Detention Dungeon: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure Where Survival Is the First Lesson.

Information

Status

Ongoing

Year

2025

Author

Apollo149

• Brooklyn and the long wait (Part Three: The Battle).
  Apr 8, 2026
• Brooklyn and the long wait (Part Two: The Attack).
  Apr 7, 2026
• Interlude: Brooklyn and the long wait.
  Mar 2, 2026
• Chapter Twenty-Seven: When the Trees Let Go
  Feb 2, 2026
• Interlude: Brooklyn, The Year Without Sun
  Jan 29, 2026
• Interlude: Brooklyn, Shedskin
  Jan 28, 2026
• Chapter Twenty-Six: Maps, Mischief, and Mayhem
  Jan 7, 2026
• Chapter Twenty-Five: The Entrance Exam
  Dec 20, 2025
• Chapter Twenty-Four: Please Remain Seated Until the Bleeding Stop
  Dec 16, 2025
• Chapter Twenty-Three: The Grown-Up Playground
  Dec 14, 2025
• Captain Rath’s Review
  Dec 13, 2025
• Chapter Twenty-Two: Grass-Stained Fingers
  Dec 12, 2025
• Chapter Twenty-One: Wriggling Anticipation
  Dec 10, 2025
• Chapter Twenty: Wiggling Toes and Wicked Ideas
  Dec 9, 2025
• Interlude: Brooklyn, Red Ribbon Words
  Dec 9, 2025
• Chapter Nineteen: Where the Wild Things Wake
  Dec 8, 2025
• Chapter Eighteen: No Running in the Halls (Seriously)
  Dec 8, 2025
• Chapter Seventeen: With a Smile, Upside Down
  Dec 4, 2025
• Chapter Sixteen: The Forest Screams
  Dec 3, 2025
• Chapter Fifteen: The Demon You Conjured
  Dec 3, 2025

What readers say about Detention Dungeon: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure Where Survival Is the First Lesson.

• “Oh where to begin. I was originally going to review this at 2.1 then realized I was on chapter 6. Chapter 1 is a long girl for sure. Really sets the tone for the years of turmoil and emotional trauma she has gone through. It also shows the deep impacts bull…”

  BaskervilleRoyal Road5.0 / 5

• “First off, I'm a big fan of American comics and TV shows. Many superheroes (and supervillains) have tragic pasts similar to our protagonist, Chloe. However, the author describes these scenes of campus bullying with such suffocating intensity; she's the "inv…”

  BayardADRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

Community Reviews(10)

• BaskervilleRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Oh where to begin.
  I was originally going to review this at 2.1 then realized I was on chapter 6.
  Chapter 1 is a long girl for sure. Really sets the tone for the years of turmoil and emotional trauma she has gone through. It also shows the deep impacts bullying can have on someone. I had to stop for a while just because it hurt to read. (in a good way) Its very well delivered. If you have been bullied before or abused this will be a hard read.
  After the swap to the new world she, does I fully expect I would do in the same situation. And produces to build a monument to a life of trauma. Will be something I keep an eye on going forward.
  Style: The pace is nice even if the first chapter is rather long. I think setting the emotional tone for character pays dividends later, so it wasn’t for nothing.
  Grammar: Nothing really stood out, there was a typo here and there, but nothing distracts from the story.
  Characters: The FMC is hurt and bitter but with reason considering her history. There is time for them to grow as a person as it’s still early days as of my writing this. But from what I can see their fertile ground for growth as well hitting some story beats with dealing with the past that made her the person she is now.
  Overall go read it, its absolutely worth your time.
• BayardADRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  First off, I'm a big fan of American comics and TV shows. Many superheroes (and supervillains) have tragic pasts similar to our protagonist, Chloe. However, the author describes these scenes of campus bullying with such suffocating intensity; she's the "invisible girl" routinely bullied by a group of Mean Girls comparable to those in Heathers. It truly makes my heart ache for this soul hiding countless scars beneath a gothic shell. The depiction of Chloe's inner world is delicate and nuanced; whether it's her silent endurance in the face of bullying, her doubts about her self-worth, or that fleeting glimpse of trauma from her original family, it all resonates deeply and feels incredibly relatable.
  And then, she experiences a second wound from being judged by a goddess based on appearances and deemed "broken beyond repair." This is very interesting; it shows that transformation and change in this novel are arduous processes, not achieved instantaneously. The character's rebirth is also portrayed with profound symbolism. Chloe gains a brand new, perfect body that she herself desired. This serves as both a compensation for the bullying she endured due to her appearance in the past and an implication that she will face future challenges with an entirely new attitude. And those setups, built on a foundation of trauma and driven by vengeance, undoubtedly infuse the subsequent "dungeon construction" and "hero trials" with a rich, dark-gothic style and a strong sense of personal will.
  While affirming these highlights, from a reader's perspective, I also hope to offer two humble suggestions that might help this work shine even brighter in subsequent chapters:
  Continuation and Transformation of Emotions: Chloe accumulated a vast amount of pain, anger, and desire for revenge in the real world, and these became the core driving force for her choosing "High School" as her domain. After entering the new stage as a dungeon core, how these intense emotions will concretely affect he
• EdenCRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This novel delivers a visceral, emotionally charged experience that grabs the throat and doesn't let go. The protagonist, Chloe, is one of the most grounded and painfully relatable characters I've read in a while. Her voice is raw but articulate, perfectly capturing the internal chaos of trauma, isolation, and muted rage. The bullying is written with a brutal realism that never feels exploitative, just devastatingly honest.
  The prose is stylish, poetic when needed, but never overwrought. There’s a rhythmic vulnerability to the narration that carries the emotional stakes beautifully. When the tone shifts into the surreal threshold and system fantasy space, it transitions cleanly and effectively. The lore elements, like Soul Architect and Dungeon Core mechanics, feel unique yet well-integrated, giving the reader a sense of both dread and hope.
  Characters like Crow and Ash expand the world meaningfully. The pacing becomes slow and deliberate, contrasting Chloe’s emotional chaos with soothing wilderness immersion. The writing shines in atmosphere and tone control.
  There are some flaws: occasional repetition in internal narration, and a few typos or phrasing hiccups, but nothing that undercuts the impact. The story’s biggest strength is emotional authenticity and sharp stylistic control. It punches you emotionally, then offers a satisfying rebirth payoff.
  It’s hard to read with the bullying, but even harder to look away.
• Independent at TwoRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This novel gets more addictive the more you read，5 stars no doubt!
