The day after the success of Operation Water Ghost, Evan began the construction of the headquarters building for the dungeon knights. Maybell had assured him that they had prepared the best engineers and workers in the dungeon city as well as only the highest quality materials.
"It's an honour to be able to work with you once again!"
"Thank you, chief!" Many of the workers already knew Evan. They were the ones he had worked with before on the construction of the Brotherhood Bathhouse. Evan's jaw fell as he found himself in a situation a bit different from what he expected, greeted by the energetic workers.
"I couldn't forget the fantastic construction work back then, so I waited for the day to be called back by you."
"I would like to continue building the infrastructure of the dungeon city with you in the future!"
"I heard you are building something even nicer than the Brotherhood Bathhouse. I will continue helping you with all my might, even if it means using the last of my strength!" Evan quietly looked at them. Maybell had prepared a headband to keep his hair out of the way during the work; the phrase 'Build a Brotherhood' was sewn onto it with golden embroidery.
"This wasn't in the business plan at all!"
"I didn't intend to do this either, but these people gathered on their own. All of these people want to follow you! These are people who want to start a new business with you!"
"I'm not happy with this increase in my workforce… Ugh, alright. You can do it!"
"Thank you, Young Master!" Evan, who couldn't bear to see the middle-aged men sad, ended up giving in to their demands and tied on his headband with a sigh and thoughts of increasing Maybell's workload.
"I don't know much about construction…"
"I will study hard, Master!"
"I will do my best! We are changing the dungeon city!"
"The dungeon city will create a new style of architecture!" People seemed to be thinking up very grandiose dreams, but Evan decided to leave them alone until they awakened from their delusions.
'But they were able to build the bathhouse, so this will work anyway.' Although his construction knowledge was lacking, he could still grasp the concept of modern architecture, so there were multiple designs stored away in his head. In addition to that, he had his knowledge of alchemy, so if he cooperated with the technicians, he could somehow create a plausible building with their help. Evan had thought this through carefully.
"Okay, then let's get started."
"Ooh!" Thus, the first official construction work of Brotherhood Construction, which would establish itself as a luxury construction brand in the dungeon city in the future, commenced.
"It is our mission to turn this groundbreaking idea into reality! Can you do it?"
"Of course!"
"It must look like the most beautiful building ever built!" Of course, Evan couldn't be at the construction site all day, so aside from designing the structure of the building and suggesting improvements, most of it had to be left to someone else. However, his contribution was already enough. The headquarters of the dungeon knights were being built in a unique and sophisticated architectural style that didn't exist in any country.
"It's going great so far."
"It's a good thing to not make any mistakes because you're excited. I would like to complete it by my next birthday if possible, just in time for the kids to enter the dungeon for the first time…" While supervising the construction, Shine nodded and confirmed Evan's orders since he had been busy checking the notes he had written down on his schedule.
"I think the most recent kids, except for Lin, Ran, and Jin, will be able to enter the dungeon with a little more effort. How are you going to organize the party?"
"Paul, Marie, Ena, Ditto, and Melson are five, right? First, I will have to go and lead them, and you will tag along." It was natural for the dungeon knights' commander, Evan, to lead the reserve members, and Shine, who had a wide field of view and could move quickly, would be able to prevent the children from getting injured.
"I am always ready. Then what about Raihan…?"
"I'm trying to think about that." Evan shrugged, tapping the papers that had the names of prospective members written on them.
"You've also mentioned it. When I fight, I don't think I'm progressing as much as I should because Raihan is blocking all the attacks."
"Indeed. How to deal with it is very different depending on the situation in which the monster could attack us and the situation in which it cannot attack. I'm still very sorry for the Hidden Boss Battle, Master."
"It's okay because most of you will be with Raihan when you enter the dungeon. What about these kids?" Shine and Raihan would be with Evan in most situations, and they were members of the 'first group' who would be able to handle most things even in Evan's absence. It was because of this that it felt okay to let them get used to the situation in which they would fight with Raihan. Rather, it was necessary to develop skills according to the situation. However, the Rookie children were listed in Group 2. Their situation was very different from Shine's.
"Ah… It certainly is."
"Right?" It would be an issue if they made a habit of relying on Raihan's shield from an early age.
"After discussing this, the situation has become clear. Raihan should never go in together with them. Let's go with that assumption."
"Then, will Belois fill into the vacant position? I don't think Lady Arisha will do it, for some reason."
"Lua… Well, yes. There are five kids, so even if you and I are there… We should add her, just in case." If Shine went, but Belois was left out, she would be very upset. Belois's willingness to serve Evan and be by his side was stronger than Evan had thought. Of course, Evan was grateful for her, but sometimes he didn't understand why she was so obsessed with staying in a maid's position.
"That's because that's the first job the Master entrusted upon her."
"I'm not so sure about that… Anyway, thank you. In fact, I prepared a present for you."
