift for you. Suppose I’m a mentor passionate about supporting junior merchants.” Said Zam which made Neo hissed at him

(“ZAR!!!”) Yelled Neo in his head as he saw him talking to a fox in a blue cloak who was examining that outside war which was a metal flask “I won’t let him scam another rookie peddler, meow!” He yelled as he marched towards the two “HEY ZAR!!!” Roared Neo which made Zar flinch as the fox turned to Neo in confusion. “Glad I found you, meow!” He yelled as Zar looked surprised.

“Huh, Neo?” Said Zar as he quickly acted friendly. “Hey pal. How’ve you been? I was wondering where you were. How did the customer like the items I gave you?” He said as Neo looked unamused and mad. Neo pushed Zar by the nose.

“Back off, meow! I’m not your pal nor your friend, meow!” He yelled as he turned to the fox. “Don’t trust this guy, meow. He’s nothing but a scam artist!” Yelled Neo as Zar was shocked to hear that.

“WHAT?! What… are you talking about, buddy? What makes you say that I’m a scammer?!” Zar yelled at Neo “I sold you good items at a low price because I felt bad for you!” He said as he looked hurt, “How could you be so ungrateful?” He said as Neo hissed at him.

“Cat crap, meow!” He yelled as he pointed at the flask “You said that it has preservation magic, meow.” Neo snatched it from the fox “He’s lying, meow! All it does is keep the liquid to prevent hot drinks from cooling off and cold drinks from being hot!” He yelled in anger as he threw it at Zar who caught it. “There’s no magic in anything he sells! All he has is trash and common stuff from outside the tower!” Zar flinched.

(“DAMN IT…! Who told him that?”) Zar was smiling while sweating. “This is a misunderstanding, Neo. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong products. Hee-hee. Can we talk about it for a minute-” Neo looked around and saw two gruff looking Doberman in leather armor and swords.

“SECURITY!!! THIS GOBLIN IS SCAMMING ROOKIE MERCHANTS WITH GARBAGE!” He yelled at them, which got their attention and Zar panicked.

“*Growl* DAMN YOU, NEO! I’LL GET YOU FOR THIS!!!” He yelled as the Doberman security went after him. Neo huffed at him.

“Good riddance to bad rubbish.” He said “Never trust those kinds of scumbags, meow. He gives goblins a bad name, meow.” He said as he turned to the fox in the blue cloak who bowed to him.

“(Shy Female Voice) Thank you. May I ask what’s your name?” She asked politely as Neo smiled.

“My name is Neo, meow.” He said politely.

“Neo… it’s a nice name.” said the fox as Neo blushed.

“Thank you, meow.” He said but shook his head “But listen to me, I’ve been a victim of Zar swindling me. I don’t want any other rookie peddlers like I was, so be careful and find someone you can trust, meow.” He said as the fox bowed to Neo who waved goodbye “That someone will be your best friend and someone you can trust with your life, meow!” He said as the Fox looked up but was a bit angry.

“(Strict Female Voice) The mission is suspended. Everyone, come out and line up.” She said she had different canines wearing cloaks and hats with a badge on it as they bowed to the Fox who started to remove her cloak. “Please, explain to me what just happened. I asked you to take care of anything and anyone that will get in the way.” She said sternly as one spoke up.

“Apologies. We’ve joined our agents to survey the area within a 100 meter radius.” He explained. “I was coming back until that feline cat peddler came marching towards you and Zar. I was about to stop him, but he managed to make it to the target. I couldn’t risk Zar discovering us, I apologize Agent Willow.” He said as Willow opened her cloak to reveal a uniform underneath it as she stared at them sternly as she put on her hat.

Agent Willow, Secret Investigation Bureau of the Peddlers Association (Or S.I.B.P.A.)

“*SNARL* Months of planning to arrest that accursed goblin, wasted by one peddler.” She said as she turned to the canines. “I need to do some research on that peddler. He said that what he bought from Zar… he must have been a swindled victim.” She turned to the canine members “I also need a 100-page A.A.R. from you.” One of the canines looked at him.

“Excuse me?”

“Reflect on your actions in a 100-page After Action Review.” She said sternly as her fellow agents whimpered as she marched away. (“The Peddlers Association has received multiple reports about unethical merchant behavior. Records said that the cause of it was a goblin merchant. After tracking and viewing certain goblin merchants, we managed to track down to be Zar, the goblin. However, we can’t arrest him prematurely without actual evidence. Not without knowing his source of getting illegal products from outside the tower and deceiving peddlers into buying them. We pretended to be peddlers for months and finally crossed paths with Zar. We finally had him, but that cat peddler got in the way.”) She thought as she put some thought into it “Neo was his name?” Willow said to herself “I need to search for any information on him.” She spoke. Neo went to order something to eat as he was being spied on by a creature in the shadows.