  What I love most is the protagonist Chloe. She weaves all the trauma from childhood bullying into the dungeon setup: elementary classrooms turn into trap-filled lairs, kindergarten monsters become guardians, and even the final Boss is that "Influencer Teacher." This whole "turning wounds into weapons" vibe is so badass and hits right in the feels. She’s not born overpowered—she’s over here feeling bad for her little monsters while forcing herself to absorb enemy power to level up. That struggle of "having to get strong but not losing her humanity" feels so real. And her banter with Bookbite? The little goblin rips on her for "huffing like she needs air when she doesn’t" and "fondling her core like it’s a toy—cringe!" It’s the perfect balance to the dark, intense battles—this duo has such great chemistry and is so stress-relieving!
  The dual storyline is awesome too. Underground, Chloe’s gearing up her dungeon, going head-to-head with those grotesque basilisks, and unlocking cool, practical skills like venom traps. Above ground, the druid, the captain, and their crew are expanding the camp—there’s conflict between human magic and nature symbiosis, plus those random ancient rune traps popping up.
  Just a tiny gripe: the logic behind some skill unlocks could be a bit more detailed. Like, the trigger conditions for that "Hunger Variant" skill—they just gloss over it, which is a shame. But that’s totally overshadowed by how good the rest is. It has all the fun vibes and real depth, the battle scenes are visceral, and the atmosphere is on point.
  Whether you’re into dark fantasy, character growth arcs, or faction showdowns, you’ll find something to love here. Highly recommend!
• SoaringMoonRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Style Score: 4.5/5
  The writing style is evocative and sensory and does a good job of painting a vivid picture of Chloe's world. Uses of language are descriptive and are appropriate for showing her emotional state and the oppressive atmosphere of her life at the school. I like how "sugar and knives" was used to describe the bully's voice. :P
  Story Score: 5/5
  I've enjoyed reading it so far and I can feel the characters as they tackle their individual issues. That whole of the narrative is well-paced, and lacks that youtuber-esque "always happening" thing that most of these stories sometimes use. The idea that her "journey" here at the school is almost over, sort of sets up the expectation that her hope will be broken down and become something else.
  Grammar Score: 5/5
  The grammar, spelling, and punctuation are consistent and strong. Sentences are well-constructed, and dialogue is clear. I know who is speaking when is good enough for me. I couldn't do a better job, so I won't bother.
  Character Score: 4.5/5
  I love the cover art for this story with Chloe being a fusion of like Harley Quinn and a goth Juliet from Lolipop Chainsaw. Helped me visualize her well. Her internal monologues are raw in capturing the vulnerability and pain of someone in her situation. The story has a mean girls aspect to it which wouldn't surprise me if it influenced the writing.
  Overall 5/5
  Given this authors history of solid stories, this one is no exception.
• chrisdnyxRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Style:
  The author’s writing style is vivid and immersive, painting a clear picture of the harsh world the main character inhabits. The language is carefully chosen, effectively evoking empathy for the protagonist and stirring anger toward those who torment her.
  Story:
  The story opens with a dark and heartbreaking premise… centered around a girl struggling to find her place in a world that shows her no kindness. Isolated and trying to quietly endure each day, she remains a target for cruel amusement. It’s the kind of narrative that, after a few chapters, makes you reflect on how people themselves can become each other's worst nightmares.
  Grammar:
  The grammar is solid, with no major issues. The prose flows naturally and is easy to read.
  Characters:
  Chloe: Her painful story feels like the makings of a kind soul eventually pushed into becoming an antagonist.
  Kiley: Her childish cruelty mirrors those who, out of their own misery, seek to make others suffer more than they do.
  Crow: A second main character with a compelling and layered personality.
  Ash: The fluffy companion adds a heartwarming contrast, and it's great how the author gave the second protagonist such an endearing sidekick.
  Conclusion:
  Detention Dungeon is a dark, emotionally gripping isekai LitRPG with a powerful start. The bleak beginning sets the tone perfectly and gives readers deep insight into the protagonist’s worldview. It’s thought-provoking and excellently written… almost like reading someone’s real, painful experience.
• David J. DebrittoRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  I think the book is really descriptive, and Chloe has many emotional layers, which is great. You did a strong job making her feel real and raw someone the reader can immediately connect with. I felt like I knew her. The writing is immersive and emotionally heavy in a good way, with strong atmosphere throughout.
  That said, as an opening chapter, I think there could be a little more direction or clarity on where the story is going. What journey are we being led into? Maybe it’s something small, a note in her locker, a comment from a bully, or a memory that sparks a shift in her thinking. Something to show that this moment is the beginning of a larger change or decision. That way, readers feel like they’re not just observing Chloe’s pain, but stepping into a story with forward motion.
  Also, consider closing the chapter with a stronger hook something that gives the reader a reason to turn the page and see what happens next. It doesn’t need to be dramatic, but a hint of what’s coming or what’s at stake would elevate the momentum.
