Outside the dungeon, the area was flourishing more than ever. The Tavern, which Mira had dubbed "The Core's Respite," was filled with adventurers recounting tales of their exploits. The Traveler's Lodge and Marketplace were abuzz with activity, while the Mission Board became a hotspot for adventurer groups seeking fame and fortune. Ethan watched from the shadows, in his human form, a sense of pride welling up within him.
"They don't even know who runs the place," Mira said, appearing beside him.
"That's the point," Ethan replied. "It's better if they think this is just a neutral zone. They'd act differently if they knew the dungeon core was walking among them."
Mira chuckled. "Still hiding your cards. Smart."
But it wasn't long before their moment of peace was disrupted. A commotion arose at the edge of the Marketplace. Ethan's attention snapped to a group of armored figures approaching the outskirts of the dungeon, their banners fluttering in the wind.
"What now?" he muttered.
The Order's Arrival
It was a group of ten fully armed knights, each with the insignia of a dragon coiled around a sword on their body. They walked in step, and the leader stepped forward to address the gathering adventurers near the entrance.
"I am Sir Aldric of the Order of the Ember Blade," the leader announced, his voice carrying authority. "We have come to investigate the rumors surrounding this dungeon and the new facilities it has established."
Mira leaned closer to Ethan. "The Ember Blade? That is not some small-time group; they're famous for hunting powerful dungeon cores."
Ethan frowned. "Let them talk. I want to hear what they're after.
Sir Aldric resumed, "This dungeon is different from anything we have seen. It has been growing in unnatural ways and its power is unchecked. It's a threat to the whole region surrounding it. So we, as protectors of these realms, want an audience with whoever oversees this facility."
Mira whispered, "He's asking for you. What do you want to do?
Ethan considered his options. Letting Aldric and his group storm in unchallenged would destabilize the careful balance he'd created. On the other hand, engaging them could reveal his identity as the dungeon core.
"Let's play along," he said. "I'll meet them—on my terms."
The Core Revealed
Ethan stepped out of the shadows, his gait confident as he strode towards the gathering. His human form was unassuming yet commanding: dark hair, piercing eyes, and an air of quiet authority. The crowd of adventurers parted, murmurs spreading as they tried to place the stranger among their ranks.
"I oversee this establishment," Ethan said, his voice calm but firm.
Sir Aldric studied him, unreadable. "You claim responsibility for the dungeon and these facilities?"
"I do," Ethan replied. "What you see here is my creation. Every room, every trap, every monster. But also the tavern, the marketplace, and the lodge. Everything."
The crowd gasped.
"You're the dungeon core?" Aldric asked, his hand drifting to the hilt of his sword.
Ethan nodded. "I am. And before you draw that sword, consider this: I have built a place that brings adventurers together, provides resources, and gives them challenges without unnecessary bloodshed. Can you say as much about your order?"
Aldric hesitated. "Your existence is dangerous. Dungeon cores don't create towns—they destroy them.
"And yet here we are," Ethan retaliated. "If you think I'm a threat, prove it. But know this: you'll be challenging me on my ground."
A Dangerous Negotiation
There was tension hanging in the air. Mira stood to one side, her hand resting on the handle of her dagger in case things would get ugly. The adventurers themselves whispered, their voices full of awe and fear.
Finally, Aldric lowered his hand. "Very well. I propose a compromise. Allow my knights to explore your dungeon, unimpeded, to ensure there are no. unnatural activities occurring within. If we find nothing concerning, we'll leave you in peace."
Ethan smirked. "You're welcome to try, but don't expect to come out unscathed."
"Then it's settled," Aldric said. He turned to his knights. "Prepare yourselves. We enter at dawn."
The Preparation of the Dungeon
As night fell, Ethan and Mira retreated to the core chamber.
"You're really going to let them in?" Mira asked.
"Of course," Ethan replied. "But I'm not making it easy. If they think they can march in here and judge me, they're in for a rude awakening."
Ethan started reorganizing the dungeon's layout, strengthening traps, and placing his most fearsome monsters in key positions. The Illusory Maze was expanded, the Gravity Flare Room was made even more disorienting, and the Infernal Behemoth was stationed near the final chamber.
He also used his remaining gacha spins from Level 24 to obtain more resources to reinforce his defenses:
Spin 1: Crimson Vines, enchanted plants that immobilized intruders.
Spin 2: A Hallowed Sanctum, a deceptive room appearing peaceful but filled with hidden dangers.
Spin 3: Phantom Sentinels, aerial guardians immune to physical attacks.
Spin 4: A Hall of Echoes, where intruders would face illusions of their past failures.
"Let's see how the mighty knights of the Ember Blade handle this," Ethan said, his voice cold.
The Knights' Trial
As the sun rose, the knights entered the dungeon. Their confidence was palpable as they went through the early sections, effortlessly cutting down the lesser monsters.
But as they delved deeper, their resolve began to falter. The Illusory Maze disoriented them, separating the group and forcing them to fight alone. The Crimson Vines claimed two knights, their cries echoing through the corridors.
By the time they reached the Hall of Echoes, only four remained. Each knight was confronted with haunting visions of their past-failures, betrayals, and doubts that shook their spirits.
Finally, the remaining two knights staggered into the final chamber, only to face the Infernal Behemoth. The battle was brutal, their weapons barely scratching the monster's fiery hide.
Ethan watched from the core chamber, his expression unreadable. Mira stood beside him, arms crossed. "They won't make it."
"Good," Ethan replied. "They need to understand what they're up against."
A New Respect
When Aldric emerged from the dungeon later that day, he was battered, bloodied, and alone. The adventurers outside stared in shock as the proud knight fell to his knees.
Ethan stepped forward, calm. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
Aldric looked up, eyes filled with equal parts anger and respect. "You're. unlike any dungeon core I've encountered. I'll admit that."
"Then take your lesson and leave," Ethan said. "The next time you or your order return, there will be no mercy."
Aldric nodded seriously, rising to his feet. "Understood.
As the knight limped away, Mira turned to Ethan. "You let him live?"
Ethan shrugged. "Better to let him spread the word. Fear is more effective when it's earned."
Mira smirked. "You're getting good at this."
Ethan glanced at the bustling town outside the dungeon. "I have to be. This is only the beginning."