[!] Reminder: One month has passed since Edward left the Falkrona Mansion.
[Dungeon] or Monsters' den.
In the Celesta Kingdom, there existed a peculiar phenomenon known as Dungeons or Monsters' dens. These caves with multiple floors had been present for centuries, numbering in the hundreds and scattered across the kingdom. Among them, five dungeons were particularly significant— they were known as the [ENIGMA DUNGEON].
These dungeons were mystical, dangerous, and vast, but what made them truly remarkable was the treasure trove of ancient artifacts they housed. Every day, countless individuals entered into these dungeons, seeking fortune or training.
The management of these dungeons was entrusted to the [Eden Council], a select group of influential figures. Although they were independent of the Celesta Royalty, they still commanded considerable respect from the King.
Known as the [ENIGMA DUNGEON], these extraordinary sites were limited to five across the entire Celesta Kingdom. Four of these dungeons were located in the most powerful dukedoms: Falkrona, Roger, Tarmias, and Scarlett. The last and most notorious dungeon was situated in the royal capital of Eden, known as [DORIAN].
Due to the dungeons' immense potential for yielding wealth, the [Eden Council] of the past decided to capitalize on them by establishing [Eden Guilds]. These guilds offered quests with substantial rewards, either sponsored by the [Eden Council] or even by nobles themselves. Some aristocrats were willing to pay exorbitant sums to retrieve weapons or artifacts from these dungeons.
As such, adventurers known as [DELVERS] were eager to fulfill these quests and reap their rewards. Becoming a delver was relatively simple— one only needed to register with an Eden Guild in their town of choice. However, the delvers operated independently within the dungeons, as the guilds were not responsible for their safety.
This lack of hierarchical structure often led to inexperienced individuals venturing into deeper, more dangerous floors, resulting in deaths. The guilds were more focused on financial gains than safeguarding their members' lives.
In the capital city of the Falkrona Dukedom, two prominent establishments stood out. The towering Falkrona Mansion, perched atop a small hill, was one. Adjacent to it was the Enigma Falkrona Dungeon, a kilometer away. Situated next to this dungeon was an affiliated Eden Guild, always bustling with activity. Laughter, quarrels, and the clinking of glasses filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.
However, the guild's patrons were usually mindful not to escalate matters to the point of violence or murder. The unwritten rule allowed for heated exchanges and skirmishes, as long as they didn't endanger lives or damage the guild's premises. If a situation did spiral out of control, the imposing gray-armored knights of the Falkrona duchy would intervene, known for their hawk-like helmets and strong presence.
On a scorching day, the sound of an engine broke through the air. Though similar to the hum of mana-powered trains, this sound emanated from the ground, suggesting the presence of a terrestrial vehicle. A luxurious green mana car arrived before the Eden Guild, attracting the attention of passersby. The vehicle's opulence indicated the presence of a high-ranking noble.
As the driver, clad in a suit, disembarked and opened a car door, a captivating figure followed suit. All eyes were drawn to the stunning girl with dark green hair who stepped out of the car. She wore a knee-length green skirt paired with a white top.
Unfazed by the numerous stares, she pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head, revealing tangerine-colored eyes that crinkled slightly in response to the sun's intensity.
Accompanying her were two men and another girl, their attire and appearance resonating with their noble heritage. A group of men in black suits formed a protective circle around the quartet.
The newcomers walked towards the Eden Guild, drawing the attention of all present. Their arrival prompted a mixture of reactions. The male onlookers were either entranced or envious, some succumbing to drooling. Meanwhile, the female observers ranged from jealousy to admiration.
One of the bodyguards held open the guild's entrance for the group. The previously noisy hall fell silent as the newcomers entered, but the hush was short-lived.
"Hey, isn't she unbelievably hot?"
"Hot? She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!"
"Do you think she's taken?"
"Give up, she's out of our league."
"What on earth?!"
"Seriously, do you even know who she is?"
"A high-ranking noble?"
"More than that, she's a [Monarch]'s daughter."
The girl paid no heed to the hushed whispers and occasional exclamations of astonishment being used to them. She made her way to a receptionist, causing the crowd to part in awe.
"Let's go, Mira. They're just surprised. It's not the first time," her friend reassured with a giggle.
"If you say so, Lea," Miranda replied.
"Yeah, she's right, Mira."
"Tsk. Those peasants, staring vulgarly," groaned one of the two guys accompanying them. While one of the guys merely smiled, the other glared at the men who were ogling Myra.
"L-Lady Stormdila…!" The receptionist stuttered upon seeing Myra, immediately bowing.
"It's fine. I'm just here with my friends to get a pass."
"Right away, Milady!"
The receptionist quickly began swiping the screen in front of her.
To gain entry to the [Enigma Dungeon], individuals had to first register with the affiliated [Eden Guild] and receive a dungeon pass. They would need to obtain a new pass each time they wished to explore the dungeon, a rule in place to track people inside and account for disappearances. This regulation applied to nobles as well, regardless of their status.
"How long, Milady?" The receptionist asked, having regained her composure after the initial shock of Miranda's presence.
"The Academy starts in two days, Mira," Lea reminded her friend about the entrance ceremony of the [Royal Eden Academy].
"Hm. We should be back the next morning."
The receptionist nodded and continued swiping on the screen, inputting the necessary information.
"Sir, I need a drop of your blood to complete the registration."
"Hm?"
Miranda's attention was drawn to the line next to her. A man dressed in black pants, a shredded white shirt, and a peculiar black mask covering his face was registering with the guild for the first time.
A faint smile curved on Miranda's lips as she observed the stranger clad entirely in black attire despite the scorching weather. Her smile had an unconscious effect on several onlookers, causing them to swoon.
"May I see your face, sir?" The receptionist requested.
"..."
Myra detected a slight flinch in the man upon the receptionist's request.
"I'm feeling sick... is it necessary?"
A deep voice emanated from the man, who seemed to be no older than twenty, judging by his height and slender build.
"Not at all, Sir."
The receptionist offered a slightly awkward smile in response to the man's pathetic excuse.
'He could have come up with a better one...' Miranda thought with a hint of amusement.
"Here, Milady. Please have a safe trip."
The receptionist handed over a few gray ticket-like passes.
"Oh, thank you."
Myra glanced away from the man, collecting all the passes and distributing them to her companions before leaving the guild.
[!] MIRANDA STORMDILA ILLUSTRATIONS IN DISCORD.