That morning, Dante and Vergil were already preparing for their journey to the location where the dungeon would soon be constructed. Aeka stood outside, ready with her gear, while Takano still looked sluggish and a bit sleepy as he got ready. The night before, after all the Guild Leaders had returned to their respective headquarters, Arc Wizard Alexhandra had suggested that the construction of the dungeon could begin the following day with the help of the six spirits she had prepared. This added excitement and urgency to their group.
Once everyone was ready, Dante and Vergil made their way to the gathering point, with Takano still drowsy being guided by Vergil to ensure he didn't fall behind. Arc Wizard Alexhandra, along with her five disciples and Emperor Shiroi, had already arrived at the armory and boarded an APC (Armored Personnel Carrier). With the speed they required, this journey would take significantly less time thanks to the advanced technology possessed by the Kainaldia Empire.
Vergil, still guiding Takano, quickly entered the second APC, followed by Dante and Aeka. The two APCs immediately sped down a secret route leading to the Haunting Forest. With the aid of modern vehicles and efficient hidden pathways, the journey that would typically take a day was completed in just one hour. The atmosphere inside the APC was filled with seriousness, although Takano still occasionally yawned and tried to fully open his eyes.
Upon arriving at a hidden location in the middle of the forest, their group was greeted by a unique sight. Arc Wizard Alexhandra and her five disciples were welcomed by a pair of seasoned dwarves, along with several golems. These golems were rectangular stone figures with arms, legs, and faces, standing no taller than Dante and Vergil's knees.
Seeing the golems, Takano's eyes immediately sparkled, and his enthusiasm returned.
"Look, mini golems! I could smash them with one punch!" he exclaimed excitedly.
He prepared to attack, but Dante quickly held his shoulder.
"Calm down, Takano," Dante said, gently yet firmly pressing down on his shoulder. "These golems may be small, but they are not our enemies. Focus on our task."
"Actually, these golems are the main staff of the dungeon; you can rely on them to do anything, including replenishing treasure chests and serving as the Dungeon Gatekeepers. Without further ado, let's head to the control room—grab the hand of that mini golem," Arc Wizard Alexhandra instructed.
Dante released Takano, who was beginning to calm down, while Vergil and Aeka grasped the hands of the small golems around them. The atmosphere grew serious as everyone prepared for the next stage. Even Emperor Shiroi, who usually maintained a composed authority, joined them, holding the hand of one of the mini golems. The two dwarves and the five students of Arc Wizard Alexhandra followed suit, each taking hold of a golem's hand.
As they did so, the golems began to move—not walking on the surface as they had expected, but slowly sinking into the ground. It felt as if they were being drawn down into the earth, through magical corridors that could only be accessed with the help of the golems. A soft sound of stone scraping echoed around them, but there was no fear; everything had been prepared with great care.
Before long, they arrived in a large chamber, hidden deep beneath the surface. The room exuded a mysterious aura, illuminated by magical light emanating from four tables in its center. Each table had three magical mirrors, glimmering with flowing energy, as if holding secrets or important clues.
Dante examined the mirrors with an inquisitive gaze, while Vergil remained composed, though his sharp eyes scrutinized the mirrors, trying to assess their function. Aeka and Takano, now more focused, also looked around, waiting for an explanation from Arc Wizard Alexhandra.
"Welcome to the Command Center of the Dungeon. From here, we will monitor what happens and who is inside the dungeon. Adventurers will be required to form parties because, although the monsters on floors B1 to B3 may seem very easy, it will start to get difficult from B4," said Arc Wizard Alexhandra.
"Then who are those two dwarves?" Aeka asked gently.
"Ah, I apologize for forgetting to introduce my two artisans, Bromir Stonehammer and his daughter, Hilda Emberflint. They are the artisans responsible for creating the weapons and armor that will be placed in the dungeon," Arc Wizard Alexhandra explained.
As one of Arc Wizard Alexhandra's students removed her cloak, a woman with shimmering blonde hair appeared beneath it. She wore an elegant wizard robe made from fine dark purple fabric, with golden embroidery along the edges, exuding a sense of power and authority. In her hand, she held a staff that shimmered with magical energy.
Dante and Vergil exchanged glances, quickly realizing that this woman's power was no ordinary strength. There was something profoundly strong and ancient about Anastasya—the name by which Arc Wizard Alexhandra referred to her. The energy radiating from her body made Dante feel that she was nearly on par with the Immortal beings, like himself and Vergil. Even her aura made the room feel slightly tenser, yet still controlled.
