The first wave of the attackers reached at dusk. The attackers, a mixture of mercenaries and soldiers from the Eastern Kingdoms and rogue adventurers, moved skillfully. Their banners fluttered in the wind, and their weapons, with a metallic sheen, reflected the last rays of sunlight.
Ethan watched the Sky Watch Tower. His eyes were sharp, tracking every move. At his side, Mira stood arms crossed, studying the formation of enemies.
"They're disciplined," she said. "Not like the usual adventurer rabble. Whoever organized this wants you gone, Ethan."
He nodded. "Let's give them a reason to regret coming here."
First Assault
They reached the outer perimeter, where Ethan had set up traps and early monsters. The ground gave way beneath them as Burrowing Lurkers burst from the earth, dragging soldiers into hidden pits. Crimson Vines sprang to life, ensnaring those who ventured too close to the entrance of the dungeon.
Screams filled the air as chaos erupted. Ethan watched impassively.
"They're testing our defenses," Mira said. "Sending the fodder first.
"That's all right," Ethan said. "Let them waste their numbers. The real challenge is yet to come."
A Coordinated Push
The attackers reorganized fast, their commanders yapping orders left and right. A line of mages moved up, casting spells to negate the traps. Fire and lightning ripped through the Crimson Vines and barriers of light shielded the soldiers as they went ahead.
Ethan tightened his fists. "They're learning. Time to raise the stakes."
He turned on the next layer of defense. Phantom Sentinels dived from above, their ghostly forms impervious to physical assault. The phantom beasts attacked unrelentingly, and the mages were forced to divert their attention.
At the same time, the Hall of Whispers sprang into action, casting illusions of the invaders' deepest fears. Their ranks began to break as soldiers dropped their arms and ran.
Mira smiled. "This is almost too easy.
"Don't get cocky," Ethan warned. "They've only sent a fraction of their forces so far."
The Tavern Mobilizes
Inside the Tavern, adventurers who had chosen to defend the dungeon prepared for battle. Mira had organized them into squads, assigning roles based on their skills.
Remember," she told the room. "It is not about just the protection of the dungeon but of what we have created here, what you have built here. If they take over the place, they will burn everything to the ground."
The adventurers cheered as they got themselves pumped up after her fiery speech.
Lysander leaned casually against the bar and smirked. "She's good at this."
Ethan, who had entered quietly, nodded. "She's better at rallying people than I am. That's why I trust her with this.
"Smart move," Lysander said. "Now let's see if your defenses hold."
The Core's Response
With the second wave looming, Ethan empowered critical aspects of his defenses with the Soulforge Chamber. The traps were deadlier; the monsters, faster and stronger. The Arcane Sentinel at the entrance of the dungeon engaged and unleashed powerful magical attacks that burned whole groups of enemies at once.
From the Sky Watch Tower, a more disturbing discovery was made: siege equipment was being constructed away from view. Ballistae were being readied, trebuchets assembled, and even several sorts of enchanted cannons were prepared to attack the outer constructions.
"They're bringing out the big guns," Mira said, coming back beside Ethan.
He nodded grimly. "They're not just here for the dungeon. They're targeting the tavern and the lodgings too. They want to destroy everything."
The Turning Point
As night began to fall, the attackers collectively staged the best-orchestrated assault yet. Siege weapons boomed, their projectiles hitting the outbuildings. The Traveler's Lodge received a direct strike, a section of the roof caving in with a fiery blast.
Ethan surged with anger. These people aren't just fighting his dungeon-they are trying to destroy the haven he'd built for adventurers.
"I won't let them take this," he said, his voice cold.
Mira touched his arm. "Then fight back. Show them why this dungeon isn't like the others."
Ethan activated the Fortress Room. Its walls glowed with runes as barriers of light formed, shielding the core chamber and key sections of the dungeon. Alongside this, he brought his most powerful monsters to the fore:
The Infernal Behemoth, a huge, flame-spewing monster that towered over the battlefield.
A pack of Shadow Hounds, their lean shapes darting in the darkness to attack from every side.
The Crystalline Hydra, multi-headed, its attacks reflecting upon those who would strike against them.
The battlefield boiled over into chaos as these creatures tore through the ranks.
Intervention by Ethan
Yet despite the overwhelming power of his defenses, Ethan could tell that this siege was far from over. The attackers were relentless, their numbers apparently endless.
"I need to go down there," he said.
Mira gave him a sharp look. "You're the core. If they realize who you are—"
"I know," he cut in. "But sometimes, you have to lead from the front."
Mira hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But don't get yourself killed."
Ethan plunged into the fray, still in human form. With his enhanced abilities, he moved like a force of nature, cutting through attackers with precision and power. He directed the monsters with a thought, making sure they struck where the enemy was weakest.
The adventurers fighting for the dungeon rallied around him as their morale soared at the sight of him in action.
Victory and Aftermath
At dawn, the attackers turned and ran, their ranks in tatters. The broken remnants of their siege engines lay scattered across the battlefield, the bodies of their dead still strewn about.
Ethan stepped out of the dungeon, observing the fleeing survivors with a keen eye.
Mira joined him, her face smeared with dirt and sweat. "We did it."
"For now," Ethan said. "But this was only the beginning. They will be back, stronger and even more determined."
"Then we'll be ready," Mira replied.
Ethan looked out at the ruins of the Traveler's Lodge and the damage to the Tavern. "We have rebuilding to do. And I need to level up."
He accessed the system interface, confirming the experience points earned from the battle.
Level Up! Current Level: 28
New Spins Earned: 12
Ethan smirked. "Time to see what the gacha has in store for us this time."
As the system interface materialized, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This was his domain, and no one would take it from him.