Vergil felt pleased as he showed the official letter and announcement from the Adventure Guild to Anastasya, who was in the dungeon's control room. He hadn't expected the official notice to arrive so quickly, especially from Lord Draven, known for his strict demeanor. The dungeon had only been operational for a few days, yet it had already caught the attention of the high-ranking officials—a rare occurrence for a newly established site.
Upon receiving the letter, Anastasya was taken aback. Her gaze lingered on the official seal, confirming that Lord Draven himself had initiated the letter. She quickly scanned the lines of text, absorbing the contents, and then pinned the Adventure Guild's announcement on the control room wall, where the dungeon's guards and workers would see it.
Not long after, Dante, Aeka, and Takano entered the control room, having spent some time chatting casually with a few monster residents. They chuckled among themselves until their faces lit up with surprise upon noticing the dungeon exploration announcement now posted on the wall. Dante stepped forward, closely examining the notice.
"It seems our efforts—and mischief—have paid off," Dante said with a grin.
"And this dungeon is a fair distance from Dark Village and the nearest city," Vergil added. "As planned by Emperor Shiroi… this place will be developed into a sort of small town as well."
"Oh, that's right… adventurers might ask for facilities or even buy land nearby," Aeka mused. "Who knows what they'll do with it? Maybe some will retire here, become farmers, or open an inn or something."
"Anastasya, are you ready?" Vergil asked.
"It looks like tomorrow is going to be a busy day." said Anastasya
The day passed as usual, with careful preparations to ensure the dungeon was ready for the wave of adventurers soon to arrive. The caretakers worked tirelessly, and the monsters were specifically trained and prepared to face the upcoming challenges. The dungeon was not only a perilous place filled with traps but also packed with tempting treasures, and they needed everything to run smoothly.
An ample supply of Magical Gems had been strategically placed at important locations throughout the dungeon. These gems were vital for the monsters; when defeated, the gems would appear in place of the monsters, and their original bodies would reappear inside the dungeon, allowing them to reform and face adventurers again. This setup meant that adventurers from all over would be drawn in, ready to test their luck and skill, as the dungeon was designed to challenge not only their bravery but also their cunning.
Meanwhile, Vergil and Bromir, a master blacksmith, were hard at work in their workshop. Together, they forged high-quality swords, each blade not only sharp but also adorned with magical engravings to enhance its power in battle. Every sword they crafted was carefully hidden within treasure chests scattered randomly on floor B7, adding an element of surprise for any adventurer lucky enough to find one. The chests' locations were randomized using a magical lottery, ensuring that no one could predict where the best treasures lay.
The mini golems assisting them had also steadily improved their blacksmithing skills, especially with Vergil teaching them how to craft different types of weapons. Slowly, they were beginning to grasp the art of blacksmithing, and their progress was evident in some of the weapons crafted by their small hands.
Aeka was equally busy. She worked alongside Hilda, a master tailor, to create leather armor and robes designed for adventurers who favored speed or magic. Aeka personally added a few simple yet effective enchantments to these armors, such as enhanced durability and magical defense, giving adventurers who wore them a small but valuable advantage within the dungeon.
Meanwhile, Dante oversaw logistics. He ensured that the dungeon was stocked not only with weapons and armor but also with essential supplies adventurers would need on their journey, like potions, medicinal herbs, and various healing provisions. Additionally, Dante coordinated with the mini golems, who helped manage inventory and maintain the gear.
That night, everyone—from caretakers to monsters—took a moment to rest. Tomorrow would be an exhausting day—the day the first wave of adventurers would arrive, and the dungeon would need to be ready to welcome them.
That morning, the caretakers were up before dawn. Waking at the crack of dawn was a duty for them, especially today—the official first day of the dungeon's exploration. The atmosphere in the control room was busy yet focused. The caretakers checked every last detail, ensuring all traps were functioning properly, that the supply of Magical Gems was sufficient to sustain the dungeon's magical power, and that all pathways were clear of any obstructions.
Meanwhile, the monsters inhabiting the dungeon began to awaken one by one. Tension filled the air. This was their first time officially serving as dungeon guardians. Though they had trained and prepared for this day, it felt different knowing they would now face real adventurers attempting to penetrate the dungeon's depths. Some monsters whispered anxiously to one another, while others remained silent, lost in their own thoughts.
