Dante and Vergil, visibly exhausted after their all-day competition, finally returned to the control room with the assistance of the golems. Despite their weariness, they looked satisfied, their faces showing the fatigue of the unofficial race they had just undertaken. Bromir, the dwarven blacksmith, greeted them with an impressed nod. At first, he had assumed the two would simply bicker about who was better, but they had instead engaged in an intense rivalry—each determined to finish their section of the dungeon faster.
The golems who had worked alongside them during the construction began to exhibit a kind of admiration. Although they were creatures without human emotions, their awe was apparent in the swiftness and efficiency they had picked up from Dante and Vergil. Each of their movements reflected the persistence and speed they had witnessed in their two human counterparts.
Seeing the fruits of their labor, Bromir wasted no time. He immediately began instructing the golems to position treasure chests at designated spots. These chests would serve as both traps and hidden rewards for adventurers brave enough to delve into the dungeon. The golems worked swiftly, following Bromir's detailed directions, while Dante and Vergil observed as the final touches were placed in the control room, ensuring everything was ready for the grand opening of the dungeon.
"Looks like it really ended in a tie," Anastasya remarked, somewhat puzzled.
"It's always a draw when those two are competing," Takano replied with a grin.
Soon after, as the golems finished placing all the treasure chests according to plan, the atmosphere in the control room relaxed. Everyone present could feel that this monumental project was nearly complete, and success was just within reach.
"The next and final step is to begin recruiting monsters," said Arc Wizard Alexhandra.
"It seems Dante and I won't be able to join you for this part... Aeka and Takano, we're counting on you," Vergil said, catching his breath.
"Then follow me," Arc Wizard Alexhandra instructed.
"Alright, then," Aeka agreed, while Takano gave a firm nod.
Arc Wizard Alexhandra stepped out of the control room with calm strides, heading toward a large, seemingly simple room that served a vital purpose. Inside, there was only a pair of massive sofas and a table between them, giving the room a minimalist feel despite its size. Though sparse and straightforward, this room had a unique purpose—designed to accommodate monsters of various sizes.
The room's functional simplicity, devoid of excessive decorations, allowed creatures of all shapes and sizes to enter and sit on sofas adjusted to different scales. Despite the dangerous reputation of monsters, this space aimed to foster a friendly, neutral atmosphere where conversations could take place without hostility.
"For our first monster... we have Mr. Zargoth the Abyssal," Arc Wizard Alexhandra announced.
In an instant, a Wraith-type monster appeared, taking the form of a floating skull draped in a shadowy black cloak. Aeka shivered upon seeing it, knowing that Wraiths were typically dangerous adversaries for magic users. Takano, however, was captivated and looked as though he wanted to launch into a fight, only for Anastasya to hold him back firmly.
"Hello, everyone, apologies for showing up in this attire," said Zargoth, his hollow eyes gleaming with a wry smile.
"No need to be so formal," replied Arc Wizard Alexhandra with a gentle laugh. "Since this is a newly built dungeon, we're a bit rushed setting up recruitments in the monster dimension."
"No rush necessary," Zargoth assured. "Oh, and we'll be preparing fake bodies within the dungeon. That way, if we're defeated, we'll only leave behind Magic Gems."
"New dungeon tech, huh? Interesting," Zargoth murmured, inspecting the room with interest.
"New tech?" Takano asked, intrigued.
"In our dimension, we're quite accustomed to filling various dungeons, Princess Takano. Usually, when defeated, we're returned to our realm in a bit of a battered state."
"You know Princess Takano?" Anastasya asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Princess Aeka and Takano have a solid reputation," Zargoth replied proudly. "They even defeated an SSS+ level dragon with Prince Vergil, Dante, Shadow, Creed, and Axel."
"Seems we're somewhat famous in the monster dimension," Aeka remarked, chuckling.
"Prince Vergil and Dante are resting—they're a bit exhausted from building the dungeon," Aeka added.
"Oh, Prince Dante and Vergil are here as well? Working alongside legendary adventurers will be a delight," Zargoth said with enthusiasm.
"Any other additions?" Arc Wizard Alexhandra asked.
"Actually, I have some Skeleton Army kin who could join," Zargoth suggested.