Aeka, who usually remained calm, carefully surveyed the room, observing every change in the magical energy that had surged since Anastasya began her preparations. She could feel the currents of power flowing through the mirrors and the stone floor around her.
Meanwhile, Takano, known for his aggressive nature as a top-tier fighter, struggled to suppress his urge to engage in combat.
"Coincidentally, I want to show you another area. Follow me," said Arc Wizard Alexhandra as she opened a door.
Behind the door lay a long corridor, and Arc Wizard Alexhandra walked toward a cave-like passage that would serve as the back entrance to each level. After walking a short distance, they entered a grand hall, and Emperor Shiroi was awestruck by the hall's interior. Numerous corridors and doors branched off from the hall.
"Welcome to the hall for the monsters; here they can rest, train, or do whatever they need. We even have special areas where monsters can hunt or open spaces according to their original locations," said Arc Wizard Alexhandra.
She continued her tour within the dungeon, leading the group around to show each section that had been meticulously prepared. As they walked, the large stone walls around them felt more alive with the magical energy flowing through its corridors.
Their first stop was Bromir's workshop. The room was filled with blacksmithing tools, heavy equipment gleaming with magical materials, and rare metals that would be used to craft weapons and traps to protect the dungeon. In the center of the room, Bromir himself was designing a sword he would create alongside the golems. He merely nodded at Alexhandra and the group, too engrossed in his work to engage in conversation.
Next, they arrived at Hilda's sewing room, where leather armor and special robes for the fortunate adventurers were being made. Hilda, a short and calm woman with silver hair, was crafting a robe infused with protective magic. "Everything is almost finished," she said while measuring a black robe that shimmered with golden threads. The robe looked almost alive, flowing as if it were blown by the wind, despite the complete stillness of the air.
Dante and Vergil watched closely, acknowledging the craftsmanship displayed in every corner of the dungeon. Each detail, from the weapons to the garments, seemed to be meticulously prepared. Aeka mentally noted several aspects, admiring how everything was perfectly integrated, while Takano appeared slightly disappointed that there was no one for her to smash.
After the tour concluded, Arc Wizard Alexhandra led them back to the command center, where the magical mirrors and tables still stood, awaiting the final stages of the dungeon construction ritual.
"Now we have one last issue: how do we organize the rooms for the dungeon?" Shiroi stated, glancing around the space.
"That's something we will have to do manually. Due to the time difference between inside and outside, we can effectively work on creating the dungeon map," Arc Wizard Alexhandra replied.
"Then let's get started now. And regarding what I asked yesterday, is it possible for us to have multiple dungeon scenarios?" Dante inquired.
"As I mentioned, I can certainly do that, especially since the six Element Spirits are eager for this to be their first project," Arc Wizard Alexhandra confirmed.
As she requested paper and writing instruments, the atmosphere in the command center grew more serious. The table, previously covered with rough maps, began to fill with more detailed and precise blueprints. Dante, Vergil, and Aeka prepared themselves to design each floor of the dungeon that would be created by the six Spirits.
With great care, they began to sketch out every room, corridor, and trap area. Drawing from his extensive combat experience across various terrains and dimensions, Dante focused on tactics. He designed narrow, winding passages, ensuring that any enemy entering the dungeon would be trapped and forced to face the guardian monsters one by one.
Arc Wizard Alexhandra and Anastasya labored diligently on the far side of the table. With deft hands honed by years of practice, they began to sketch the layout of the core chamber, destined to be imbued with magical power and arcane energy. This would become the heart of the dungeon, a place where extraordinary treasures were guarded by formidable creatures that could only be vanquished by true heroes. Alexhandra meticulously added notes to the map for each enchanted room, ensuring that the flow of mana would course flawlessly through the dungeon, rendering it nearly impenetrable.
Emperor Shiroi, observing from the sidelines, felt a surge of admiration for the work they produced. Each level of the dungeon bore a distinct purpose: some were designed to torment the minds of intruders with illusions and traps, others crafted to test physical strength against colossal monsters, and still others guarded by magical beings that could only be subdued by more potent sorcery.
The chambers that would house treasure chests were placed with great care. Vergil made certain that while a few chests contained genuine riches, the majority were mere ruses, cunningly devised to ensnare the unwary.
"Then I shall take my leave for now; I happen to have prepared dungeon supplies for several years," declared Emperor Shiroi.
"In that case, Your Majesty, I shall escort you to the entrance," replied Bromir.
Bromir, accompanied by his mini golem, guided Emperor Shiroi out of the Haunting Forest, retracing their steps to the concealed area they had entered. Before parting ways, Emperor Shiroi imparted crucial instructions to Bromir.