Lone’s Farm
Lone was holding one of the potato seeds and talking to Sickle Bunny. “Okay, cut the potatoes like this.” He made a vertical line and horizontal line in the air.

“PII!” Said Sickle as he sliced the potato like he was instructed as it split into four big slices.

“Good job!” He said as he turned to Hubby “Now, soak the soil in water.” Lone explained that Hubby dripped water on the soil as Lone dug up a hole, placed the potato wedge in the hole and covered it up. “There. Impressive, isn’t it?” He looked at Hubby and said, “I turned 100 potato seeds into 400 seeds.” He said as Hubby looked at him “I’ve learned that in my grandpa’s library. I’m grateful that books about growing crops weren’t destroyed by time.” He said as he looked at his screen.

You have created a 300 square feet of potato field.
You have earned 10 XP.

“We’re almost done with these potatoes. It’s time to harvest the sweet potatoes!” Yelled Lone as the bunnies cheered.

“PII!!!” Lone looked at them.

“It’s been a while since you had sweet potatoes. The last time was when you were babies.” He said as he looked at the sweet potato field “We need to strip all the vines before harvesting the sweet potatoes. We can’t throw away what would give us free sweet potatoes, I have many ideas of making some tasty meals for them.” He said, they all drool, imagining what Lone will make for them.

“PII. PII.” Said Mage as they all went to work. Wifey and Sickle cut the stems with Hubby, Back Basket & Wheelbarrow carried the stems as Shove dug more holes and Warrior & Mage carried the stems, along with Lone.

You have created 4500 square feet of sweet potato field.

“There. I don’t need to worry about having less.” He spoke.

You have earned 150 XP.
You have leveled up.
You have earned 1 bonus stat.

“Can’t wait for the next harvest.” Said Lone as Hubby and Wifey got their kids' attention.

“PII!”

“PII!”

*CHANTING PII*

*CHANTING PII*

Lone watches them dancing as they dance around Lone in a circle. “What are they doing?” Lone asked himself as the Tower Administrator’s screen appeared.

THE BUNNIES ARE CHEERING YOU UP WITH A DANCE.
THEY WISH FOR A PLENTIFUL SWEET POTATO HARVEST.
THE ADMINISTRATOR JOINS THE BUNNIES BY CHANTING, ROASTED SWEET POTATOES!

Lone felt a bit embarrassed and laughed. “I don’t deserve any cheer. Time to harvest!” He said as he digs up the sweet potato as a bright light shines out from the ground as he covers his eyes. “What’s going on?!” He yelled as the light dimmed to reveal a sweet potato, but it looked different from the sweet potatoes he harvested.

[Solar Sweet Potato]
Sun-drenched on the highest point of the tower, these mutant sweet potatoes are full of solar energy.
When consumed, they each dissolve 100g of body fat, making you immune to the cold for 24 hours.
Grown by: Lone the Centaur, Farmer
Expiration Date: 30 Days Later
Rank: E

You have made an achievement: you have bred a new crop variety in the dungeon.

Lone was baffled “A new variety of crops?!” Yelled Lone in shock.

Equestria, Location Unknown
A geyser of water blasted Twilight Sparkle and sent flying to a large tree. “Ugh…” She opened her eyes to see a large bolt of lightning heading towards her. Twilight teleported to avoid it, but when she reappeared, a large onyx-color Siren wielding a trident captured her.

“I told you before, Alicorn. I refuse peace with your kind unless you allow me to drown your pillars of Old Equestria.” Said the unknown siren.

“I… I keep telling you… Celeste Undertow… I refuse to accept murder!” She said while struggling, which enraged her.

“YOU REFUSE?! YOU OBLITERATED THE UMBRA OF CRYSTAL EMPIRE TWICE!!! AND YOU’RE PROTECTING THE MURDER & HIS ACCOMPLICES OF MY DAUGHTERS!!!” she roared at her while pointing her trident at her neck. “You Alicorns live long. Let’s see if you can survive fatal wounds?” She said, which made Twilight sweat in fear.

“PLEASE! Let me help you!” She spoke.

“Help me? You know nothing about me except how your kind views me!” Said Celeste Undertow.

