《The Hero's Party Betrayed Me, So I Became a Dungeon Master》 Chapter 1: Shattered Bonds The blade whistled through the air, aimed for Cale''s throat. CLANG. He barely raised his sword in time, his arm trembling as it absorbed the force. His eyes locked with hers¡ªAelira, the party¡¯s healer. She was the one who always patched him up after battles, the one whose gentle hands had saved his life countless times. Now, those hands were clutching a dagger aimed to end him. ¡°Aelira!¡± Cale shouted, his voice echoing through the crumbling walls of the Demon King¡¯s throne room. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Her face twisted, and for the first time, something that made his stomach churn appeared, cold calculation. ¡°Don¡¯t make this harder than it needs to be, Cale. Just lay down your sword.¡± ¡°Lay down my¡ª¡± He choked on the words. ¡°You¡¯re trying to kill me!¡± From behind her, Rhogar, this ever-loyal tank, surprisingly stepped forward, his warhammer resting casually on one broad shoulder. ¡°You don¡¯t get it, do you? It¡¯s not personal.¡± Not personal? Cale''s heart pounded as he scanned their faces. Jorin, the rogue, stood off to the side, flipping one of his daggers between his fingers like this was all some kind of game. Even Velena, the party¡¯s mage, usually so composed, watched with barely concealed disdain. ¡°You¡¯re joking,¡± Cale said, his voice trembling. ¡°We defeated the Demon King together. Everything we¡¯ve been through¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s the problem,¡± Aelira cut him off, her tone ice-cold. ¡°We defeated the Demon King, but you¡¯re the one they¡¯ll sing songs about. The Hero. The the people¡¯s saviour. The one who¡¯s too pure-hearted to make the hard choices.¡± The hard choices? What the hell were they talking about? Rhogar spoke next, his deep voice filled with the same disdain Cale had heard from Aelira. ¡°We fought to survive, Cale. You fought for glory. And now that the Demon King¡¯s gone, you¡¯d stand in the way of what comes next.¡± ¡°What comes next?¡± Cale demanded, his grip tightening on his sword. Aelira smiled, the kind of smile that made Cale''s blood run cold. ¡°A new world order, of course. The treasures, the inheritance we¡¯ve claimed here will make us gods among men. We¡¯ll rule.¡± It hit him like a blow to the chest. The people he¡¯d trusted, fought beside, bled for, they weren¡¯t heroes. They were conquerors. And he was their loose end. ¡°You knew I¡¯d never go along with this,¡± he said, the realization dawning. Aelira¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Exactly.¡± The air thickened with tension, magic crackling as Velena began to weave a spell. Rhogar hefted his warhammer, and Jorin¡¯s daggers stopped spinning. ¡°Sorry, mate,¡± Jorin said with a shrug. ¡°But you¡¯ve outlived your usefulness.¡± Cale clenched his teeth, every fiber of his being screaming for him to fight. But they weren¡¯t just his allies, they were his family. Or so he¡¯d thought. ¡°Enough talking,¡± Rhogar rumbled, stepping forward. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this.¡± They attacked as one, a blur of steel and magic. Cale blocked Rhogar¡¯s hammer with his sword, sparks flying as the impact rattled his bones. His intricate white heroic armour clanked heavily from the vibration of the impact. Jorin darted in from the side, his dagger slicing toward Cale''s ribs. He twisted away, barely avoiding the strike, only for Aelira to step in, her blade flashing. ¡°Stop!¡± Cale shouted, desperation coloring his voice. ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this!¡± But their eyes told him the truth¡ªthey already had. The fight was chaos, a deadly dance of blows and dodges. Cale managed to land a few strikes, drawing blood from Jorin¡¯s arm and forcing Rhogar back, but it wasn¡¯t enough. He was outnumbered, outmatched. And then he saw it¡ªthe black pill. It sat on a pedestal at the room¡¯s center, the last remnant of the Demon King¡¯s treasure hoard. He¡¯d guarded it with his life, even in his final moments. None of them knew what it did, but they¡¯d all felt its power.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. If he was going to die, he wasn¡¯t going to let them have it. Breaking away from the fight, Cale lunged for the pedestal. Aelira screamed, ¡°NO!¡± but it was too late. He snatched the pill and swallowed it whole. Instantly, a searing pain ripped through Cale''s body, like fire coursing through his veins. He collapsed to his knees, clutching his chest as the world spun. ¡°What did you do?!¡± Velena shrieked with madness in her eyes, her spell fizzling out . Before he could answer, the dungeon itself seemed to react. The ground shook, cracks spiderwebbing across the floor as a strange purple glow filled the chamber. A portal opened beneath him, a swirling void that cackled with light and shadow. ¡°Damn it!¡± Rhogar shouted, reaching for him, but the pull was too strong. Cale was dragged into the portal, their furious shouts fading as he fell into darkness. When he woke, the first thing he noticed was the silence. No echoes of battle, no voices of betrayal, just a heavy, oppressive stillness. The second thing was the voice. ¡°Welcome, new Master.¡± Cale bolted upright, his body still aching from the fight. He was in a cavern, illuminated by a pulsating crystal embedded in the ground. The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± he demanded, his voice hoarse. The crystal glowed brighter, and then, to his utter disbelief, a figure emerged¡ªa woman, or something close to it. She was undeniably beautiful, with a graceful figure and flowing purple hair. However, her eyes, with their vertically slit pupils, held a hint of reptilian menace, reminding him of a viper. Her form looked ethereal. Her curves, her soft skin¡­ It was accentuated by glowing tattoos that mirrored the runes that strangely enough, was now etched into his own skin. Not to talk of her ears which had quite a noticeable pointy edge. ¡°I am the Dungeon Core,¡± she said, her voice smooth yet held a commanding edge. ¡°And you, Cale, are now my Master.¡± He staggered to his feet, glaring at her. ¡°What the hell does that mean? And how do you know my name?¡± She tilted her head, amusement flickering in her glowing eyes. ¡°I know everything about you, Hero. Your strengths, your weaknesses, your betrayal.¡± The word hit like a dagger, but he shoved the pain aside. ¡°What do you want from me?¡± ¡°It is not what I want,¡± she replied, her voice drifting like a melody, echoing faintly through the cavern. ¡°It is what you want. Power. Revenge. A kingdom to call your own. All of this can be yours, if you accept your role as Dungeon Master.¡± Cale blinked, his mind trying to process her words. Dungeon Master? Power? Revenge? His head was still spinning from everything that had happened¡ªbetrayal, the fight, the portal, and now¡­ her. ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡± he growled, trying to mask the unease bubbling beneath his defiance. ¡°Why should I trust anything you say?¡± She tilted her head, her glowing, violet eyes piercing through him. ¡°Trust is irrelevant. You have already made your choice when you consumed the Demon King¡¯s Pill. It bound you to me. To this dungeon. To your destiny.¡± ¡°That pill¡­¡± he muttered, glancing down at his hands. The runes etched into his skin, he felt it pulse faintly, like a heartbeat. ¡°What did it do to me?¡± Her lips curled into a sly smile. ¡°The pill was a vessel of unimaginable power, a fragment that not only bore the Demon King¡¯s essence, but a power even greater. When you consumed it, it awakened you, reshaped you. It made you capable of something far greater than being a mere ¡®hero.¡± She spat the word like it was an insult. Cale staggered back, his legs threatening to give out. His body still felt strange, too light yet brimming with energy he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°You expect me to believe all of this? That I¡¯m suddenly some chosen Dungeon Master because I swallowed a magic pill?¡± He shook his head, his voice rising with frustration. ¡°What¡¯s the catch? What do you get out of this?¡± Her laugh was soft, almost teasing, but there was an edge to it. ¡°I get survival. This dungeon¡ªyour dungeon, is tied to me, as much as it is now tied to you. If you grow stronger, I grow stronger. If you fall, I fall.¡± She leaned closer, her soft form brushing gently against his skin. ¡°So, you see, Master, our fates are entwined.¡± He opened his mouth to argue, but before he could speak, something flickered in the corner of his vision. [SYSTEM INITIALIZING¡­] A cold, mechanical voice reverberated through his mind, making him flinch. ¡°What the¡ª¡± He froze, staring at the glowing text suddenly floating in front of him. [Welcome to the Dungeon Master System.] [Integrating user: Cale Evander.] The words hung in the air, impossibly vivid. They weren¡¯t just in his head¡ªhe could see them, hovering like ghostly projections. ¡°Is this¡­ part of your doing?¡± he asked, gesturing toward the strange display. The Dungeon Core tilted her head, her expression curious. ¡°The system is yours now. A gift from the pill you consumed. It will guide you, teach you, and enforce the rules of your new existence. Think of it as¡­ a tool. One you must learn to wield.¡± A tool? That was one way to describe something that had just casually rewritten the laws of reality in front of him. Before he could ask more questions, the text shifted again. [System Integration Complete.] [Initializing Core Directives¡­] The voice returned, flat and emotionless. [Core Directive #1: Establish your Dungeon. Strengthen its defenses and expand its reach.] [Core Directive #2: Cultivate strength through your dungeon¡¯s resources. Conquer or negotiate with other factions.] [Core Directive #3: Defend your Dungeon Core at all costs. Failure will result in permanent death.] ¡°Permanent death?!¡± Cale exclaimed, his voice echoing through the cavern. ¡°You¡¯re telling me if this dungeon goes down, I go down with it?¡± The Core¡¯s eyes gleamed. ¡°Indeed. That is why you must protect it. And in doing so, you will rise.¡± The text flickered again, almost impatiently. [Begin Tutorial Sequence? Y/N] ¡°Tutorial sequence?¡± he muttered. ¡°What am I, some kind of new player in a twisted game?