"If anything unexpected occurs, do not hesitate to contact the palace immediately," he stated firmly, his eyes radiating the seriousness of a leader prepared for any eventuality.
Shortly thereafter, the roar of a massive engine echoed through the forest, announcing the arrival of a great truck laden with potion supplies and medicinal herbs destined for inclusion in the treasure chests within the dungeon. Bromir, accustomed to such efficiency, quickly issued commands to his golem troops. Without further ado, they began working in unison, lifting and relocating the items to the storage area of the dungeon that had been prepared in advance. They moved with remarkable swiftness, hoisting large crates filled with potions and herbs, then transporting them into the chamber that would serve as the supply center.
After ensuring that everything was proceeding smoothly, Emperor Shiroi ascended into the APC and made his way back to the palace. His gaze lingered for a moment on the forest receding behind them, a sense of relief washing over him as he noted the successful progress of the dungeon's construction. "May it all unfold according to plan," he murmured softly as the vehicle navigated the secret path back to the Kainaldia Imperial Palace.
Meanwhile, within the control room of the dungeon, Dante and Vergil toiled tirelessly alongside Anastasya and Arc Wizard Alexhandra. They had meticulously crafted approximately 560 detailed maps of the dungeon. Each map showcased various design variations, complete with traps, monsters, and winding corridors. After an extensive discussion, they finally settled on the most effective layouts to be implemented in this dungeon, which would become a significant part of the Kainaldia Empire's legacy.
However, the unchosen maps would not be discarded lightly. Arc Wizard Alexhandra wisely decided to preserve the remaining maps for potential use in future dungeon locations yet to be constructed.
"Since we have selected 80 maps to move forward with, we can begin the construction, Anastasya... Is the Dungeon Core Room ready?" inquired Arc Wizard Alexhandra.
"Master, the Dungeon Core is always active and fully prepared," Anastasya responded.
"In that case... Prince, Princess, please follow me," said Arc Wizard Alexhandra as she rose from her seat.
Vergil, Dante, Aeka, and Takano, who appeared somewhat weary, trailed behind Arc Wizard Alexhandra towards a very secluded room, heavily guarded by advanced security technology. The doors, equipped with specialized locks, activated as they approached, granting passage only after they had undergone a series of biometric identifications and intricate protective spells. Each step felt increasingly weighty as they neared the heart of this hidden chamber.
After passing through several gates sealed with magic and strict sentinels, they arrived at a room that felt distinctly different—its air was profoundly calm yet brimming with invisible energy. At the center stood a large black crystal, radiating a mysterious aura. Vergil and Dante sensed the immense power residing within the crystal, yet there was no trace of darkness enveloping it. Instead, the energy felt neutral and pure, akin to a source of strength untouched by the taint of malevolence.
Once everyone was inside the chamber, the previously dim atmosphere suddenly transformed into a dazzling brilliance. Ethereal light spread from the black crystal, illuminating every corner of the room. In an instant, six radiant figures materialized before them, floating gracefully in the air with an air of majesty.
Aeka, who had initially appeared bewildered, suddenly fell silent. Her eyes widened in awe, filled with wonder. "They... They are Elemental Spirits," she murmured, half in disbelief at what she was witnessing. The six Spirits embodied the fundamental forces of the universe: Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, Light, and Darkness. Each possessed a distinct form and color, radiating an overwhelming energy.
The Water Spirit took the shape of a graceful, translucent blue wave, swirling gently around the room. The Fire Spirit appeared as a blazing figure, with tongues of flame flickering incessantly along its form. The Wind Spirit moved with agility, its shape not entirely solid, like an invisible gust that could be felt but not seen. The Earth Spirit had a sturdy body, enveloped in textures of rock and soil. The Light Spirit shone with a brightness that made it almost impossible to look at directly, while the Darkness Spirit manifested as a shadowy figure, gliding smoothly and exuding a mysterious aura devoid of malice.
Vergil and Dante, despite their accustomed encounters with beings from various dimensions, sensed that the presence of these Spirits was truly extraordinary and unparalleled. They could feel the primordial power flowing from each Spirit—strength that was not only immense but also remarkably balanced.
"The Spirits, it is time for us to design this Dungeon..." spoke Arc Wizard Alexhandra.
"In that case, input the designs and scenarios for each floor," replied the Fire Spirit.