  These are just my thoughts it’s not usually my type of story, but I really enjoyed reading it. Keep it up!
• Maddox StanfordRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  A gripping balance of dark emotional realism alongside fantastical transformation, the story’s vivid depiction of Chloe’s pain cuts deep as she eventually becomes empowered. This blend of unique motives, including bullying, trauma, and self-discovery—especially within a dungeon-core fantasy—creates an enthralling plot. While the ambition and emotional resonance of the story makes it stand out, tightening its pacing could elevate it even further.
  Chloe’s world feels achingly real due to the sensory details and internal monologue’s immersion. The smooth, game-like prose present within the void’s dungeon-core aspects stands out beautifully against the gritty, almost poetic descriptions of her high school surroundings. The emotional depth can, at times, impede the momentum, but the distinct, story-appropriate prose far outweights this concern. Reducing the dense passages may improve readability without sacrificing complexity.
  The narrative arc is ambitious, moving from a stark portrayal of high school cruelty to a fantastical rebirth as a dungeon core. Chloe’s journey from victim to empowered architect of her own world is satisfying and thematically rich, exploring vengeance and agency. The high school scenes are painfully realistic, though the bullying can feel relentless, risking desensitization. The shift to the fantasy elements is intriguing but abrupt, and the story would benefit from a smoother bridge between these worlds. The introduction of Crow’s perspective feels promising but disconnected in this excerpt, suggesting a need for clearer integration.
  The grammar is generally solid, with a few errors, nothing a quick edit can't fix. The prose flows well, and sentence structures are varied to match the emotional intensity. However, there are occasional inconsistencies, such as tense shifts (e.g., present to past in Chloe’s narration) and minor typos (e.g., “Mors, can’t use you” should likely be “Mors can’t use you”). Some dialogue tags and punctuation could be pol
• K.WrangRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  First, I must confess that I stepped into an unknown genre with this one: it is the first dungeon core I’ve read, and high school is almost foreign ground too. I liked what I read, even if this didn’t fit my typical genre niche. This book setup is easy to identify with, and it is written with care and skill.
  Style: The writing style fits the theme and conveys the emotions well. The prose is clear and focused, and every paragraph adds to the overall picture. The first-person narrative follows Chloe’s thoughts and inner reactions closely, making it easy to feel for her. The system messages were clear and easy to identify.
  Story: The story takes its time to develop, laying an emotional foundation. Later, it cherishes rather long descriptions, for example, when introducing the second character. This makes the pace rather slow. The book seems like a treasure trove for a reader willing to indulge in well-crafted descriptions, but for one looking for a faster pace, this might be a little slow.
  Grammar: No grammatical issues popped out to distract the reader. Disclaimer: I’m non-native in English and don’t recognize punctuation problems even if somebody hits my head with them.
  Character: The main character seems a bit stereotypical, and her load of trauma teeters on the verge of being too much. Maybe a little less would have sufficed to convey the message, but maybe the pieces manifest later in the dungeon? Don’t get me wrong, Chloe is not a one-dimensional character: there are also rays of light and occasional good people in her history.
  The high school bullies, on the other hand, felt one-dimensional and, in my viewpoint, unlikely aggressive. But we see only Chloe’s viewpoint, and I have never attended high school á la USA.
  The second character seemed different to Chloe, and his appearance might bring out new qualities from her.
• The Writer MeaRoyal Road

  ★★★★ 4.0

  I really don't understand this bullying culture. It's like something from another world. I really wonder what people are thinking when they bully. This never happens where I live. It's really weird.
  A female lead. It's not a genre I read often. It must be because it's hard to put yourself in a woman's shoes. Despite this, some people manage to read stories with female leads regardless of gender thanks to their impressive style and the effective stories of supporting characters. It is still possible to empathize with the characters, so male readers need not avoid reading. I would like to state that I'm not being sexist here. There are just some conditions that we don't have in order to empathize.
  The story is really good and I don't see any problems with grammar other than simple things. The style needs to improve. I didn't like the beginning but it picked up later. Maybe the beginning could have been extended a little more to make it more impressive and the character could have been introduced more thoroughly. The flow has a good process. Apart from the minor problems, it's a good story and definitely deserves a chance. Considering that it releases episodes quite frequently, it's worth giving it a try. I wish everyone a good reading.