"Well, have you already made the weapon you mentioned last time, Master?" The other party members had heard about Evan's careless promise to Arisha that he would make a rapier, and as a result of them begging him to make them one, Evan had reluctantly agreed. That was what Shine was referring to. However, Evan shook his head.
"No, not that one. In the first place, the material for the weapon you will use hasn't been supplied yet. You still have to wait a while."
"So, what is it? I'm very anxious to see it, especially now that you're smiling."
"You will find out later. Don't worry, it won't take long." Evan felt as if he were about to burst with excitement after his fight with Leo. He laughed happily as he imagined Shine, who would begin to grow steadily. Shine thought something felt off and looked concerned, but he had no way of asking Evan about it.
* * *
As it turned out, Evan's gift to Shine was Leo Arpeta, who was smiling while facing Bernard. On the other hand, Bernard's facial expressions were that of utmost disgust, just like that of Shine looking at Evan.
"A dungeon?"
"You will go in tomorrow."
"Ha, have a good trip! You are also old now, so be careful not to break any bones."
"Bernard, you'll be going with us. Oh, and I will take this guy too." Leo declared firmly as he pushed Mikhail D. Airok forward. He knelt and looked at Bernard.
"It's an honour to serve with you, Sir Bernard."
"Hey, the Knight Commander is still young. It's natural for him to enter the dungeon, but it's not for me, boy. Didn't you say you were tired now? I should also rest. I plan to live comfortably while making medicine."
"No, if I stay still like this, I'm going to fall behind that guy Evan, and you'll just fall asleep!"
"Oh, and I enjoy it immensely! I sleep so well that I don't want to get out of bed the next day, stupid!" Bernard retorted, cursing Evan in his heart. Iloin, who was drinking tea, decided to help him.
"Don't bother Bernard too much, Leo. He wants tranquillity. Can't you just enter the dungeon with the people who want to?"
"But this time, I heard from Evan that when your dungeon level increases, so does your lifespan and ageing slows down."
"…" Upon hearing this, Iloin suddenly went silent. When Bernard looked back, his anxiety rising, she smiled kindly and grabbed onto his arm.
"Get ready to go into the dungeon, Bernard."
"Oh shit, I don't intend to live forever!"
"But I have to see you live long and healthy. Get ready, Bernard."
"Leo, you damn…!" Even if it meant dying early, Bernard wasn't interested in re-entering the dungeon, but as long as Iloin was on the side of Leo, there was no resistance left to him.
"Ugh, I can't help it! Then let's go in."
"Bernard…!"
"That's great news to hear!" He glanced at the bracelet made of thorns around his wrist for a moment but soon nodded with a sigh. The rest of the party noticed the look, in particular Leo, who had a smile on his face.
"We will start at dawn tomorrow, Bernard. Starting from the 45th floor, let's break through the 60th floor in one go. Of course, it will be a secret to the people of this city."
"It's easy to talk about the 60th floor."
"Evan has prepared a map. We have recorded all the pitfalls that must be avoided. Wouldn't it be safe to have this?"
"Having a map and interpreting it is another matter… shall I take a look anyway?"
"Of course! That would really help us." Bernard picked up the bundle of maps and examined them. He admired the fine details they depicted.
"If we can really find out where we are on these, we will never die."
"I can see that."
"Because of this, we'll be able to get through the dungeon with ease. Of course, our progress will be faster…" Bernard was amazed at Evan's ability. He wondered if God had really changed its shape to come down to earth and tell Evan about the changes.
"Evan, I can't help but be glad that you've been such a useful child."
"This guy has already duelled me." He laughed at Leo's words and folded the maps, holding onto them firmly. Then he turned to the knight commander, who still looked tense.
"You know, the gods bless only those who have claimed worthy achievements. It would be nice to leave you behind if you intend to benefit from our virtues."
"It is an honour to join your party. I will prove my worth before you."
"Okay, that's enough resolve. I'll see you tomorrow morning. Don't forget to prepare to sneak in."
"Of course!" If it were known that a group of heroes was entering the dungeon with some additional party members, the entire dungeon city would be excited. Leo wasn't aware of it, but Bernard would never be able to stand dealing with it.
"Well, then I have work to do from now on, so I'll head in. See you all at dawn."
"Get a lot of sleep, Bernard!"
"I have only ever asked for a single night of peaceful sleep, but it seems that I have cursed luck!" Bernard waved his hand at Leo and went inside. Leo shrugged and then turned to Ilorin.
"So, how are you doing with Bernard?"
"Elven love burns slowly and lives for a long time, Leo. So don't worry."
"Now, that's a good thing."
"Yes, as Evan said, I hope that his life span will be extended by this dungeon exploration… I wish to be with him for a long time." Iloin spoke calmly, but her eyes sparkled. The knight commander let out a small gasp, but neither Iloin nor Leo were paying any attention to him.
At dawn the following day, the moment came for the 'Twilight of the Past Generation party to enter the dungeon secretly.