¡± ¡°Call it what you will,¡± the Core said, her tone a bit amused. ¡°But you would do well to accept. This world is unforgiving to the weak, Master. And you are surrounded by enemies who would tear you apart if given the chance. Not to mention those you left behind.¡± Cale¡¯s fists clenched at her words, the memory of their betrayal cutting through him like a hot knife through butter. Aelira, Rhogar, Jorin¡ªevery single one of them had looked him in the eye and decided he was disposable. And now, they thought he was gone. Fine. Let them think that. He took a deep breath and stared at the glowing text. [Begin Tutorial Sequence? Y/N] Cale raised his hand, hesitating for only a moment before jabbing a finger toward the ¡®Y.¡¯ The world around him shifted instantly. The cavern darkened, and glowing runes lit up along the walls, spreading like veins of molten light. The air crackled with raw magic, and the Dungeon Core¡¯s figure grew from ethereal to a sharper, more solid form. More like a real person. ¡°Good,¡± she said, her voice laced with approval. ¡°Now the real work begins.¡± The text returned, more vibrant than ever. [Tutorial: Construct Your First Room.] [Objective: Create a Dungeon Entrance.] A surge of information flooded Cale¡¯s mind¡ªschematics, designs, layouts. He clutched his head, groaning as the knowledge burned its way into his thoughts. ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± he gasped. ¡°Knowledge,¡± the Core said simply. ¡°The system is equipping you with the tools you¡¯ll need. Think of it as instinct¡ªsomething you¡¯ve always known but never tapped into until now.¡± Instinct? It felt more like someone was shoving an entire library into his brain. But as the pain subsided, clarity replaced the chaos. He understood¡ªhow to shape the stone, how to lay traps, how to channel mana through the dungeon¡¯s veins. He looked down at his hands, now steady despite the whirlwind in his mind. This was his now. His dungeon. His domain. ¡°You said this place was tied to me,¡± he said, a slow smile creeping across his face. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s see what we can do with it.¡± The Core¡¯s smile mirrored his own. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, Master.¡± As the glowing runes continued to pulse around him, Cale clenched his fists and took a step forward. It was quite ironic but he didnt look like a Hero anymore. He was now something much more dangerous. He just became the very existence he fought all his life. ¡°Let¡¯s build a dungeon.¡± Chapter 2: The First Brick The air was thick, raw mana reverberated through it as the interface danced before Cale¡¯s eyes. The tutorial felt relentless, the system bombarded him with instructions, schematics, and information. --- [Tutorial: Construct Your First Room.] [Objective: Create a Dungeon Entrance.] [Reward: Basic Dungeon Core Functions Unlocked.] --- A faint, glowing map of the cavern appeared in front of him, showing a grid-like layout of the space. He knew with a thought, he could manipulate it, shifting walls, carving tunnels, and placing traps. The sheer control was intoxicating. But Cale wasn¡¯t about to get ahead of himself. ¡°So¡­ where do I even start?¡± he muttered, staring at the pulsating map. ¡°The entrance,¡± the Dungeon Core replied, in a calm and firm voice. ¡°Your domain begins with a gateway. Make it strong. Make it memorable. And most importantly, make it deadly.¡± ¡°Right, no pressure then,¡± Cale said dryly, scanning the grid. ¡°Do I get a catalog or something? You know, maybe a ¡®Dummies Guide to Dungeon Building¡¯?¡± The Core ignored his sarcasm. ¡°Focus. The system provides templates, but creativity is your weapon, Master. Shape your dungeon as you see fit. Your enemies will adapt over time. You must stay ahead of them.¡± He sighed and focused on the task. His fingers twitched as he mentally selected the entry point, the system responding immediately. --- [Choose Entrance Type:] Cavernous Maw: A natural-looking, jagged cave mouth that emanates danger. Fortress Gates: Heavy iron doors, guarded and imposing. Ethereal Rift: A swirling portal of otherworldly energy, disorienting to intruders. --- Cale¡¯s eyes lingered on the third option. ¡°Ethereal Rift? Sounds flashy, but will it scream, ¡®Welcome to your doom¡¯ loud enough?¡± The Core¡¯s lips twitched in amusement. ¡°Flashy, yes. But it may invite suspicion. Intruders will believe something powerful lurks here.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the point,¡± he said with a smirk. ¡°Let them be afraid.¡± He selected the Ethereal Rift. The cavern walls trembled as mana surged through the air, converging at the entrance point. A swirling vortex of violet and black energy tore open in the stone, crackling with sparks of lightning. The sight was¡­ breathtaking. And, if he was being honest, a little terrifying. --- [Ethereal Rift Constructed.] [Dungeon Entrance Established.] ¡ª ¡°Well, that¡¯s one thing down,¡± Cale muttered, stepping back to admire his handiwork. ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± ¡ª [Next Objective: Install Defensive Measures.] [Reward: Trap Functions Unlocked.] ¡ª ¡°Oh, now we¡¯re talking,¡± he said, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°Traps, huh? Let¡¯s see what kind of nightmares we can cook up.¡± The interface expanded, displaying an array of traps ranging from the mundane to the outright sadistic. --- [Available Traps:] Pitfall Trap: A classic. Send your enemies plummeting into a spiked pit. Mana Turrets: Crystal constructs that fire concentrated beams of energy. Illusory Walls: Perfect for confusion and ambushes. Soul Drains: Slowly sap intruders¡¯ energy while amplifying your own mana reserves. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. --- Cale selected the Pitfall Trap first. It looked basic but effective. With a thought, he placed it just beyond the Ethereal Rift, camouflaging it with an illusion of solid ground. ¡°Let¡¯s see them walk into that,¡± he muttered, satisfied. Next, he chose Mana Turrets, positioning two along the walls flanking the entrance. Their sleek, crystalline forms glowed as they hummed to life. Finally, he added a Soul Drain deeper into the cavern, a glowing rune circle that shook with a dreadful red light. The Core watched silently, her expression remained unreadable. ¡°You seem¡­ pleased with yourself,¡± she said after a moment. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± Cale replied, wiping imaginary dust from his hands. ¡°This place is already a death trap. And we¡¯re just getting started.¡± Her lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°Confidence suits you, Master. But remember, these are only the beginning stages. True dungeons are far more complex. Layers within layers. Deception, unpredictability. You will learn.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± he said, waving her off. ¡°Baby steps, alright? Let me enjoy the small victories.¡± ¡ª [Defensive Measures Installed.] [Trap Functions Unlocked.] ¡ª The interface flickered again, but this time, a new prompt appeared. ¡ª [New Feature Unlocked: Monster Summoning.] [Summon and Bind Monsters to Defend Your Dungeon.] [Begin Monster Summoning Tutorial? Y/N] ¡ª Cale stared at the screen, his heart racing. Monsters. Real monsters. This was the part he¡¯d been waiting for. ¡°Now we¡¯re getting somewhere,¡± he muttered, a grin widening across his face. The Core¡¯s voice was softer this time, almost approving. ¡°Summon wisely, Master. Your minions are your hands and eyes within the dungeon. Choose those who will serve you well.¡± Cale hit Y, and the cavern¡¯s atmosphere shifted again, the air growing heavier. The interface expanded, displaying a list of creatures available for summoning. ¡ª [Available Monsters:] Gloomfang Spider: Agile and deadly, capable of spinning webs that slow and ensnare. Shadow Imp: Mischievous and cunning, adept at laying traps and scouting intruders. Can also be employed for various tasks. Stone Golem: A slow but powerful tank, perfect for holding choke points. Wisp Warden: Ethereal guardians that disrupt magic and disorient invaders. ¡ª ¡°Alright,¡± Cale muttered, weighing his options. ¡°I need something versatile. Something that¡¯ll give adventurers nightmares before they even see me.¡± The Gloomfang Spider stood out. Its description practically screamed trauma-inducing horror. He selected it, and the ground before him began to shift. The shadows deepened, pooling into an inky void as the summoning ritual took shape. The first spider emerged, its carapace gleaming like polished obsidian, its eight eyes glinting with malevolent intelligence. It clicked its mandibles, a sound that sent a shiver down Cale¡¯s spine despite himself. ¡°Lovely,¡± he said dryly, suppressing the urge to step back. ¡°You¡¯re going to make some poor adventurer cry, aren¡¯t you?¡± The spider hissed in response, its body language almost¡­ eager. ¡°You¡¯ve chosen well,¡± the Core said, her voice tinged with approval. ¡°The Gloomfangs are ruthless hunters. They will serve you faithfully¡ªso long as you remain strong.¡± ¡°Oh, I plan to,¡± Cale replied, summoning two more spiders to join the first. The cavern now felt alive, buzzing with potential. The traps, the Rift, the monsters¡ªall of it was his. ¡ª [Tutorial Complete.] [Core Features Unlocked.] ¡ª The system¡¯s voice chimed one last time before going silent, leaving Cale standing in the heart of his new domain. For the first time since the betrayal, he felt¡­ whole. It wasn¡¯t just a fleeting sensation of relief. This was something deeper, a certainty in his chest, like the click of a puzzle piece finally sliding into place. He had been betrayed, discarded, broken, but now he stood at the heart of something entirely his own. And the system wasn¡¯t done yet. ¡ª [Congratulations, Dungeon Master.] [Tutorial Completed.] [New Features Unlocked:] Dungeon Overview: Access detailed stats and manage your dungeon. Master¡¯s Abilities: Skills and attributes unique to you as the Dungeon Master. Intruder Detection: Track, analyze, and respond to enemies within your domain. Expansion Mode: Unlock new dungeon floors and environmental biomes. Dungeon Store: Exchange resources for advanced traps, monsters, and upgrades. ¡ª A new interface opened before Cale, a vast, almost overwhelming screen filled with options, numbers, and glowing icons. The central hub of his dungeon was now his to control. ¡ª [Dungeon Overview:] Core Level: 1 (Gained through defeating high-level invaders or completing Dungeon Challenges.) Core Energy: 63/100 (Regenerates over time, used for traps, monsters, and expansions.) Defensive Rating: 15 (Moderate. Improved through strategic trap placement and stronger minions.) Mana Reserves: 200/200 (Refills through Soul Drain and defeated intruders.) Current Minions: 3/10 (Gloomfang Spiders x3) Territory Size: 1 Floor (100m radius) ¡ª Cale couldn¡¯t help but stare, his mind racing as the details sank in. This wasn¡¯t just some petty revenge scheme. This dungeon was a living, evolving machine, and he was its heartbeat. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, running a hand through his curly dark hair. ¡°What else do we have?¡± The system responded instantly, pulling up a new window labeled Master¡¯s Abilities. ¡ª [Abilities - Dungeon Master:] Dungeon Insight: Analyze any room, trap, or intruder with a glance. Aura of Command: Exert control over minions. Mana Forge: Convert raw mana into physical objects like weapons, tools, or barriers. Summoner¡¯s Reach: Summon or reposition minions across your dungeon. Expansion Mode (Active): Increases dungeon floor size or unlocks new biomes. Requires Core Energy and materials. Nexus Control: Directly manipulate the World Nexus, adjusting dungeon links. --- ¡°Well,¡± Cale said, exhaling slowly, ¡°this is a hell of an upgrade.¡± The Core¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts. ¡°This is only the beginning, Master. As you grow, so too will your abilities. Mastery of your powers is essential. Your enemies will not wait for you to learn.¡± Her tone carried a faint edge, a challenge hidden in her words. Cale couldn¡¯t tell if it was genuine concern or if she just wanted to see what he¡¯d do under pressure. Either way, she wasn¡¯t wrong. He flicked through the options, curiosity burning inside him. One particular ability caught his eye: Mana Forge. The name alone was intriguing, and he selected it instinctively. The air around him shifted, a faint light spreading across the cavern. A glowing orb of mana formed in front of him, pulsing gently. ¡°What can I even make with this?¡± he asked aloud. ¡°Almost anything,¡± the Core answered. ¡°Weapons, armor, keys, constructs. The Forge is limited only by your imagination and mana reserves.¡± With a thought, he molded the mana, shaping it like clay. Slowly, a crude dagger took form in his hands. It wasn¡¯t anything fancy, but its edge gleamed with faint energy, sharper than any steel he¡¯d seen. ¡°Not bad,¡± he muttered, testing its weight. But as he admired his handiwork, another prompt appeared. ¡ª [Warning: Resource Depletion Imminent.] [Core Energy Low, Current Operations Suspended.] ¡ª The glowing screens around him dimmed, and the dungeon¡¯s hum grew quieter. Cale¡¯s excitement faded as he frowned. ¡°You didn¡¯t mention this would drain the core so quickly,¡± he said, glaring at the Core. In fact, he couldn¡¯t help but feel suspicious. He had set up traps and summoned minions and there was still much energy left. How could making one simple dagger use so much? ¡°Did you think power came without cost?¡± the Core replied, her tone slightly amused. ¡°There¡¯s still plenty of core energy,¡± she added. ¡°I only wanted to teach you a small lesson. Manage your resources wisely, Master. Overuse will leave you vulnerable.¡± As she finished, the dim screens brightened, and the dungeon¡¯s hum returned. Cale hesitated, unsettled. Who was really in charge here, him or her? The fact that she had the power to suspend operations made him¡­ uneasy. He took a deep breath. ¡°Alright,¡± he said. ¡°What¡¯s next on the to-do list?¡± ¡ª [Dungeon Expansion Unlocked.] [Objective: Build Additional Rooms.] [Reward: Resource Recovery Boost + Minion Cap Increase.] ¡ª Expansion sounded good, but Cale needed to be smart about it. Every room, every corridor needed a purpose. The interface displayed several options: ¡ª [Available Room Types:] Trap Corridor: A narrow passage filled with hidden dangers. Minion Lair: Housing for your creatures, increasing their efficiency. Treasure Vault: A decoy room to lure intruders into a false sense of reward. Mana Spring: A room designed to regenerate your mana faster. ¡ª He chose the Trap Corridor first, carving it out just past the Ethereal Rift. With the grid layout displayed, he placed hidden pressure plates, swinging blades, and another pitfall trap. Next, he added a Minion Lair, giving the Gloomfang Spiders a proper place to nest. As he finished, the interface updated. ¡ª [Expansion Complete.] [Minion Cap Increased: 10 ¡ú 15.] ¡ª The faint hum of mana returned, and the Core glowed brighter. The system chimed again, this time with a new notification. ¡ª [Warning: Intruder Detected.] [Level 3 Adventurer Approaching Dungeon Entrance.] ¡ª ¡°What? Already?¡± Cale snapped, turning toward the Rift. A faint light appeared in the distance, a figure stepping cautiously into view. They were clad in leather armor, a sword strapped to their back. Probably a scout sent by some nearby village or guild. ¡°They dare trespass so soon?¡± the Core said. Evident in her voice, was a mix of disdain and anticipation. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re about to have our first test run,¡± Cale replie d, his grip tightening on the mana dagger. His heart raced, not with fear, but with excitement. This was it, the moment where he¡¯d see if this dungeon, this power, was truly his. And if it wasn¡¯t? Well, he wasn¡¯t planning to fail. ¡°Let¡¯s give them a warm welcome,¡± he said, stepping toward the Rift as the spiders began to stir. The hunt was on. Chapter 3: A Dungeon Between Worlds Cale watched from the his position near the Ethereal Rift, his dagger clutched at his side. The intruder crept closer, their leather armor blending into the dim, flickering light of the cavern. The Gloomfang Spiders skittered across the walls, their fangs clicking in unison as they prepared to strike. Through his Aura of Command, Cale felt their eagerness, it was a subtle connection binding his will to theirs. "The fact that we¡¯re getting attacked already" Cale muttered, he couldnt stop his thoughts from lingering on it. "Did you forget to mention how popular this place would be, Core?" The Dungeon Core¡¯s voice resonated calmly. "Did you expect your sanctuary to remain unnoticed? All dungeons attract attention, Master. It is the nature of our existence." "Great," Cale grumbled. "What¡¯s next? A full raid party?" The intruder paused at the edge of the Rift, their cautious movements betraying experience. A gloved hand hovered over the hilt of their short sword as their sharp gaze scanned the room. --- [Intruder Analysis Activated.] Name: Kain Marrow Rank: Bronze (D) Class: Scout Level: 3 Health: 80/80 Mana: 20/20 Stamina: 55/70 Strength: 14 Agility: 22 Endurance: 13 Abilities: Stealth Mastery: Enhanced movement and reduced noise. Quick Draw: Increased attack speed with small weapons. Keen Sense: Improved detection of traps and hidden entities. --- "A scout," Cale muttered under his breath. "Not ideal for a first test run. He might actually find his way through." "Then ensure he does not," the Core replied, her tone taking on a cold, commanding edge. "This is your domain, Master. Every intruder is a threat to your power¡ªand a potential source of it." Cale¡¯s grip tightened around the mana dagger as he issued a mental command to his spiders. With a sharp hiss, the first Gloomfang dropped from the ceiling, its dark carapace glinting in the dim light. Kain reacted instantly, his blade flashing as he sidestepped the attack, slicing through one of the spider¡¯s legs with precision. "Fast," Cale murmured, grudgingly impressed. The second spider struck from behind, its venomous fangs grazing Kain¡¯s armor. He rolled forward, narrowly avoiding the dripping toxin. "You¡¯re not making this easy for him," the Core observed, a hint of amusement coloring her voice.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. "Wasn¡¯t planning to," Cale replied, stepping out of the shadows. Kain froze, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Cale. "Who are you?" he demanded, his blade raised defensively. "Just the guy who runs this place," Cale said, spinning the mana dagger in his hand. "You¡¯ve got about ten seconds to explain why you¡¯re here before I feed you to the spiders." Kain¡¯s eyes flicked to the glowing runes etched into Cale¡¯s skin, then to the Dungeon Core behind him. "You''re the boss of this dungeon?," he muttered, awe and suspicion battling in his tone. "But¡­ this shouldn¡¯t be possible. Not here." Cale raised an eyebrow. "What¡¯s that supposed to mean? You seem awfully surprised to find someone running this place." Kain hesitated, his expression conflicted. "A dungeon having a boss isn¡¯t unusual¡­ but for it to be a human is. Also, the reading from the portal gave a low level dungeon¡­" The Core¡¯s voice cut through, smooth and deliberate. "He is correct to notice. But his understanding is limited." She turned to Kain. "Intruder, you stand before more than you comprehend." Cale frowned, confused. "What¡¯s different about this dungeon?" The Core¡¯s tone grew measured, directed at Cale. "Master, this dungeon is tethered to two doors. The front door, currently open, connects to a mortal world. But it is not the world you once knew." "What?" Cale¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Are you saying this dungeon connects to a different mortal world? Not mine?" "Precisely," the Core confirmed. "Your old world is beyond reach, for now. This dungeon''s front door is linked to another realm entirely." Cale¡¯s stomach sank as the implications set in. "And the other door?" "Sealed," the Core replied. "It leads to the Abyss¡ªthe plane where all dungeons originate. Until that door is unlocked, you are shielded from its dangers. For the moment, this place is insulated from the true nature of the Abyss." Kain, who had been silently listening, looked visibly perplexed. "Wait¡ªanother world? Back door? I don¡¯t follow." The Core ignored him, her attention solely on Cale. "Master, this is both an opportunity and a warning. Should the back door to the Abyss open, you will gain access to its boundless power but also its relentless trials. The Abyss is both a cradle and a grave for dungeons." Cale¡¯s fists clenched. "So this dungeon isn¡¯t just part of another world¡ªit¡¯s part of something much bigger." "Indeed," the Core replied in a steady tone. "Grow stronger, and you may come to command both doors. But tread carefully. The Abyss waits for no one." Kain glanced between them, his unease evident. "Look, I don¡¯t know what kind of mess I¡¯ve walked into, but I wasn¡¯t hired to fight a dungeon boss," he said, lowering his blade. "I was hired to scout the entrance. Nothing more." "And who hired you?" Cale demanded. "A noble," Kain replied with a shrug. "Some rich idiot who heard rumors about a new dungeon appearing near his lands. Probably thinks there¡¯s treasure inside." Cale frowned. "So the entrance is in your world. Where exactly is it located?