The faint glow of the Eternal Sanctuary illuminated Ethan's chamber as he paced back and forth, the system's dire warning echoing in his mind: "Probability of Greater Incursion: 92%."
Great was the victory against Nihil, but one thing was crystal clear: the abyss had no intention of retreating. And Ethan knew he didn't have much time to prepare.
System," Ethan called, his voice even. "What are my immediate options to fortify against another incursion?"
System Response:
"Core Level: 20. Possible upgrades: Improved Defenses, Tactical Extension, Monster Enhancement, Advanced NPC Functions."
"Show me all," he asked, his tone not taking any prisoners.
New Upgrades
The system flashed a brilliant selection for Ethan to consider. He studied with great interest the following critical ones:
Improved Defenses:
Trap effectiveness increased by 50%.
Dungeon walls gain magical and physical attack resistance.
Unlock a Barrier of Warding, an energy shield protecting Core City. Tactical Expansion: Add five layers to the dungeon. Gain access to special combat areas: Labyrinth Chambers and Void Fields. Monster Augmentation: Give personality and loyalty improvements to all monsters. Activate Elite Abyssal Hunters, the new class of intellectual defenders. Advanced NPC Roles: Open special NPCs for diplomacy, training, and resource management. Recruit a Strategic Commander NPC to organize the defenses.
Ethan didn't waste any time. "Core Energy to Enhanced Defenses, Tactical Expansion, and Monster Augmentation-effective immediately."
Call to Arms
As the upgrades started to take hold, Ethan directed his attention to the city. With a wave of his hand, the Dungeon Bell sounded, calling all adventurers and citizens to the Golden Hearth Tavern.
The room quickly filled with people—adventurers of all ranks, NPCs, merchants, and even civilians who had taken refuge in Core City. Ethan stood at the head of the room, Mira by his side.
"We've all seen the growth of Core City," Ethan began, his voice calm but commanding. "We've turned a dungeon into a thriving hub. But the abyss isn't done with us. Nihil was only the beginning."
Murmurs spread through the crowd, a mix of fear and determination.
Ethan continued. "The abyss wants to destroy everything we've built. But we're not going to let that happen. Together, we'll defend this city. We'll make it stronger."
Strategic Planning
Over the next few days, Ethan worked tirelessly to fortify the city and dungeon.
Barrier of Warding: An energy shield shimmered into being, capping Core City in an impenetrable dome. Ethan tested its strength and found it capable of standing even to his most powerful attacks.
Training Grounds: Mira and Lysander supervised the development of special training programs for adventurers. The new Warrior's Hall and Sharpshooter's Range let adventurers train with more sophisticated methods.
Monster Alliance: With higher intelligence, the dungeon creatures finally learned to cooperate. There developed a new pecking order, with the Elite Abyssal Hunters at the helm. Their leader, an immense, hulking but cunning beast, was personally appointed by Ethan-named Kael.
Tavern Network Extension: Further building of the Golden Hearth Tavern and Wanderer's Rest Inn began in anticipation of more adventurers. The use of one of Ethan's gacha spins granted the Abyssal Lounge-a place where highly esteemed adventurers could rest.
A Surprise Encounter
One evening, as Ethan reviewed the city's defenses, Mira burst into his chamber.
"We've got a problem," she said, her face serious.
"What is it?" Ethan asked.
"A group of adventurers just arrived. They're. different. Their gear, their aura—it's like nothing I've seen before."
Ethan followed Mira to the gates, where a group of five adventurers stood. Their leader, a tall man with silver hair and piercing violet eyes, stepped forward.
"I am Kaelen," he said, his voice smooth but commanding. "We've come to assist."
Ethan frowned, studying the group. Their weapons glowed faintly with runic energy, and their presence felt. otherworldly.
"Assist with what?" Ethan asked cautiously.
Kaelen smiled faintly. "The abyss. We've been fighting it longer than you can imagine. And we know it's coming for you."
The Abyssal Council
Kaelen and his people elaborated that they belonged to something known as the Abyssal Council-an ancient structure dedicated to fighting the forces of the abyss.
"The abyss is not just a hole in space," Kaelen said. "It's a thinking entity with hundreds, if not thousands, of agents. Nihil was just a scout. The real threat comes in the form of the Abyssal Sovereigns-entities of unimaginable power."
Ethan's stomach twisted. "And one of those Sovereigns is coming here?
Kaelen nodded. "Not yet, but they will. That's why we're here. Your dungeon is unique. It's a perfect staging ground for both defense and offense against the abyss. We want to help you fortify it further."
A New Alliance
Though wary, Ethan agreed to an alliance with the Abyssal Council. Kaelen's group began sharing their knowledge, introducing new defensive techniques and strategies.
Abyssal Sigils: An array of magical runes, set throughout the dungeon, to disrupt abyssal energy.
Void-Ward Crystals: Energy nodes that weakened the abyssal entities within their range.
Abyssal Gate Suppression: A way to prevent any rifts, like Nihil had used, from fully forming.
The Calm Before the Storm
Days turned to weeks, and Core City thrived under the combined efforts of its inhabitants and Kaelen's team. Ethan, however, couldn't shake the feeling that they were merely buying time.
One night, as he stood atop the city's walls, Mira joined him.
"You've done something incredible here," she said.
Ethan smiled faintly. "And I'll do whatever it takes to protect it."
Mira nodded. "Just don't forget—you're not alone in this."
Ethan looked at her, his eyes shining with gratitude. "I know."
As the two stood in silence, way beyond the horizon, a dull ominous glow flickered where abyss watched.
To Be Continued...