"That could add an interesting challenge for the adventurers," Aeka agreed.
"Consider it done. Anastasya, prepare the room," Arc Wizard Alexhandra instructed.
"Yes, Master..." Anastasya replied, leading Zargoth and three skeletons to a separate room.
"Next up... a Kobold trio named Hans, Zam, and Ranch," Alexhandra announced.
Three humanoid dog-like monsters appeared instantly, with blue fur along their backs. Each carried their own weapon: Hans wielded a mace, Zam held a short sword and shield, and Ranc had a small crossbow.
"Hello..." greeted Zam, a bit shyly.
"Kobolds, huh? Aren't they usually in groups?" Aeka asked, curious.
"Don't worry, the Black Arrow tribe is actually interested in taking on a full floor of this dungeon," Zam replied proudly.
"Alright, then, you're up first," Arc Wizard Alexhandra said with approval.
"Wait... isn't that Princess Aeka and Takano? Why are they here?" Ranc asked, glancing between the two.
"We've been assigned by the Emperor to help manage this dungeon, so we'll be working together from here on out," Aeka explained.
"Let me guess... my reputation, Aeka's, and my brother's have spread here too?" Takano said with a smirk.
"Very much so," Hans replied. "We're often ordered to retreat if we encounter you."
"In that case, maybe I should call my brother here so we can finalize everything quickly," Takano suggested.
"No need," Arc Wizard Alexhandra assured. "I've already instructed a golem to bring them here."
Before long, Dante and Vergil arrived in the spacious room, noticing that a pair of sofas and a table had been prepared for them, mirroring the setup for Arc Wizard Alexhandra. Takano, who seemed accustomed to this atmosphere, gave a brief overview.
"Right now, we're conducting interviews and recruiting monsters to fill each floor of the dungeon," Takano explained seriously, pointing toward the second portal that had opened, linking the human world with the monster realm.
Through the portal, a variety of monsters began to emerge—some fierce and intimidating, while others appeared calmer and more curious. Dante and Vergil, known as skilled and fearsome adventurers, took their seats to meet the monsters, understanding the importance of selecting those who would guard the floors of the newly constructed dungeon. They were acutely aware of how crucial first impressions were in this process.
What intrigued them was the reaction of the monsters. Rather than appearing fearful or intimidated, many seemed joyful and even excited. Some whispered among themselves, astonished that they would be working alongside legendary adventurers like Dante and Vergil. For them, this was not just an opportunity for employment but also an honor to be involved in a dungeon project overseen by individuals with a remarkable reputation in the adventuring world.
As Dante and Vergil interviewed the recruiting monsters, they began to share their personal experiences from previous dungeon explorations. They recounted what it was like to face various types of monsters, traps, and obstacles, offering their insights from the perspective of seasoned adventurers. Their stories of arduous challenges and the cunning required to overcome powerful foes helped to lighten the atmosphere, fostering a positive rapport with the monsters.
Aeka and Takano joined the conversation as well, sharing their own memories as adventurers who often encountered tense situations within dungeons. Aeka, drawing from her experience as a clever and strategic fighter, emphasized the importance of understanding a monster's fighting style to achieve victory. In contrast, Takano, who had a more aggressive approach, spoke passionately about the physical strength needed to confront formidable opponents. The monsters began to feel a deeper connection with the adventurers' perspectives, realizing they too were part of an interconnected ecosystem within the dungeons they were set to guard.
Watching the session unfold, Arc Wizard Alexhandra smiled in satisfaction at how the conversation was breaking the ice. Confidently, she asked Anastasya to take full charge of managing the dungeon while she prepared another one at a designated location. As a competent leader, Anastasya accepted the task with composure, ready to oversee the development and management of the new dungeon.
The interview session continued with enthusiasm, and the monsters grew increasingly excited about their roles in the dungeon. The recruitment process was smooth, with a variety of monsters from different calibers joining based on the dungeon's difficulty levels. Ranging from creatures suited for beginners on floors B1 to B3, to a large red dragon selected as the boss monster on floors B13 to B15, the monsters felt proud to play crucial roles within the dungeon.