¡± Kain nodded cautiously. "Near Black Hollow village. This place is a dangerous region called Shadowmere. It¡¯s a border territory located in the Veldrath empire. But if you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll close your dungeon. Permanently. Once word gets out, adventurers will swarm this place." Cale considered his words, his mind racing. The idea of severing the connection to the mortal world was tempting¡ªit would buy him time to grow stronger, to fortify the dungeon. But cutting the link might also deprive him of valuable resources and potential power. Before he could respond, the system chimed. --- [Intruder Pacified.] [Options Available:] 1. Release: Allow the intruder to leave. 2. Imprison: Bind the intruder within the dungeon. 3. Drain Soul: Convert the intruder¡¯s essence into mana and core energy. --- Cale stared at the glowing options, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. Kain met his gaze, his expression tight but defiant. "Choose wisely, Master," the Core purred, her melodic voice threading through Cale''s mind. "Every choice shapes your dungeon¡ªand your destiny." The faint glow of the options cast long shadows on the walls, emphasizing the gravity of the moment. Cale hesitated, his thoughts churning. Releasing Kain might win goodwill¡ªor paint him as weak. Imprisoning him would not only mean dealing with a liability, it could draw further attention due to Kain¡¯s disappearance. And the third option¡­ brutal, final, and undeniably powerful. His gaze shifted to Kain. The scout stood tense, his hand twitching near his blade, though he clearly knew better than to make a move. "You don¡¯t have to do this," Kain said carefully, his voice steady but edged with the faintest tremor. "I¡¯m no threat to you. I didn¡¯t even know you existed until today." "A soft heart invites ruin," the Core warned, her tone sharper now. "Hesitation marks the weak." "Noted," Cale muttered, his eyes fixed on Kain. The temptation to drain the scout¡¯s soul was intoxicating. Raw power, coursing through his veins¡ªhe could almost taste it. But something stopped him. Kain had answers. About the mortal world. About who else might know of this place. And more than that, something in the scout¡¯s desperate resolve reminded Cale of himself, when he first arrived in that world. "Imprison him," Cale said finally, his voice cutting through the tension. The system responded at once. ¡ª [Command Confirmed: Imprison Intruder.] --- A circle of glowing runes appeared at Kain¡¯s feet. The scout lunged forward, his blade aimed in a desperate attempt to break free, but the magic snapped upward like a cage of light, solidifying and locking him in place. "Dammit!" Kain cursed, slamming his fists against the shimmering barrier. "You think this is the better option? You¡¯ll regret this!" "I regret a lot of things," Cale replied dryly. "But you¡¯re alive, so consider that your consolation prize." The Core hummed approvingly. "A wise choice. He may yet prove useful." "we¡¯d better hope so," Cale muttered. With a wave of his hand, the cage sank into the floor, transporting Kain to a chamber deep within the dungeon. The oppressive tension eased, leaving Cale alone with the Core¡¯s pulsing light. ¡ª [Intruder Neutralized.] [Dungeon Energy +20.] --- "You didn¡¯t have to pressure me so much," Cale said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Every decision defines you, Master," the Core replied, unbothered. "The Abyss is not kind to the indecisive. You¡¯ll learn that soon enough." Cale sighed, already feeling the weight of his new reality settling in. "So, what now? Is there truely not a manual, or are you just going to keep throwing me into the deep end?" The Core¡¯s lips curved, her face brighteni ng. "You already have what you need. Access the interface you unlocked earlier." Cale mentally opened the interface, recalling the flood of features he had skimmed over earlier. Chapter 4: Finding purpose. The interface glowed faintly in front of him, its layout familiar but overwhelming. Cale had skimmed through it before, but now he focused on the section marked "Master¡¯s Abilities." --- [Abilities - Dungeon Master:] Dungeon Overview: Access detailed stats and manage your dungeon. Master¡¯s Abilities: Skills and attributes unique to you as the Dungeon Master. Intruder Detection: Track, analyze, and respond to enemies within your domain. Expansion Mode: Unlock new dungeon floors and environmental biomes. Dungeon Store: Exchange resources for advanced traps, monsters, and upgrades. Nexus Control: Directly manipulate the World Nexus, adjusting dungeon links. ¡ª Cale¡¯s eyes paused on one particular ability. Nexus Control. ¡°What¡¯s this about Nexus Control?¡± ¡°The Nexus governs the entrance to your dungeon,¡± the Core replied, her tone patient, like a teacher to a student. ¡°It is the bridge between the Abyss and the world from which intruders arrive. You may strengthen or sever the link as you see fit.¡± Cale¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Can I connect it back to my world?¡± The Core¡¯s glowing eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°No. Not yet.¡± Cale clenched his fists, irritation bubbling under the surface. ¡°Then how do I get back there?¡± A world he had suffered and bled for. He couldn''t just ignore that world, not after what he had heard from them, those snakes who had betrayed him. Who knew what they were going to turn that world into in his absence? ¡°You can,¡± she said calmly, ¡°but the location of your old world is far from this dungeon. Establishing a connection requires immense energy, which you currently lack.¡± ¡°So, getting stronger is the only way,¡± he said, more to himself than her. ¡°Exactly. Build your strength, Master, and the connection may one day be within your reach.¡± Her words grated on him, though he knew they were true. For now, he was stuck here, and that meant playing by the rules of this world. He inhaled deeply, forcing down the frustration. ¡°And if I sever the Nexus?¡± ¡°Your dungeon becomes isolated¡ªsafe from intruders but also cut off from opportunities. The choice is yours.¡± ¡°Safe but stuck,¡± he muttered. ¡°Precisely.¡± Cale let the interface fade, his mind racing. The Abyss was dangerous enough on its own, but now he had to contend with invaders from a completely different mortal world? And yet, a flicker of anticipation stirred in his chest. Every adventurer who set foot in this dungeon brought risks, sure, but also rewards¡ªpower, knowledge, leverage. The Core¡¯s voice interrupted his thoughts. ¡°What will you do, Master?¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Cale scanned the chamber: the glowing Rift humming with magic, the skittering spiders in their nests, the sharp tang of mana in the air. ¡°We build,¡± he said finally, his voice steady. ¡°If this world wants to send its best, let them. This dungeon will be more than a fortress¡ªit¡¯ll be a kingdom. And I¡¯ll be ready for anything.¡± The Core involuntrilly grinned brightly at his response, her voice filled with approval. "Very well, Master. Let us continue." At this point, Cale felt something other than anger or despair. It wasn¡¯t peace¡ªno, not yet. But it was purpose. And that was enough. ¡ª A while later, Cale stood in the gloom of a vast chamber. The lair of his newly summoned Gloomfang spiders. The massive arachnids rested in their nests, their many eyes glittering like black jewels in the low light. Nearby, the Core stood beside him, her sharp gaze fixed on the iron cage in the center of the room. Inside, a man sat slumped against the bars, gripping them tightly. Kain. His glare burned with resentment. Cale broke the silence first. ¡°You keep glaring at me like this is my fault.¡± ¡°Because it is,¡± Kain spat. ¡°Let me out, and I swear, I¡¯ll never come back.¡± Cale smirked. ¡°Yeah, no. You know too much, and frankly, I don¡¯t trust you not to talk. Don¡¯t push your luck.¡± Kain¡¯s knuckles whitened as he gripped the bars. ¡°I¡¯m not staying in this dungeon, you bastard.¡± ¡°Big talk for someone in a cage,¡± Cale said, his tone casual. He flicked a glance toward the shadows. ¡°Since youre unwilling to do what i said, then i guess i should use my minions to give you a little¡­ persuasion.¡± Just as Cale spoke he cast a mental command to his minions. Instantly, two small small figures moved. They had been by his side, following him the whole time since he arrived in the minion lair. They had a pitch black appearance and small frame that only permitted them to reach up to his knees in height. They had a little bit of reptilian details with scaly skin and long, pointed tails. Their hands and feet were clawed coupled with their large eyes with sparkled with a mischievous glint, etched on grotesque faces, with large, pointed ears, sharp teeth, and small horns protruding from their heads. These godforsaken creatures were Shadow Imps, listed among the creatures he had available for summoning. He had summoned two of them just before coming to this place. Their grotesque faces lit up with glee as they scampered forward, dragging spiked iron rods that looked far too big for their scrawny frames. ¡°Hehehe¡­ hehehe¡­¡± The Imps giggled, their laughter high-pitched and chilling. ¡°Wait,¡± Kain said, his bravado slipping. ¡°You¡¯re not serious.¡± Cale shrugged. ¡°Serious enough. Let¡¯s call this a team-building exercise.¡± Kain¡¯s eyes shone with terror at the sight of these devilish creatures approaching him. ¡°Wait, what¡­ dont come any close, Arrrghhh!!