Without hesitation, Arc Wizard Alexhandra unveiled the meticulously crafted blueprints of the dungeon she had developed alongside Dante, Vergil, and the others. The maps encompassed designs from floors B1-A to B15-E, along with five special maps for the Boss rooms that would trigger randomly based on difficulty levels. Calmly, Alexhandra placed each blueprint onto the altar of the black crystal at the center of the room, while the six Elemental Spirits encircled her, prepared to commence their task.
Once everything was in place, the six Spirits began to chant a magical hymn. Though it sounded like a gentle and soothing melody, Dante and Vergil could feel a powerful vibration in the air. Each note and lyric of the chant brought about tangible changes to the surrounding space. They sensed the energy swirling, shaping, and transforming the fabric of both space and time. The atmosphere in the chamber felt as though it were being manipulated by forces far greater than mere spells.
For two full hours, the six Spirits continued their song, and during that time, the structure of the dungeon began to take form. Each floor, from B1-A to B15-E, was crafted with impeccable precision. Winding corridors, hidden traps, secret rooms, and passageways lined with enchantments sprang into existence, each imbued with the essence of the Elemental Spirit that governed it.
Aeka, who had been silently observing all along, was utterly mesmerized. She couldn't tear her gaze away from the unfolding process. In her mind, the power of the Elemental Spirits was truly extraordinary—something she had never imagined, even in her wildest dreams. The hymn created a harmony between nature and magic, forming a vast yet concealed space beneath the earth—a miniature world that would serve as a battleground and a puzzle for anyone brave enough to explore it.
"The construction is complete. If you need anything or wish to make changes in the future, feel free to come back," said the Fire Spirit.
"Thank you, Spirits. I apologize if I must call upon you again in another place," replied Arc Wizard Alexhandra.
"Is there anything else you wish to build? If so, leave it to us," offered the Wind Spirit.
"Oh, I should also mention that my first apprentice, Anastasya Starfire, will be fully managing this place, assisted by Prince Dante, Vergil, Princess Aeka, and Takano," Arc Wizard Alexhandra added.
"Imperial Royal Family? How intriguing!" exclaimed the Water Spirit.
"Then I will rely on you for the remaining tasks," said Arc Wizard Alexhandra, her voice steady and assured as she entrusted the Spirits with the next phase of their endeavor.
Arc Wizard Alexhandra and Anastasya swiftly led Dante, Vergil, Aeka, and Takano to inspect the newly constructed dungeon, spanning from floor B1-A to B15-E. The atmosphere within the dungeon was remarkably fresh, as if it had just emerged from the void. Although its design resembled that of a cave, the ambiance was far removed from the darkness typically found in subterranean chambers.
As they journeyed deeper, the cave corridors were brightly lit, illuminated by vibrant torches strategically placed along the passageways and in the corners of the chambers. Bromir, equipped with several specialized hammers, joined their expedition. With the aid of a few golems, each strike from Bromir's hammer brought about a significant transformation in the cave's walls. Each time the hammer struck the stone, the previously rough surface smoothed out, crafting corridors that appeared to belong to a classic dungeon, complete with torchlight and impeccably chiseled stone walls.
Takano, who had initially seemed drowsy, now radiated enthusiasm, gazing in awe at every detail of the dungeon's transformation process. Aeka, usually calm and composed, found herself unable to resist marveling at how each corridor grew increasingly grand as they ventured deeper into the dungeon.
"The difference is truly astonishing compared to before," Takano remarked.
"If we want to finish quickly, can you pass me that hammer?" Vergil asked, removing his upper armor to accept a hammer from one of the golems and began wielding it.
"Your Highness, that isn't necessary. I and…" Bromir began.
"Just hand over the hammer; the sooner we finish, the better. Aeka, please discuss this with the Arc Wizard…" Dante interjected, snatching a similar hammer from another golem and starting to work.
"Very well, then. Princess Aeka, what would you like to discuss?" asked the Arc Wizard.
"The staircase, both ascending and descending, was actually my idea and that of Prince Vergil," Aeka replied.
"And what is your reasoning, Princess?" inquired the Arc Wizard.
"If it can be arranged, the stairway should directly connect to the exit," Aeka explained.
"It can be done, then follow me, Princess," Arc Wizard Alexhandra said.
With a sense of purpose, Arc Wizard Alexhandra and Anastasya led Aeka and Takano toward a secluded chamber, leaving Dante and Vergil busily assisting Bromir in arranging the rooms within the dungeon. Their journey took them through several increasingly dark and silent corridors, leading to an area that appeared more fortified. The atmosphere grew more oppressive, yet it stirred a sense of curiosity within Aeka and Takano.