After breakfast, Vergil and Aeka arrived in the monster hall. Vergil could see the tension among the monsters, who were visibly anxious about their first duty. Aeka gathered them together, and Vergil addressed them.
"To everyone here, act as you normally would when encountering adventurers," Vergil began. "From floors B4 to B15, you're allowed to attack the adventurers, as those floors are guarded by aggressive creatures. Remember what I told you yesterday: do not pursue adventurers if they retreat, either by stairway or using a magic scroll. But if an adventurer insists on fighting even when they're clearly worn down, you have permission to finish them off."
Hearing Vergil's encouragement and rallying words, the monsters swiftly rushed to their designated posts, each preparing to face the adventurers who would soon enter. Outside the dungeon, excitement filled the air as adventurers from diverse backgrounds began to gather, each one eager to test their luck and skills in this newly opened dungeon. Not only adventurers, but several members of the Merchant Guild were also setting up simple stalls near the dungeon's entrance, selling supplies like potions, spare weapons, and magical tools.
Some adventurers entered the dungeon immediately after finalizing their preparations, while others lingered, searching for suitable party members to accompany them on the journey ahead. Each was intent on forming a team that balanced combat strength, magic, and survival skills. In the control room, Vergil watched them closely. Through the monitoring crystals placed at various points within the dungeon, he could see adventurers assembling into unique and varied parties. Some groups consisted of only three members, relying on speed and precision, while others were groups of five, aiming for a balanced formation. Vergil noted that many of them were still beginners, needing time to train their new recruits before they could truly conquer the dungeon's challenges.
Meanwhile, Dante moved carefully through the dungeon. Using his cloaking device, he moved unseen, filling treasure chests with valuable items and setting sleep gas traps. The potency of the sleep gas varied by floor. On floors B1 through B3, the gas was mild, just enough to make adventurers drowsy and slightly fatigued. However, by floors B13 to B15, the gas was far more potent—enough to put a dragon to sleep within moments. This was all part of the dungeon's strategy to introduce different challenges on each floor, ensuring that adventurers remained ever vigilant.
Anastasya, on the other hand, was responsible for preparing a team of miniature golems that would spring into action if the sleep gas trap successfully incapacitated any adventurers. Should a party fall completely asleep, this team of golems would swiftly and efficiently lift them up and carry them back to the entrance of the dungeon level, ensuring they wouldn't suffer serious injuries or get lost within its labyrinthine corridors. The golems were well-trained and highly coordinated, moving without making a sound and evacuating anyone ensnared by the traps.
Meanwhile, Aeka and Takano were busy preparing supply items to be placed in treasure chests on each floor. Luckily, a network of back passages within the dungeon allowed Aeka to move stealthily, depositing these supply chests for the adventurers to discover.
As Anastasya observed the adventurer parties reaching floor B4-A, she noted how carefully they arranged their combat formations. While a few appeared reasonably well-trained, a flicker of tension was visible on their faces as they braced themselves for the tougher challenges awaiting them on this level. From the control room, Anastasya watched their every move through her monitoring mirrors, ensuring that everything proceeded according to plan.
Elsewhere, Vergil, who had been watching the situation closely, stood up and prepared to enter the back routes of the dungeon with his cloaking device. He was aware that some adventurers were growing curious about the rooms containing treasure chests, eagerly searching for them. This secret route was intentionally designed to allow caretakers like Dante, Aeka, and Takano to move freely between floors B1 and B3. It enabled them to restock treasure chests with various items and monitor the adventurers' progress undetected. Vergil made sure he was always on standby, ready to respond as needed, for he knew that curiosity about the treasure rooms would drive adventurers onward, eager to uncover their hidden riches.
Several of the bolder, more seasoned adventurer parties ventured deeper into floor B4-A, where a legion of skeleton warriors lay in wait. The ensuing battles were fierce; the skeletons fought with an intensity far beyond that of the creatures on the upper floors. Adventurers quickly realized this dungeon was no ordinary challenge. Although the skeletons looked brittle, they moved with alarming speed and precision. Unprepared parties soon found themselves in disarray, their formations crumbling as they retreated to regroup.
In the Imperial Palace, Emperor Shiroi received urgent news that a new dungeon had emerged within the Haunting Forest. Intrigued by the sudden appearance and the wave of adventurers flocking to it, the emperor understood the potential — and the peril — this dungeon posed. With a swift hand, he penned an official letter, issuing orders to deliver it both to the Adventurer's Guild and directly to the dungeon itself.