“I can get you what you want in all of Equestria!” She said as Celeste’s trident glowed.

“I refuse to let my pod to aid ponies!” She snarled.

“Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk!” Yelled Twilight which shocked her, calming her rage.

“My girls…” She said that she stopped charging in her trident. “What do you know about them?” She said calmly.

“They’re still alive, I’ve met them in the world Starswirl banished them.” Explained Twilight to Celeste who placed her hoof on her gem. “I can take you to them.” She said which made her turn to her.

“Answer me this, why did you go to where my daughters were banished? What was your purpose for doing that?” She asked Twilight who lowered her ears.

“To… stop them from controlling innocent humans.” She said sheepishly which made Celeste Undertow mad.

“And did you negotiate with them?” She asked which made Twilight slunk down.

“No.”

“And how did you know of them?” She asks, gripping her trident.

“A story on how Starswirl banished them?” She said nervously.

Celeste was holding her trident with both hooves “Typical ponies. Always think of themselves and their wants.” She said as she glared at Twilight “Tell me Princess of Friendship, do you know why my daughters attack your precious Equestria?” she asked.

“To stop the ponies from polluting your home.” She said sadly.

“And who told you that?”

“Starswirl.”

“So, he has a heart? I thought he replaced it with his obsession for magic, fame and power.” She mocked him.

“You have every right to be mad at The Pillars, in fact be mad at my species!” Yelled Twilight “I’ve even learned of a creature who became an evil tyrant because of friendship.” She spoke.

“The brother of Lord Tirek.” Said Celeste “I’ve met his followers in the Tower.” She said cross. “His followers are trying to capture the escaped rebels you’ve freed in the Tower.” Twilight looked horrified to hear that “But when they tried to take their captive rebel outside of the Tower, they only came out with no captive. All creatures that enter the Tower can only leave from the Tower they’ve entered.” Explained Celeste. “I believe it’s a failsafe but an effective failsafe to prevent creatures from making slaves out of the weaker creatures.” She said as Twilight looked at her.

“Please, let me reunite you with them.” She begged as Celeste pointed her trident at her neck.

“And how will I know you won’t seal the gateway back to Equestria when I reunite with my babies.” She said with an untrusting tone

“I Pinkie Promise that.” Said Twilight Sparkle.

“What is a Pinkie Promise?” Asked Celeste Undertow.

“It’s a promise that my friends and I take seriously.” Explain Twilight “If I break it, I’ll lose my friends-”

“FOREVER!!!” Yelled Pinkie Pie who came out of a bush as Celeste Undertow fired a bolt of lightning at Pinkie who went flying “LIKE I SAID!!! FOREVER!!!” She screamed as twinkle like a star, Celeste looked confused.

“Who or what was that?” She spoke.

“My friend you blasted and the creator of Pinkie Promise.” Explained Twilight “She takes them very seriously.” Celestie narrowed her eyes.

“Except we’re not friends. How will it affect me when I’m not friends with you? It feels like a scam that benefits only you.” Said Celeste who snarled at Twilight who sighed.

“Then I promise this, if I break the promise; I renounce my Alicorn Hood, severed all my connections with my friends from both our worlds and shut down the School of Friendship.” Said Twilight which made Celeste Undertow surprised.

“Friendship is your source of magic.” She said and swam around her “Your friends will not allow that.” Spoke Celeste as Twilight shut her eyes.

“Which is why I prepared a spell to erase their memories of my existence from their minds.” Answered Twilight.

“Why? Why would you renounce your magic for my daughters and I?” She said which Twilight looked at her.

“I want to correct a wrong that I created.” Twilight answered. “Every action has a consequence. Whether it is good or evil, there is a price to pay. Harmony makes us ignore the price until guilt hits you hard. We can create harm.” She explained. “I’ve… made mistakes for harmony. I never would have seen them from an angry group of orphans.” Said Twilight which confused Celeste.

“Excuse me?” She spoke.

“Never mind, let's reunite with your daughters.” Said Twilight as she took Celeste Undertow to the portal to the Human World.

Author's Note

Whoa... Twilight is righting 2 wrongs, made by Starswirl and herself. Perhaps if Twilight reunites Celeste Undertow with her daughters, The Dazzlings, perhaps they'll make an alliance with them for her guild. Leave a comment, and have a happy new year and here's an update of Lone's Stats:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GTMTWrl1bl6SGXmoCIptEvsdPXiqvCNzNYN0yYV8eXw/edit?usp=sharing