¡± Kains screams pierced through the walls of the cavern as the Shadow Imps poked at him repeatedly with their spikes. The scene mirrored like a niddle piercing through hot buns. It was just enough to inflict an intense amount of pain while bruising him just slightly. Cale watched impassively. The Imps were disturbingly efficient¡ªtoo efficient, really. Each jab mirrored the last, as if the creatures had spent their entire existence perfecting the art of torment. ¡®So devious¡¯ Cale thought, suppressing a shiver. Their giddy cackling, like nails scraping glass, was enough to make his skin crawl. He had wondered during their summoning if these creatures had crawled directly out of hell, and watching them now, he felt more certain than ever. When Kain¡¯s wails began to verge on pitiful, Cale sighed and issued the mental command. The Imps froze mid-jab, their heads snapping toward him as if disappointed. ¡°Enough.¡± The Imps scurried back to his side, grinning from ear to ear, their claws twitching with lingering excitement. Cale ignored them and turned his attention back to Kain. Kain slumped against the bars, his chest heaving as he gasped for breath. ¡°So, will you strip naked or not?¡± The reason why Cale had asked him to do this earlier, was because this guy seemed all fully geared, equipped to the brim with all sort of devices hanging from him. Well, it matched his class as a scout, but Cale was still new to this world, he didnt know what sort of device this guy might possess now that might implicate him, perhaps relaying information about this dungeon to whoever had sent him. It was better safe than sorry. Kain was still quite reluctant. Although he absolutely didnt want to continue experiencing the turture from those godforsaken little devils, the major issue was¡­ He glanced at the enchantilngly beautiful woman standing beside Cale. Why was she staring at him like that? Her unblinking gaze carried a hint, as if she had some long unresolved grudge against him. That aside, he couldnt quite deny her enchanting beauty that seemed to mirror the description of a goddess. Due to his dignity as a man, he was really hesitant to go buck naked under her scrutinizing gaze. But what choice did he have? From the corner of his eye, he could see the little devils twitching eagerly to continue their inhumane turture. *** A moment later, Cale stepped through the Rift, his vision blurred slightly as the dungeon dissolved into light. The transition was brief but disorienting, leaving him blinking under the open sky of the world before him. His appearance had shifted noticeably from before. Gone was the imposing white armor he had worn right from the Demon King¡¯s throne room. In its place, he now donned a sleek black bodysuit-style armor adorned with intricate, vine-like patterns. A dark cape with fur-lined shoulders draped elegantly over his back. He looked far less eye catching now, which was the point of the change. This new outfit was practical. Most importantly, it made him appear like a typical adventurer, significantly reducing the likelihood of drawing unwanted attention. Just at that moment, the syten notification chimed as it appeared in his vision. ¡ª [You have exited your Dungeon for the first time. Master¡¯s Abilities have been sealed. Personal Stats unlocked.] Right then, the system window rolled, displaying a host of information. Name: Cale Evander Class: Dungeon Master Level: 1 Health: 60/60 Mana: 30/30 Stamina: 40/40 Strength: 12 Agility: 16 Endurance: 15 [Abilities - Personal Mastery] These abilities function outside the dungeon and reflect your growth as an individual. Domain (Active): Marks an area equal to your current dungeon size. Within this domain, you have access to some of your dungeon abilities. You can also summon, banish, or reorganize your dungeon monsters. (Cooldown: 12 hours, Lasts 20minutes) Recall Core (Active): Instantly teleports you back to your Dungeon from anywhere. (Cooldown: 24 hours) Beast Trait (Passive): A slight chance to inherit abilities from beasts or monsters you eat. Dungeon Seed (Passive): Enables you to reposition your dungeon to wherever you stand. (Cooldown: 5 days) Commanding Presence (Heroic): When active, it exerts an undeniable pull on those around you. There is a compelling urge to do your bidding. Allies who follow your direct commands experience increased strength and faster growth rate. Secondary Effect: Following your orders grants slight resistance to fear, confusion, and mental effects. There is a chance of triggering the blessing of luck. ¡ª Cale¡¯s eyes widened as he read through the list, his gaze lingering on the final ability. ¡°I still have it?¡± He muttered the words under his breath, his pulse quickening. He had assumed that his old abilitie s were gone¡ªleft behind when he became a Dungeon Master. But if Commanding Presence was still with him¡­ His mind raced. Plans he had dismissed before now seemed possible. No, not just possible. Necessary. Chapter 5: The Reluctant Hero He didn¡¯t arrive in that world by choice. No, he was thrown into it. One moment, Cale had gone to bed in his perfectly ordinary life. The next, he woke up somewhere else entirely. It was a medieval world, far removed from the hum of modernity he¡¯d grown up with. A place of stone walls, creaky wagons, and flickering torchlight. Technology there felt centuries behind his own world. But there was something that world had that his own lacked. Magic. No, Mana. It wasn¡¯t just an idea or a myth; it was real. It hung in the air like an invisible mist, faintly scented and oddly alive. It didn¡¯t take long for him to feel it, to sense its subtle hum, like a low vibration in the back of his mind. And before long, he learned to control it, to shape it, to use it. Not that it made him special. No, everyone in that world could wield mana to varying degrees. From the lowliest farmer to the most skilled knight, it was simply part of life. It was the fuel for magic, the energy that powered their world. Blending into that world, though? That was the real challenge. Cale wasn¡¯t just some stranger in a foreign land. He was from a different reality. Adjusting to their ways, their customs, their expectations, it was excruciating. But survival wasn¡¯t optional. That world wasn¡¯t kind to outsiders, especially not during the dark age it was suffering through. An apocalypse. The 53rd generation Hero of that world had fallen. Slaughtered by the Demon King, his death shattered what little hope humanity had left. The Demon King¡¯s armies, vast and ruthless, swept across the land, leaving ruin in their wake. Villages burned. Kingdoms crumbled. And over it all, the Demon King¡¯s banner flew¡ªa grim reminder of their defeat. This was the world Cale had stumbled into. He¡¯d lived a comfortable life before. Too comfortable. Words couldn¡¯t capture the sheer terror, the cold sweat, the panic that gripped him when he first arrived. He wasn¡¯t ready for this. Who could be? But somehow, he survived. And then, he became something he never wanted to be. A Hero. It wasn¡¯t by choice. It wasn¡¯t because of some noble calling. It wasn¡¯t even because he was strong or brave. It just¡­ happened. Cale had no idea how it started. One day, he was just another outsider trying to scrape by. The next, people were whispering his name. ¡°He¡¯s here!¡± ¡°Praise the gods, the Hero has arrived!¡± This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. ¡°Sir Hero, please save us!¡± ¡°....¡± It didn¡¯t matter how much he protested, how many times he tried to tell them they were wrong. They didn¡¯t care. Why would they? To them, he was salvation. A figure to pin their hopes on. But Cale? He was just as terrified as they were, if not more. How could he explain to them that he was no hero? That he wasn¡¯t blessed by their gods? That he was just a man trying to survive, same as they were? They wouldn¡¯t listen. And so, with every desperate cry for help, with every pleading face, his fear grew. Not just fear of failure, but fear of dying the way the last Hero had two hundred years before. Brutally. Without mercy. That Hero, according to records, had been blessed by all seven gods, and even he couldn¡¯t stand against the Demon King. Cale didn¡¯t have a single blessing. Not one. So why were they so insistent? Why did they cling to him like he was their last hope? He wanted to run. To escape this nightmare of a world and return to his own. But every time he thought he¡¯d found a way out, something stopped him. Something foul. Something unrelenting. Fate. It clung to him like rot, like a curse he couldn¡¯t shake. No matter how hard he tried to hide, it always found him. Always dragged him back. He knew why. It was because of that ability. At first, he didn¡¯t even realize he had it. It wasn¡¯t active and flashy like fireballs or healing spells. It didn¡¯t make him stronger or faster. But it was there, subtle and insidious. He called it Commanding Presence. At first, it wasn¡¯t something he could turn on or off. The ability activated anytime it fucking wanted to. Wherever he went, people noticed him. Listened to him. Followed him. It wasn¡¯t charisma or charm¡ªit was something deeper, something primal. And it was a curse. For someone who just wanted to live quietly, to blend into the background and survive, Commanding Presence was a death sentence. It painted a target on his back. It made him the very thing he didnt wanr to be, with the situation of that world¡ªa leader. A Hero. And the worst part? Once he started to lean into it, once he stopped fighting it¡­ He didn¡¯t regret it. It became his lifeline. With Commanding Presence, he rallied people to his side. He led armies. He made alliances. He fought. And, against all odds, he won. The Demon King fell. His tyranny ended. But Cale didn¡¯t feel like a hero. He never had. He was just a man trying to survive. And now that he had yet once again been thrown into an entirely new world, he was someone trying to figure out what came next. ¡ª Cale was currently threading along the road of this new unfamiliar world, memories of the previous world flasherd and stirred reminencingly. The air in this new world was crisp, yet still held a familiar edge. It carried the earthy scent of pine and damp soil but mixed in it was something unmistakable. Mana. He stood in a clearing surrounded by towering trees, their canopies thick with needles that filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground. Somewhere in the distance, a bird called out, its song interrupted by the faint rustle of wind. This didnt look like the charred, desolate battlefield he was greeted with when he arrived that old world. This one felt vibrant and alive. It looked peaceful so far, making him feel thankful. He absolutely did not want to fight another demon king. But as he surveyed the land, the