Once the interviews concluded, Anastasya presented copies of the dungeon map, numbering each corridor and room that the monsters were to guard. A drawing was held to determine the placement of monsters on each floor of the dungeon, starting with smaller, less aggressive creatures on B1 to B3, and gradually increasing the aggression from floor B4 onwards.
Vergil and Dante collaborated to establish rules that the monsters were required to follow within the dungeon. They set strict boundaries regarding what was permissible and what was not, ensuring a balance between the challenge for adventurers and the safety of the monsters at work. Aeka and Takano played vital roles in facilitating communication among the monsters and providing guidance to each creature assigned to ensure they understood their responsibilities.
With many of the monsters being newcomers, Aeka and Vergil began conducting training sessions based on their experiences. They taught dungeon strategies, including how to be effective guard monsters. They also trained the larger monsters on how to embody their roles as fearsome floor bosses. For the less aggressive monsters, they were instructed on how to appear more intimidating using makeup or fake wounds. The atmosphere during these training sessions was filled with enthusiasm, as the monsters were eager to perform their roles well.
The Kobold tribe was assigned to floor B5-A as their domain, but with the condition that they must utilize the dungeon's structure for protection to ensure their safety. Meanwhile, the Oni Clan was placed in B6-E, under the same rules regarding the use of the dungeon's body. Vergil added an essential rule: starting from the higher difficulty floors, monsters were not allowed to pursue or kill any adventurer parties that decided to retreat, whether manually or by using escape scrolls.
All the monsters were pleased with the fair distribution up to level B15-E, and their placements were seen as balanced according to their abilities. A sense of spirit and satisfaction enveloped the entire group of monsters, as they felt they had received appropriate opportunities matching their capabilities.
With the main task of distribution completed, Vergil and Anastasya prepared to execute their final plan: spreading rumors among adventurers that something intriguing awaited in Haunting Forest. The goal of these rumors was to attract more adventurers to come and challenge the newly constructed dungeon. Vergil quickly contacted Draven Blackthorn, requesting that one of their members be sent to investigate the cave location discussed during the previous big meeting. Lord Draven accepted the news promptly and dispatched a member to check the site, asking them to wait for two days for further instructions.
"With this, everything is done," Dante said as he re-entered the control room.
"Actually, there's one last thing that's bothering me..." Vergil replied as he walked in behind Dante.
"What is it?" Anastasya asked.
"You might have heard from me or Aeka that sometimes adventurers can be quite stubborn. Even when they know they've lost, they refuse to retreat, and as a result, they end up dead..." Vergil explained.
"Ah, yes, I forgot to ask about that," Aeka interjected.
"Don't worry, Master has prepared three parent slimes. I'll take you to their nest, please follow me," Anastasya said gently.
Anastasya led Vergil, Dante, Aeka, and Takano to a room located not far from the hall where the monsters were gathering. Upon entering, their eyes were drawn to three very large slimes. Although slimes were known as basic monsters, the three looked quite different—far more passive and non-aggressive than ordinary slimes.
In the room, there were also six Golems on standby, each carrying a short sword engraved with healing runes. These runes had been adjusted to work effectively with the slime's body, providing instant regeneration when the golems needed to take a small portion from the parent slime.
"So, what's the plan?" Aeka asked.
"These Golems will take a small part of the slime and cut it. They've been trained to also involve a bit of the slime's core so that the smaller slimes can come to life immediately. We need to strip all the equipment from the deceased adventurers and place these slimes on their bodies so they can be dissolved by the slime. This slime can also be used for cleaning, as it dissolves everything, including leftover potion bottles or trash left behind by adventurers," Anastasya explained.
"It seems you've prepared everything. This is getting even more interesting," Aeka said.
"For Princess Takano, Master forgot to mention that there's a training simulation room where you can duel with the monsters without the fear of injuring or killing them," Anastasya added.
"REALLY?!" Takano exclaimed, her eyes shining as if she had just discovered treasure or hit the jackpot.
"The adventure experience from the Prince and Princess can serve as valuable lessons for the monsters in the future. I've also prepared arrangements for monster placements for rolling areas or slight changes in the patrol areas of the monsters," Anastasya continued.
"Then our tasks here are temporarily complete; the rest is up to Lord Draven," Dante said, feeling satisfied.