Darkness.

  Its STATE was damaged beyond repair. Multiple wreckages of constructed terrain were consuming large quantities of Anomalous Energy. Sudden spike in Monster Soul Prototype influx was alarming. Whatever intruder had invaded past its defenses, the Crypt of Fiendish Worms was finding it difficult to put it down.

  This could be a MAJOR PROBLEM.

  Invaders were a non-issue. NORMAL Invader Activity was essential to constant survival. Information from the Watchers indicated the presence of a He-Who-Consumes-Within. Conflicting observation, since no foreign Anomalous Energy was traced.

  The Crypt of Fiendish Worms extended its awareness outwards. EXTERNAL ALTERATIONS negative, as usual. The land was soaked in ANTI-LIFE concepts.

  Not consumable. Rejected.

  It turned its gaze inward. Vital statistics showed the INNER LAYER bordering on NEARLY DESTROYED.

  Intruder He-Who-Consumes-Within REMOVED Monster Prototype THOGGUA from SOUL CRYPT.

  Intruder He-Who-Consumes-Within REMOVED Monster Prototype OROCORAN from SOUL CRYPT.

  Intruder He-Who-Consumes-Within REMOVED Monster Prototype SEUGATHI from SOUL CRYPT.

  Intruder He-Who-Consumes-Within REMOVED Monster Prototype NEOTHELID from SOUL CRYPT.

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  …

  …

  The list went on and on. This was OUTRAGEOUS.

  He-Who-Consumes-Within was CONSUMING Monster rototypes from ITSELF, and the Crypt of Fiendish Worms was doing NULL. It could do NULL about it.

  Unacceptable.

  Unacceptable.

  A wave of Anomalous Energy expanded outward from ITSELF, radiating from the crystals of the SOUL CRYPT.

  Unacceptable.

  Utterly Unacceptable.

  Tempting recommendation. But Instant-Termination would require a forceful trigger of FAILSAFE.

  Not recommended.

  But…necessary.

  Soul Crypt contraction was underway. Monster count had been drastically reduced. All Anomalous Expansions were on hold.

  It was time for Instant-Termination.