silence didn¡¯t last. A distant rumble reached his ears, growing louder with each passing second. He turned toward the sound, his sharp gaze narrowing. A caravan. Wagons rolled along a dirt path at the edge of the clearing, their wheels creaking under the weight of goods. Horses snorted, their hooves crunching against the packed earth, while a handful of figures walked alongside the convoy. Cale¡¯s eyes darted to their attire. Leather armor. Simple tunics. A few bore weapons¡ªshort swords, bows¡ªbut their posture was relaxed. WIth his experience, he could easily tell that these weren¡¯t typical soldiers or adventurers. They looked more like merchants. Yet something about the scene felt off. The guards¡¯ eyes darted nervously to the surrounding trees, and their hands lingered near their weapons. One man, a burly figure with a scar cutting across his cheek, muttered something to a companion, who nodded grimly. "Something¡¯s got them on edge," Cale muttered from his position. The Core¡¯s voice echoed faintly in his mind. "The mortal world is rarely without its dangers, Master. Would you like me to analyze their situation?" "No," he replied. "I¡¯ll figure it out myself." --- Cale followed the caravan from a distance, his form concealed by the dense foliage. His footsteps were silent, his movements precise¡ªold habits from his time in that other world. The tension among the traders grew with each mile. The guards¡¯ gazes darted more frequently to the trees, and the traders themselves huddled closer, whispering nervously. It wasn¡¯t long before the source of their unease revealed itself. The attack came without warning. A guttural roar shattered the quiet, and from the shadows burst a group of hulking figures. Orcs. Their crude bone armor clattered as they charged, weapons raised high. The caravan erupted into chaos, horses reared, traders screamed, and guards scrambled to form a defensive line. Cale crouched low, watching the scene unfold. The orcs outnumbered the guards three to one, their brute strength overwhelming the poorly trained defenders. It was a massacre in the making. He didn¡¯t move. Not yet. The Core¡¯s voice hummed in his mind. "Will you intervene, Master? Or will you let the mortals fend for themselves?" Cale didn¡¯t answer immediately. His gaze flicked between the struggling guards and the orcs, assessing the situation. Then he saw her. A young woman, looking barely out of her teens, stumbled as an orc lunged toward her. Her pale hair caught the sunlight as she raised a sword, trembling but determined. The weapon, even with the sharp look, felt awfully inadequate against the creature¡¯s size, but her resolve didn¡¯t waver. Something stirred in Cale. Perhaps an echo of his own desperat ion when he first arrived in that other world as he fought against overwhelming odds, or maybe he had just become too used to his duty as a Hero. He stepped out of the shadows. ___ Author here. If you''re enjoying it so far, please follow and drop a review of this first few chapters. Thanks for reading. ___ Chapter 6: Orcs Are Points The moment Cale stepped into view, the chaos seemed to tilt. The orcs paused for a moment, their sharp eyes gleaming as they took him in. It wasn¡¯t recognition, just an instinctive reaction to the sudden shift in the air. Something about his presence seemed off, even without his Commanding Presence skill active. But after a brief moment of scrutiny, the orcs turned back to the battle, resuming their brutal work. They had judged him. Strange? Sure. Dangerous? Not even close. Cale sighed, shaking his head. Ah, yes. His stats. Barely above the basic. Even that scout, Kain, who should be more specialized in running away than fighting, had better numbers than him. And compared to these hulking, muscle-bound orcs? He¡¯d be less than a footnote in their obituary. But strength wasn¡¯t everything. Cale was different. As a hero, he¡¯d survived battles against forces that should¡¯ve crushed him a hundred times over. Raw strength was just one piece of the puzzle. Tactics, experience, and sheer mental fortitude? That was where he thrived. Orcs? These brutes were nothing but walking points to him. ¡°Hey, ugly,¡± Cale called out, his voice cutting through the clash of steel and guttural war cries. He didn¡¯t shout, but his words carried. They landed like a slap, daring someone¡ªanyone¡ªto look his way. They did. One particularly large orc turned to him. It was mid-lunge, its club raised high above a pale-haired girl who looked moments away from becoming a splatter on the dirt. The orc snarled, its chest plate made of scrap and bone, rattling with its movement. It changed course immediately, pounding toward Cale with steps that hit the ground like war drums. ¡°Why is it always the biggest idiot first?¡± Cale muttered, tilting his head. The orc roared, swinging its bone club in a wide, reckless arc. Aware of his limit¡¯s, Cale didn¡¯t dare blocking. He sidestepped the swing with practiced ease, letting the brute stumble forward. Before it could recover, his hands darted into his cape. Two daggers glinted in the sunlight as he pulled them free. These weren''t daggers created with mana forge. They were real daggers, although a bit crude. These were part of the items he collected from Kain who went buck naked in the dungeon earlier. Now they would come in handy since he couldn''t use mana forge outside the dungeon, except he activated his Domain ability.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Without ever a moment of hesitation, Cale drove them into the orc¡¯s back. The strikes were precise, high on the left side, just above where the heart should be. Not a coincidence. It was very much calculated. The orc roared again, louder this time, but it was already too late. Cale twisted both blades, the grinding sound of steel against bone cutting through the battlefield noise. Then, with a sharp kick, he sent the beast sprawling face-first into the dirt. It didn¡¯t get back up. ¡°That¡¯s how you deal with something stronger than you,¡± Cale muttered, yanking his daggers free. The memory of facing the Demon King¡¯s army came flooding back. Fighting overwhelming odds wasn¡¯t new, it was second nature. Sure, there were some enemies even experience couldn¡¯t help with, but orcs? Please. Even in this weaker state, they were cake. A soft chime pinged in his mind. [You have slain a Native Orc - Rank E. Experience gained.] Cale¡¯s boot scraped against the ground as he tried to relieve the ache in his leg. That kick might¡¯ve been a little excessive¡ªor maybe this body was just too fragile for his usual moves. He frowned, flexing his fingers. Weak. So damn weak. It was infuriating how far he¡¯d fallen. He¡¯d fought near godlike entities, crushed armies, stood at the peak. And now? Now he had to claw his way back up like some rookie adventurer. A bitter smile tugged at his lips. Fine. If that¡¯s what it took, he¡¯d start here. These orcs were only the beginning. ¡°Next,¡± Cale said, his eyes scanning the battlefield for his next target. The caravan guards stared, wide-eyed, frozen in place as they just witnessed what Cale had done ¡°Focus!¡± Cale barked, his voice cutting through their stupor like a whip. ¡°Unless you want to die, keep those orcs off the traders!¡± His sharp command jolted them back to their senses. The young woman he¡¯d noticed earlier, still pale but steadier now, gave a determined nod and fell back into the defensive line. Around her, the guards rallied, forming a tighter, more disciplined formation. Meanwhile, another orc broke from the pack. Smaller but quicker than its fallen comrade, it lunged at Cale with a jagged blade. Its strikes came fast, aimed at weak points with a cunning that betrayed its savage appearance. But Cale didn¡¯t panic. He wasn¡¯t the naive, untrained man who was plunged into that other world years ago. The jagged blade came down hard, but Cale moved with precision. He caught the strike with one of his twin daggers, not blocking it head-on but angling his wrists expertly to redirect the blow. The force slid past him, deflected with practiced efficiency. Even so, the impact sent a sharp jolt up his arm. His current body wasn¡¯t what it used to be, and the strain reminded him of that bitter truth. Still, he held firm. The orc overextended, its momentum throwing it slightly off-balance. Cale didn¡¯t waste the opportunity. With a swift pivot, he drove his knee into the creature¡¯s gut. The blow made the orc double over, and before it could recover, his blade slashed across its throat in one fluid motion. The strike was so clean, so fast, it left those watching in stunned silence. The tide of battle shifted. The remaining orcs faltered, their snarls losing their edge as they glanced at the bodies of their fallen. The guards, emboldened by the sudden turn, pressed forward with renewed vigor. It didn¡¯t take long. The surviving orcs retreated into the shadows of the thick forest, snarling curses in their guttural tongue. Moments later, the battlefield fell eerily silent, broken only by the labored breathing of the survivors. ¡°Who¡­ who are you?¡± the young woman asked, stepping forward. Her sword, now slick with dark blood, trembled in her grip. ¡°Just a traveler,¡± Cale replied, sheathing his daggers with a practiced flick of his wrists. His tone was calm, almost casual, as though this had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. ¡°Though I¡¯d suggest hiring better guards next time.¡± Her cheeks flushed, though whether from embarrassment or gratitude, he couldn¡¯t quite tell. Before she could respond, one of the older traders approached¡ªa wiry man with sharp eyes that missed nothing. ¡°You saved us,¡± the man said, his voice steady despite the recent chaos. ¡°We owe you.¡± Cale raised an eyebrow, his expression quite unreadable. ¡°Owe me? I don¡¯t recall signing a contract.¡± ¡°Even so,¡± the man pressed, ¡°we don¡¯t forget debts, traveler. If there¡¯s anything we can offer¡ª¡± ¡°Information,¡± Cale interrupted as if he had been waiting for this moment. ¡°What do you know about the Stonefang Ruins?¡± This was a name he had managed to force out of Kain¡¯s mouth after he stripped him naked, of course, with the eager help of those little¡­ imps. The trader blinked, clearly surprised by the question. ¡°Stonefang? That¡¯s a cursed place. Ancient, filled with traps and beasts. Why would you¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s my business,¡± Cale said, his tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°What do you know?