The glow of the Dungeon Core pulsed like a heartbeat, sending waves of raw energy through Reo's body. He exhaled, steadying himself. The battle had ended, but the war was just beginning.
His gaze swept across the cavernous hall. It was still barebones, nothing but ancient stone and lingering shadows. If he wanted to survive the next attack, he had to act fast.
"Dungeon Management Interface… Access Granted."
A translucent screen flickered into existence before him. The interface was eerily similar to the strategy games he once dominated.
> Dungeon Status: [Level 2]
Available DP (Dungeon Points): 250
Current Floors: 1 (Ruined)
Available Upgrades: Trap Creation, Basic Floor Expansion, Low-Tier Monster Spawning
"First things first. Defense."
He selected Floor Expansion, his mind already drafting the blueprints. The labyrinth trembled as new corridors stretched into existence, forming a maze of stone and shadow.
"Now, let's make this deadly."
Spike Traps: Concealed beneath the floor, ready to impale intruders.
Pitfalls: Dark chasms leading into endless voids.
Poison Mist Chambers: A slow, suffocating death for careless adventurers.
Reo smirked. Perfect.
Then—a voice echoed through the dungeon.
"You… are not the first."
Reo froze. The voice was deep, ancient, and resonant, like the whisper of something that had been trapped for eons.
His eyes darted toward the abyssal depths of the dungeon.
"Who's there?"
Silence.
Then, a surge of black mist spiraled from the void, coiling like living shadows.
"A usurper. A mortal. Playing king in a tomb of gods."
Reo's grip on the Dungeon Core tightened. This presence—whatever it was—felt like something beyond human comprehension.
"What are you?" he demanded.
The mist coiled and flickered, forming the outline of a chained figure, bound in ethereal shackles. Its eyes burned with an unholy glow.
"A prisoner of this labyrinth… and perhaps… your only ally."
Reo narrowed his eyes. This thing—whatever it was—knew too much.
Before he could respond, the dungeon trembled violently.
ALERT! ELITE INVADERS APPROACHING.
Reo turned sharply toward the dungeon entrance. From the shadows, three figures emerged.
Unlike the first wave of scouts, these weren't low-tier adventurers.
A heavily armored knight, bearing the insignia of the Eldoria Kingdom.
A cloaked rogue, twin daggers glinting with venomous sheen.
A red-haired priest, her staff crackling with divine energy.
Their eyes scanned the dungeon with caution. They weren't here for exploration.
They were here to eliminate him.
Reo smirked, his fingers tightening around the Dungeon Core.
"Let's see if you can survive my new defenses."