In his letter, Emperor Shiroi announced his intention to visit the dungeon in person the following day. He sought to observe the adventurers' efforts firsthand, to assess the dangers they faced, and to understand their needs as they continued their exploration. For Shiroi, this was more than a quest for treasure or glory; it was a matter of maintaining regional stability and safeguarding all involved.
To ensure the message arrived swiftly and securely, Emperor Shiroi entrusted it to one of the Imperial Palace's trained falcons, skilled in navigating to even the most remote or treacherous destinations. This falcon, prepared with a carefully charted route, would navigate the perilous terrain surrounding the Haunting Forest with ease.
With powerful, disciplined wings, the falcon took flight from the Imperial Palace, speeding toward the dungeon's location. It flew across forests and mountains, finally alighting gracefully near the dungeon's entrance, landing at a designated spot with the emperor's message secured.
By dusk, the Caretakers had been hard at work, ensuring traps were set, monsters were positioned, and supplies were distributed. The adventurers had retreated to set up camp outside the dungeon, regrouping for the day ahead. Exhausted from the endless task of replenishing treasure chests on floors B1 to B3, Vergil noticed the falcon's arrival with a letter in tow. Anastasya, who had been in the control room, read the message and could only stare, stunned. Vergil approached, glancing over the letter and feeling the weight of its importance.
"What? Shiroi wants to inspect this place and needs a map where we can speak in peace?" Vergil exclaimed, his mind racing with the implications.
"It seems we need to seal off floor B4-A first. We have to coordinate with the skeletons stationed there," Dante replied, his expression serious.
"My greatest concern is Shiroi's guards; they can be a bit…" Takano hesitated, searching for the right word.
"Yes, I understand…" Aeka interjected, sharing their apprehension.
Anastasya promptly summoned all skeletons assigned to floor B4-A to the control room, where she informed them of Emperor Shiroi's impending arrival.
"So, the Emperor and his guards are coming, huh? That raises some concerns for us," one of the skeletons remarked.
"I forgot that those outside the dungeon don't understand the language of monsters," Anastasya sighed, facepalming at the oversight.
"I have a solution… prepare some paper," Vergil said, thinking quickly.
"What do you plan to do with the paper?" Dante asked, puzzled.
"Just be quiet and watch," Vergil replied, scribbling several sentences on the sheets, organizing them according to the points that needed to be conveyed. He handed the stack of papers to one of the skeletons.
"So that's the order," Vergil confirmed, nodding with approval.
"Interesting idea… I must admit, it's quite clever," Dante said, genuinely impressed.
"So I just need to show this paper in the right order? Alright," the skeleton replied, taking the papers with a nod of understanding.
"Well then, let's rest. Shiroi will be here tomorrow morning," Dante concluded, a sense of anticipation filling the air as they prepared for the challenges ahead.
As the Caretakers and all the monsters rested after their exhausting preparations, the silence surrounding the dungeon was suddenly shattered by the arrival of an impressive convoy. Emperor Shiroi, accompanied by Commander Axel and twenty-eight Elite Imperial Guards, arrived at the dungeon's entrance. Their presence startled the adventurers still getting ready; it was a rare occasion for the Emperor and his generals to intervene directly unless something of utmost importance was at stake.
Upon arrival, a hidden Mini Golem outside the dungeon promptly reported the convoy's presence to Vergil and Anastasya. Emperor Shiroi, exuding a commanding aura, wasted no time. He immediately entered the dungeon, with Commander Axel and the Elite Guard following closely behind in a disciplined march.
Passing through floors B1 to B3 without incident, Shiroi and his entourage reached floor B4-A. There, they encountered an unusual sight: a skeleton stood waiting, a stack of papers clutched in its bony hands. The skeleton, appearing non-threatening despite the dark and eerie surroundings, directed the papers toward the Emperor.
Shiroi scrutinized the skeleton closely, sensing that this creature was more than just a mere guard. It seemed to hold a more significant role within the dungeon. With a calm and attentive demeanor, Shiroi approached the skeleton, ready to listen to the information it might wish to convey.
"Are you Emperor Shiroi?" Axel read the papers aloud, his voice steady.
"Indeed… I am Shiroi, Emperor of the Kainaldia Empire," Shiroi replied, his tone authoritative.