¡± The trader exhaled, his sharp gaze softening slightly. ¡°Not much, but¡­ there¡¯s a village nearby. Black Hollow. They¡¯ve been dealing with strange occurrences, monsters getting too close to the fields, livestock disappearing. Some say it¡¯s tied to the ruins.¡± ¡°Convenient,¡± Cale muttered, already piecing together his next move. His eyes flicked to the caravan. ¡°You¡¯re headed that way?¡± The trader nodded. ¡°Yes. The village is holding a ritual soon. Something to protect them from the monster hordes coming out of this Enchanted Forest.¡± That caught Cale¡¯s attention. A horde? That sounded like an opportunity. Not just to gain experience, but to test the limits of his current strength. He gave a curt nod. ¡°Then I¡¯ll travel with you.¡± The trader didn¡¯t argue. Perhaps it was fear, gratitude, or simply the pragmatic realization that having Cale around might tip the odds in their favor should trouble arise again. Whatever the reason, no one questioned him as he fell into step beside the caravan. Chapter 7: Defend Black Hollow The caravan rattled along the dirt path, its wooden wheels creaking under the weight of trade goods. Cale stayed silently at the back, his senses honed, eyes scanning the darkening forest. Night fell quickly, and the group gathered around a crackling campfire, its orange glow a feeble shield against the suffocating mana that saturated the woods. Cale leaned against a tree, his fingers idly tapping the hilt his dagger. Shadows seemed to danced just beyond the firelight, their flickering movements too deliberate to be dismissed as tricks of the eye. Then came the familiar chime in his mind. ¡ª [Mission Update: Investigate the Stonefang Ruins.] [Optional Objective: Defend Black Hollow from the upcoming monster horde.] [Possible Rewards: ???, Increased Core Energy, Ability Unlock, Dungeon Points.] ¡ª ¡°Hmm¡­ Convenient,¡± Cale murmured as he squinted at the notifications. He had received this mission to investigate the Stonefang ruins as soon as Kain mentioned it in the dungeon, that was what got him intrigued originally. For a mentionof this place to trigger a mission from the system, it seemed there was something important to uncover there, perhaps relating to his identity as a dungeon master. ALso, there was the fact that the possible reward at first was listed as ???. But now the mission seemed to have updated with an optional objective to defend Black Hollow village. And there were now additional possible rewards. Just as he mused, his gaze drifting to the treetops. Above, the stars gleamed cold and distant, as if watching his every move. ¡°Master,¡± the Core¡¯s gentle voice whispered in his mind. ¡°The horde presents a rare opportunity. Their essence could fuel your growth significantly.¡± ¡°I figured as much,¡± Cale replied. His voice dropped lower as he added, ¡°But first, we deal with Black Hollow. One step at a time.¡± He had to know what type of place he would be defending. With his experience in that other world, he knew that there were different types of scenarios that came with approaching a new village. And with that, he closed his eyes, his mind already calculating the next moves in his ever-growing game of survival. ¡ª The next morning arrived with a soft mist clinging to the trees, muting the sounds of the forest. The caravan continued it¡¯s journey, moving cautiously. The air was still thick with tension from the previous day¡¯s attack. Cale stayed near the back, his sharp eyes scanning the woods for any signs of trouble. The guards, who had been wary of him at first, now glanced at him with a mixture of respect and unease. Even the young woman he had saved kept her distance. Her wary demeanor wasn¡¯t surprising; considering the strength he had displayed fighting the orcs. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. And yet, her gaze betrayed her. Though she avoided his gaze whenever he looked her way, she couldn¡¯t stop herself from glancing at him. There was something compelling about him, a subtle elegance in the way the forest canopy filtered threads of sunlight that wove through the strands of his long dark hair and the defined lines of his face, catching on angles that were too well-formed to ignore. It lent him an air of calmness and refinement that contrasted sharply with the scars of battle etched into the guards around her. When her cheeks flushed, she turned sharply away, gripping the hilt of her blade as if it might steady her thoughts. ¡°You¡¯re quite the mystery,¡± said the wiry trader, falling into step beside Cale. ¡°A young traveler who fights like a seasoned warrior and asks about cursed ruins. Care to share your story?¡± ¡°Not particularly,¡± Cale replied without looking at him. The trader chuckled. ¡°Fair enough. But I¡¯d still advise caution. Black Hollow¡¯s not the friendliest of places, especially for outsiders.¡± ¡°Noted,¡± Cale said flatly. The trader didn¡¯t press further, though Cale could feel his curiosity buzzing like an insect. It didn¡¯t matter. Black Hollow was just a stepping stone to his real goal. His aim was to conquer this world afterall. ¡ª By midday, the forest gave way to fields, and the village of Black Hollow came into view. It was a modest settlement, with weathered wooden houses clustered around a central square. A stone well stood at its heart, surrounded by villagers bustling with activity. Cale noted the faint shimmer of mana lingering in the air. Ritual preparations were underway. As the caravan rolled into the square, villagers stopped and turned, their expressions a mix of relief and apprehension. A man with broad shoulders and a thick beard¡ªlikely the village head¡ªapproached. ¡°Welcome back, Tarrik,¡± the man said to the trader, his voice deep and rough. His eyes flicked to the damaged wagons and bloodstained guards. ¡°I see the road hasn¡¯t been kind.¡± ¡°Orcs,¡± Tarrik replied. ¡°We lost two men, but we had help.¡± He gestured toward Cale, who remained by the rear of the caravan, arms crossed. The village head¡¯s gaze settled on Cale, his expression unreadable. ¡°A mercenary?¡± ¡°Something like that,¡± Cale said, stepping forward. ¡°I¡¯m passing through. Heard about the ritual you¡¯re planning. Thought I¡¯d lend a hand.¡± The man¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°We don¡¯t need outsiders interfering in our affairs.¡± Cale shrugged. ¡°Suit yourself. But when the horde comes knocking, don¡¯t blame me if you regret it.¡± The village head¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. He studied Cale for a long moment, then sighed. ¡°Fine. But don¡¯t cause trouble.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it,¡± Cale said, his tone dripping with mock sincerity. As the day wore on, Cale wandered the village, keeping his distance from the locals. He needed information¡ªabout the ritual, the horde, and the ruins¡ªbut he wasn¡¯t about to announce his intentions outright. The opportunity came sooner than expected. ¡°Traveler,¡± a voice called from behind him. Cale turned to see the young woman from the caravan. She had cleaned up since the battle, her pale hair tied back and her simple armor polished. There was a determined set to her jaw, though her hands fidgeted at her sides. ¡°You¡¯re the one who saved us,¡± she said, as if confirming it to herself. ¡°Thank you.¡± Cale inclined his head. ¡°No problem.¡± She hesitated, then added, ¡°I¡­ heard you asking Tarrik about the ruins. Are you planning to go there?¡± ¡°That depends,¡± Cale said. ¡°What do you know about them?¡± ¡°Not much,¡± she admitted. ¡°But my father might. He¡¯s helped a noble explore the area before. He doesn¡¯t talk about it much, but¡­¡± She trailed off, glancing around as if afraid someone might overhear. ¡°If you really plan to go, you¡¯ll need his advice.¡± ¡°Where can I find him?¡± Cale asked. She hesitated again, then gestured toward a small house near the edge of the village. ¡°He¡¯s there. Just¡­ be careful what you say. He¡¯s not fond of outsiders.¡± ¡°Noted,¡± Cale said. As she turned to leave, he called out, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± She paused, glancing over her shoulder. ¡°Leira.¡± ¡°Thanks, Leira,¡± Cale said, his tone softening slightly. She nodded, then hurried away, leaving Cale alone with his thoughts. ¡ª The house was unassuming, its thatched roof and weathered walls blending into the background of the village. Cale knocked once, the sound echoing dully. The door creaked open, revealing an older man with graying hair and a suspicious scowl. His eyes narrowed as they took in Cale¡¯s armor and posture. ¡°Who are you, and what do you want?¡± the man demanded. ¡°Your daughter said you might know something about the Stonefang Ruins,¡± Cale said, cutting straight to the point. The man¡¯s scowl deepened. ¡°Leira shouldn¡¯t have told you that. Those ruins are trouble.¡± ¡°Trouble¡¯s part of the job,¡± Cale said. ¡°But I need information. Anything you can tell me.¡± The man hesitated, scrutinizing him a little, then stepped aside. ¡°Fine. But you¡¯d better not bring any of that trouble here.¡± Cale entered, the faint scent of herbs and wood smoke filling his nostrils. The man gestured to a worn chair and sat across from him. ¡°The ruins are cursed,¡± the man began. ¡°An old fortress from the Warlord Era, before the kingdoms united. They say the warlord who built it tamed beasts¡ªmonsters that could tear a man in half. But when he died, the beasts turned feral, and the fortress became their lair.¡± ¡°And recently?¡± Cale prompted. The man¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°The monsters are stirring again. Some say it¡¯s the work of a dungeon¡ªone forming beneath the ruins. If that¡¯s true, then anyone who goes there is as good as dead.¡± Cale leaned back, absorbing the information. A dungeon forming beneath the ruins? That could mean competition¡ªor opportunity. ¡°Thanks for the warning,¡± he said, standing. The man eyed him warily. ¡°You¡¯re really going, aren¡¯t you?¡± Cale smirked. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be much of a story if I didn¡¯t.