After navigating through layers of tight security, they arrived at a grand door that seemed more modern than the other dungeon architecture. This door was equipped with advanced security systems, akin to those used to protect the chamber of the 6 Elemental Spirits. As the door swung open, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight—a massive blue orb pulsating with what seemed to be pure energy. The orb throbbed slowly, as if it were alive, with numerous tendrils extending from its blue core.
Each tendril appeared to be infused with glowing runes, emanating a magical light that nourished and controlled the energy within the orb. The runes were orderly and precise, suggesting that each tendril had a specific task to fulfill flawlessly. Despite its terrifying appearance, the room radiated an incredibly potent and harmonious aura.
Aeka, typically composed, was rendered speechless by the sight. "What is this...?" she whispered, her gaze fixed intently on the blue orb.
Alexhandra offered a faint smile.
"This is the Core of the Dungeon. All the energy used to construct this dungeon originates from here. This great blue orb is the primary power source that sustains the dungeon and provides energy to everything within its depths," Alexhandra explained.
"So then..." Aeka began,
"I can arrange everything from here so that the stairs way up will connect directly to the exit."
With that, Arc Wizard Alexhandra and Anastasya began to chant incantations, their voices blending into a melodious rhythm, akin to a harmony from another realm. Each word of the spell flowed softly yet brimmed with power, vibrating the air around them. The melodic chant not only affected the ambiance of the room but also resonated with the enormous tendrils of energy in the center, which began to quiver gently in sync with their enchanting melody.
The energy tendrils responded instinctively, radiating an ever-brighter blue light, as if they were "adjusting" to the commands of the two sorceresses. The Core of the Dungeon, with its boundless power, commenced modifying the rules of the dungeon according to their desires. The energy within the core pulsed faster, indicating that the system within the dungeon was being magically altered.
Aeka, witnessing this transformation in awe, realized that Arc Wizard Alexhandra and Anastasya were crafting new rules for the adventurers who would enter the dungeon. Their incantations not only reinforced the structure of the dungeon but also created a special mechanism—a magical trap.
"All adventurers who fail to achieve the dungeon's objectives," Alexhandra spoke slowly amidst the spell, "will be returned directly to the cave's entrance. They will be compelled to repeat their journey from the beginning, from floor B1."
Anastasya added, "There are no exceptions. Every mistake, every failure to progress further, will send them back to the starting point. This dungeon will test their patience and mental strength, not just their physical abilities."
As their chanting continued, Aeka and Takano observed the energy tendrils growing ever brighter, confirming that these changes had been fully integrated into the dungeon's system. Now, there would be no shortcuts or easements for adventurers striving to conquer this domain. Each time they failed, they would have to start anew, traversing once again through the corridors of floor B1.
Takano, who was typically impatient and eager for battle, was taken aback by this revelation. "So, they have to begin again every time they fail? That... is cruel, yet intriguing." He smiled faintly, envisioning the frustration of adventurers trying to complete the dungeon.
Aeka nodded, feeling a thrill at the prospect of this new challenge. "This will make the dungeon even more renowned. All adventurers will come to try and conquer this unforgiving labyrinth."
Once the incantation was complete, Arc Wizard Alexhandra and Anastasya lowered their hands. The Core of the Dungeon quivered one last time before settling into stillness. All desired changes had been perfectly embedded within the dungeon's system, ensuring that every adventurer would face challenges far greater than before. Arc Wizard Alexhandra led Aeka and Takano to the control room, where all the magical mirrors on the table were fully operational. Anastasya began to use the magical mirrors to observe the conditions of the dungeon under construction, noting that floors B1 through B10-C had been completed as Bromir had intended.
"How is it, Anastasya? Are we nearing completion?" Arc Wizard Alexhandra inquired.
"They've already reached floor B10-D, and we've only left them for a short time," Anastasya replied, her brow furrowed in confusion.
The four apprentices of the Arc Wizard exchanged bewildered glances, pondering how the dungeon had progressed so rapidly. Aeka and Takano, aware of the unfolding events, couldn't contain their laughter. The curious Arc Wizard turned to them.
"Prince Dante and Vergil are working remarkably fast; you must know something," Arc Wizard Alexhandra probed.
"They usually engage in a little competition, and it typically ends in a draw," Aeka said, suppressing her giggles.
"The small game is a race to see who finishes first. My brother has always been like this since childhood," Takano added, breaking into laughter.
"Master... they've already arrived at the final floor," Anastasya reported, her expression a mix of concern and disbelief.
"It seems the result is indeed a draw," Takano chuckled heartily, the sound echoing in the control room.