"In that case, follow me. The Caretakers are waiting. We've been instructed not to harm you or your forces; please, come with me," Axel continued, reading from the papers.
The skeleton promptly led Shiroi and his entourage to a treasure chamber, where Vergil and the others awaited. Anastasya gestured for everyone to step inside, her mind racing with the implications of this unprecedented meeting.
"Thank you! I'll try to get the Emperor's autograph for you later," Vergil said as he closed the door, taking the paper from the skeleton and handing over another.
The skeleton nodded, its expressionless visage betraying no emotion, yet Vergil sensed its satisfaction.
"So, what brings you here, Shiroi?" Vergil asked, sealing the room for privacy.
"I merely wanted to inspect the state of this dungeon, and it seems everything is fully prepared," Shiroi replied, a pleased expression on his face.
"Axel, what do you think?" he inquired, turning to his commander.
"It's quite fascinating; it reminds me of our past adventures," Axel mused, glancing around the chamber.
"Everyone, rest easy. We're safe here, and that skeleton was merely following instructions," Shiroi assured his guards.
The twenty-eight Elite Guards, previously on high alert, began to relax, realizing that this "expedition" into the dungeon was merely a cover for a secret meeting.
"I've observed the conditions outside. It seems there are many opportunities for development in the Haunting Forest, but I'm not particularly fond of the name," Shiroi continued, his brow furrowing slightly.
"I have an idea for the name of the town here: how about Apple Gate? I see the potential for orchards in this fertile land," Axel suggested, his eyes brightening at the thought.
"Interesting! I will prepare everything, including establishing a guild branch here," Shiroi declared, his enthusiasm evident.
"Before you head out, it would be wise to dress up a bit," Dante chimed in, pulling out some fake makeup.
"For what?" one of the Elite Guards asked, puzzled.
"It's just a ruse. B4-A is notorious for its formidable skeleton forces… it wouldn't be fair to the adventurers outside if you returned unscathed," Takano explained, a smirk on his face.
"Good point…" Axel conceded, nodding in agreement. The tension in the room eased further as the guards prepared for the unusual yet necessary deception.
The Caretakers worked swiftly and efficiently, helping Emperor Shiroi and his troops appear as though they had just emerged from a fierce battle. They applied makeup and various effects to give the soldiers the appearance of wounds, bruises, and exhaustion after navigating the numerous challenges within the dungeon.
During this process, they also prepared a convincing backstory, explaining that they had discovered the dungeon was rife with dangerous scenarios. They claimed to have breached floor B6-D, which was said to be the lair of Wraiths and their minions. Every preparation was meticulously crafted to ensure that Emperor Shiroi's and Commander Axel's arrival would come across as credible and believable.
Once everything was in place, Vergil requested Emperor Shiroi to sign the back of the message paper as a token of gratitude for their hard work. Shiroi readily agreed, proud of the dedication and effort displayed by the skeletons in fulfilling their duties.
With all preparations complete, the same skeleton that had delivered the message to Shiroi assisted in guiding them toward the exit. As they approached the stairs leading back to the surface, Commander Axel paused for a moment and extended his hand to shake the skeleton's bony grip. "Continue your good work," he said, his tone serious yet filled with respect.
The skeleton nodded, acknowledging the gesture, while Vergil watched the interaction with a mix of amusement and admiration. It was a strange but heartening sight, seeing the barriers between the living and the undead blurred, even if just for a moment, under the shared purpose of survival and cooperation.
With everything prepared, Emperor Shiroi and Commander Axel commanded their troops to feign pain and exhaustion from their struggles within the dungeon. The soldiers began to groan and clutch their fake wounds, creating an atmosphere as if they had just fought against a formidable enemy. Cautiously, they started to ascend the stairs, ready to return to the surface and report their findings, while the skeletons kept a watchful eye, ensuring that everything proceeded smoothly.
Upon reaching the dungeon exit, they were met with a crowd of surprised and curious adventurers, eager to hear the heroic tales of their expedition into the darkness.
Dante patted the shoulder of the skeleton that had assisted them. "Carry out your usual guard duties. Tonight, gather all the skeletons in the control room," he instructed, ensuring that the preparations for the evening's discussions were in order.
The skeleton nodded in acknowledgment, ready to fulfill its role, while the Emperor and his entourage stepped into the sunlight, the thrill of the encounter ahead igniting a sense of purpose in each of them.