Alternatively, the city's existence could be the result of an ancient civilization, lost to history, that had chosen to build their home beneath the surface. They might have possessed advanced knowledge and technology, enabling them to construct such an intricate and livable space. Their reasons for retreating underground could be numerous—seeking solitude, protection, or perhaps they believed the depths offered a purer, more harmonious way of life.
Another, more unsettling thought crossed Cyrus's mind. What if these people didn't originate from the surface at all? What if they were born of the dungeon itself, a unique race created by the mysterious forces that governed this underground realm? This idea, while far-fetched, was not entirely implausible in a world where magic and ancient secrets often intertwined. The dungeon could be a living entity, capable of creating and sustaining life within its confines.
