Down the Rabbit Hole: A Romantic Dungeon-Core Adventure

No Need for a Core?, Book 1

By: A. B. Zagaroth

Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi

In the first installment of this captivating fantasy series, even the most powerful beings can learn from their mistakes—with a little help, that is . . .

Once, Mordecai was an entity to be reckoned with: a sapient crystal core with limitless potential. Having lived through countless lives as an avatar of every species he could imagine, he was constantly learning, growing, and gathering incredible abilities. But something went wrong. Someone did something unforgivable to him, and he was sealed away for all eternity.

Now, a chance encounter has awakened Mordecai from his eons of slumber. And though he is a weak shell of his former self, his fated accidental saviors are the perfect catalysts to help him regain his powers and start anew. Moriko is a half-elf disciple of the goddess Sakiya, firmly in tune with the physical world. And Kazue is a bunny-obsessed kitsune-turned-land-spirit who can help Mordecai construct a new body through her budding magical abilities.

Joined together by a twist of fate and an intimate soul bond, this unlikely new family must work together to not only survive but thrive. Ultimately, they will need one another more than they can even comprehend as Mordecai's awakening has also been noticed by others even mightier than him, and not everyone is pleased to see the return of this ancient being . . .

The first volume of the hit fantasy progression series—with more than two million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

Tropes include: retribution, redemption arc, found family, unexpected love, weak to strong, strong to stronger, and forced proximity.

©2026 A. B. Zagaroth (P)2026 Podium Audio