With Luro's assurance that no high-level monsters were in the immediate vicinity, Viru shifted his focus to fortifying his newly established dungeon. Understanding the importance of protecting his core – the very heart of his power and life – Viru turned to Albus for further updates on his dungeon's capabilities.
Viru also advanced to level 6, after the intense battle against Luro.
Albus resumed his explanation, highlighting a significant milestone: now that Viru's subordinate count had exceeded 20, the dungeon gate was ready to be deployed. This advancement meant that Viru could transfer the entire rabbit folk village into another dimension within the gate.
Albus elaborated on the strategic advantages of this move. The dungeon gate would serve as the only entry point for any enemy wishing to breach the dungeon. To reach the core which will be placed in a separate chamber called the 'Core's chamber', they would have to navigate through the defense set by Viru in his dungeon domains and overcome all of Viru's subordinates, a daunting challenge given the strength and diversity of his team.
The transported village can not be entered until or unless the core is claimed or destroyed by an intruder. Now the core is the shield that protects the entry to the village (Dungeon Hall).
The spatial expanse of the dungeon hall(village) was another crucial aspect. Spanning around 250 meters in diameter, it provided ample space to accommodate the entire group, including the rabbit folk. This area will not be this small in the future; it would expand as Viru levels up and as the number of his subordinates increases. Such scalability ensured that the dungeon would continue to meet their needs as they grew in number and strength.
Viru processed this information, understanding the tactical importance of these developments. The dungeon gate not only offered a fortified refuge for his team but also a strategic base from which they could operate. It was a sanctuary that would evolve alongside them, adapting to their growing needs and capabilities.
With Viru's advancement to level 6 following the intense battle against Luro, a new and exciting aspect of his dungeon system was unlocked – the first stage of the dungeon. This new area represented a significant expansion of his capabilities as a dungeon master and offered vast potential for growth, development, and defense.
This newly unlocked space was an expansive area, five times(and growing) the size of the main hall, strategically situated in another dimensional space between the dungeon gate and the core chamber. One of its most remarkable features was its adaptability; Viru could customize this space according to his specific needs and preferences. This level of customization meant that Viru could effectively tailor the environment to suit various purposes, whether for strategic defense, resource cultivation, or providing living spaces for his subordinates.
The intruder must pass through the defense of the first stage of the dungeon where Viru can customize challenges like mazes, illusions, deadly traps, and such. Viru can be as creative as he wants. He could set up a giant fortress in the first stage. If he did that then the intruder must subdue this giant fortress and its guardians (boss monsters) to enter the core chamber to claim the core.
The ability to manipulate the terrain was particularly intriguing. If Viru desired a specific type of tree or plant in this area, he simply needed to bring a specimen into the space. The dungeon would analyze it and facilitate the growth of similar flora, creating a controlled yet natural ecosystem within his domain. This feature opened up possibilities for sustainable resource management, allowing Viru to cultivate food sources, medicinal plants, or even strategic materials.
Additionally, the introduction of wild animals into this space meant that Viru could establish a self-sustaining food supply. These animals could be hunted for meat, providing a reliable source of nourishment for him and his subordinates. This capability was crucial for the long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency of his growing community.
He could also grow dangerous beasts in order to serve as a defense for the intruders.
Viru, seizing the momentum of his recent advancements, immediately went outside the village to deploy the Dungeon Gate. As he cast the spell "Place Dungeon gate", a magnificent gate emerged from the ground.
The Dungeon Gate itself was an impressive structure, standing three meters tall and crafted from black stones that were intricately lined with golden details. Its design featured an elegant arch at the top, with three spaced golden lines bordering its edges. While majestic and aesthetically pleasing, Viru realized that such a noticeable gateway could potentially attract unwanted attention from outsiders or enemies.
To mitigate this risk, Viru consulted with Albus, proposing the creation of a cave to conceal the gate. Albus, efficient as ever, set to work on this task. The AI orchestrated the formation of a natural-looking cave around the gate, ensuring that the entrance was subtly integrated into the landscape. The gate, once prominently visible, was now discreetly tucked away within this artificial cave, its presence known only to Viru and his subordinates.
This tactical move was crucial for maintaining the security and secrecy of Viru's dungeon. By hiding the gate, Viru not only protected the entrance to his domain but also safeguarded the villagers and his team from potential threats. The gate's new hidden location meant that any intruders would have a much harder time discovering and accessing his stronghold.
With strategic precision, he arranged for the entire village, to be shifted into the empty dimensional space of the dungeon main hall created by the gate. The process was akin to a game, where he could virtually move and place buildings from the real world into the dimensional space in his Dungeon main hall.
In an instant, the rabbit folk village disappeared and reappeared inside the dungeon.
In the heart of his newly established domain, Viru made his way to the main hall, formerly the rabbit folk village, where the village chief awaited him. The atmosphere in the village had transformed from one of fear and uncertainty to hope and gratitude.
Upon his arrival, the chief greeted him with a deep bow, a gesture of respect and acknowledgment for the safety and sanctuary Viru had provided.
"We shall forever be indebted to you, Viru sama."
With sincere thanks, she pledged the absolute loyalty of the rabbit folk to Viru.
They were no longer just survivors in a hostile land; they had found a protector, a leader who had not only saved them from peril but had also given them a place to thrive.
"With our combined efforts, We shall forge a dungeon that's sky-cleaving."
"We are now indeed united as a family."
Viru, in turn, addressed the rabbit folk with a promise that resonated with his commitment and empathy. He assured them that they would be treated as family, not mere subordinates, and that he would protect them to the best of his abilities. This pledge solidified the bond between Viru and the villagers, establishing a foundation of mutual trust and support.
As night fell over the village, the air was filled with the sounds of celebration. A feast was prepared, a communal event that brought everyone together to share in the joy of their newfound safety and unity.
"To our new leader and dungeon master, Viru sama!"
Everyone cheered as glasses clinked.
The rabbit folk, who had once faced the threat of annihilation, now sat alongside Viru and his diverse team, sharing stories, laughter, and hopes for the future.
In the midst of the feast and celebration, Pyra found herself surrounded by the village children, drawn to her not just by her fiery abilities and impressive transformation, but also by her spirited and kind nature. The crimson-eyed veery, once a formidable warrior in the skies, became a figure of fascination and joy for the children of the rabbit folk.
Pyra, with her newfound power and status, embraced the attention and affection of the young ones. She engaged with them in playful antics, demonstrating small, controlled bursts of her fire abilities to their delight and awe. The children, in return, showed an innocent fascination, asking her endless questions and requesting demonstrations of her flying and combat skills.
As the evening wore on, the laughter and cheer of Pyra and the children filled the village. Their games and interactions created an atmosphere of light-heartedness and joy, a stark contrast to the tension and danger they had recently faced.
Eventually, as the night deepened and the feast drew to a close, the children, tired but happy, were ushered home by their parents. Pyra watched them go, a sense of contentment in her heart. Her bond with the children was a reminder of the life and vitality that now thrived in the village, thanks to the safety and security Viru's leadership provided.