¡± As he stepped back into the fading sunlight, the system chimed in his mind. ¡ª [Objective Updated: Investigate the Stonefang Ruins.] [Warning: High-Risk Area Detected. Prepare Accordingly.] ¡ª Cale¡¯s smirk widened. The it seemed the ruins weren¡¯t just a simple destination, they were a significant challenge. By now, he had already grown used to this sort of challenges. Chapter 8: A Night of Blood The village of Black Hollow was restless. Cale could feel it in the air, the way the villagers darted from house to house, their voices hushed, their movements hurried. The tension was thick, like the charged calm before a thunderstorm. He stood by a treeline, his eyes scanning the horizon. The Enchanted Forest loomed to the west, its shadow swallowing the last light of the setting sun. Somewhere out there, the horde was gathering¡­ ¡°Master,¡± the Core¡¯s voice murmured in his mind, soft, ¡°the mana density in the forest has spiked. The horde will emerge soon.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Cale nodded and replied, his voice low. His gaze flicked toward the village square, where the ritual was underway. A group of villagers, led by a gray-robed elder, stood in a circle around the stone well. Their chants were rhythmic, their words laced with mana that vibrated faintly in the air. A protective barrier began to form, its golden glow spreading outward like a dome. ¡°Will it hold?¡± Cale asked, his tone neutral. The Core hesitated before answering. ¡°Temporarily. The quality of the ritual is¡­ adequate. It will weaken with prolonged assault.¡± ¡°Figures,¡± Cale muttered. He adjusted his dark cloak, ensuring it wouldn¡¯t restrict his movements. Through his investigation earlier, he had already determined that this hoard, it wasnt anything new. It was something mysterious that happened periodically in Black Hollow, that it seemed to have already embedded it¡¯s self into their history and became something like a tradition. Every period of time, around a decade or so, savage beasts or monsters from the surrounding enchanted forest would go crazy and attack this village. Each time it happened, A good percentage of people would loose their life despite the preparations. As for the cause, it remained a mystery up for speculation. That was the reason why the people of Black Hollow were so superstitious and hostile to outsiders. A good portion of them believed outsiders were bad omen, and could bring bad fortune to the village. Either quickening the impending monster hoard, or jinxing their chances of survival. No matter how he thought of it, Cale couldn''t understand why these people still remained in this cursed place, choosing to wager their chances at survival each advent of the monster hoard. Was this place that much precious that they couldn''t abandon it? He smelled something awfully amiss here. It screamed ritual, a very complex and foul one. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the rest.¡± Cale said to the Core. As the night deepened, Cale took position high in one of the towering trees near the village edge. From his vantage point, he could see the forest stretching endlessly into the distance, its edges flickering with an eerie green light. And then, the horde came. It began with a low rumble, the ground trembling beneath its weight. Shapes emerged from the forest, their forms distorted by the shifting shadows. Wolves with glowing red eyes. Hulking boar-like creatures, their tusks dripping with what seemed like venom. In the distance, the faint screech of winged predators pierced the night. [System Notification: Monster Horde Detected.] [Threat Level: Moderate.] [Recommended Action: Engage for maximum resource gain.] Cale¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. ¡°Good. I could use the practice.¡± He reached into his cloak, pulling out a small vial filled with shimmering liquid. It was one of the few alchemical concoctions he had managed to craft earlier from gathering some familiar materials around the surrounding forest. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. His knowledge from that other world came in handy as this crude portion was supposed to serve him by increasing Mana flow and efficiency. He drank it in one quick motion, feeling the surge of mana sharpening his senses. ¡°Begin,¡± he murmured, his voice carrying a mental link as he activated his Domain ability and summoned his minions. An invisible area seemed to be marked around him, it measured a hundred square meters in diameter, exactly the size of his dungeon. Gloomfang Spiders emerged from the shadows within the domain, skittering toward the advancing horde. Their webs glistened like silver threads in the moonlight, strung between trees to funnel the monsters into choke points. The advancing horde of wolves were the first to fall, their momentum broken as they were caught in the sticky traps. The spiders descended upon them, fangs flashing, venom coursing through their prey. From his perch, Cale watched with satisfaction. ¡°Efficient as expected.¡± The second wave of monsters hit harder. The boar-like beasts charged through the webs like a storm, their brute strength tearing through the sticky strands. Behind them, the winged predators dove, their shrill cries echoing across the battlefield. Cale didn¡¯t hesitate. He activated Summoner¡¯s Reach, pulling the two Shadow Imps from the dungeon directly into the fray. The Imps landed with a gleeful cackle, their grotesque faces lit with excitement. They darted between the boars, their claws slashing tendons and drawing blood. One of them paused to leap onto the back of a winged predator, riding it briefly before driving its claws into the creature¡¯s neck. ¡°Little devils are too eager,¡± Cale muttered, shaking his head. The battle surged closer to the village as several monsters and beasts slipped through his domain. As the horde pressed closer, the golden barrier shimmered under the assault, each impact sending ripples of strain through it. From his perch, Cale could see the villagers huddled in their homes, their chants growing louder as the ritual seemed to pour mana into the barrier. The monsters pushed harder, their cries blending into a deafening roar. The barrier wavered, cracks of light spidering across its surface. The village lived up to its name. Cale now understood. The charging horde looked like a river of blackness under the pale moonlight, its tide slamming against the glowing hollow of the barrier. Black Hollow. It was obvious the barrier wouldn¡¯t last much longer. ¡ª As the third wave emerged, a swarm of small, lizard-like creatures with razor-sharp claws¡ªCale decided it was time to descend. He leapt from the tree, landing silently on the ground below. His dark armor seemed to absorb the faint moonlight, rendering him nearly invisible as he moved. The lizard creatures turned toward him, their yellow eyes gleaming with predatory hunger. Cale raised a hand, summoning his mana-forged dagger. He was now capable of using this ability with his domain active. The blade pulsed with sinister energy, its edge glowing faintly. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you handle this,¡± he said, his tone almost casual. The first lizard lunged. Cale sidestepped, his dagger slicing cleanly through its neck. Two more followed, their claws slashing wildly. He ducked low, spinning into a strike that left one creature dead and the other stumbling. The fight was quick and brutal. Cale moved with both experience and precision, his strikes efficient and calculated. By the time the swarm reached him, they had already lost half their number. [System Notification: Horde Kill Count: 43] [Rewards: +50 Dungeon Points, Stat Increase Pending.] The notification barely registered. Cale¡¯s focus was on the battle, his instincts honed by years of fighting against overwhelming odds. At that moment, a roar shook the air, deeper and more resonant than the others. Cale turned to see the final wave emerge, a massive beast, its body resembling a mutated bear with jagged, crystalline growths protruding from its back. ¡°Well,¡± he muttered, gripping his dagger tighter. ¡°That¡¯s new.¡± The creature charged, its sheer size and speed forcing Cale to dive out of the way. Its claws gouged deep trenches into the earth, and its roar sent a wave of pressure that made the trees tremble. ¡°Master, be cautious,¡± the Core warned. ¡°That creature is a mana-touched alpha. Its essence would be invaluable, but its strength far exceeds the others.¡± ¡°I noticed,¡± Cale replied dryly. The alpha roared again, its eyes locking onto him with a feral intelligence that sent a shiver down his spine. This wasn¡¯t just a mindless beast; it was something more. Cale exhaled slowly, his mind racing. He could summon more minions, but that would drain the limited mana he had. It seemed this was his fight. The alpha lunged, and Cale met it head-on. The clash was explosive, mana flaring as their attacks collided. Cale¡¯s dagger sliced through the beast¡¯s crystalline armor, but not without effort. Each strike sent a jolt through his arm, the feedback rattling his bones. The alpha countered with a swipe that grazed his side, tearing through his armor and drawing blood. Cale hissed, but the pain only sharpened his focus. He ducked beneath the beast¡¯s next attack, swiftly driving his dagger into the exposed joint of its forelimb. The alpha roared in pain, its massive paw swiping wildly. Cale rolled away, his breathing heavy but controlled. Then at that moment, something changed. Cale was so familiar with this sensation that he could feel it. He quickly pulled up the system window to confirm, and then he smiled. [Commanding Presence (Heroic): Active] This cheat-like ability, though acting on its own, had never failed him. It always activated at the most precious moments, like now. With a sharp mental command, he summoned the Imps again. He wouldn¡¯t have done this before, but now was different. He gave a single command: ¡°Hold the line.¡± As soon as his words fell, a system notification flashed. [Command Activated: ¡°Hold the line!¡±] [All allies who obey this command within your domain receive the following effects for 1 minute:] Strength Increase: +50%. Speed Increase: +40%. Resistance Increase: Slight protection against fear, confusion, and mental effects. Blessing of Luck: 70% chance to trigger critical hits or dodge incoming attacks. The two creatures materialized beside the alpha, their gleeful cackles cutting through the tension. They darted around the beast, seemingly boosted by an unknown force, slashing at its legs and distracting it long enough for Cale to recover. The subtle aura radiated outward, amplifying the Imps¡¯ speed and precision. They moved in perfect harmony, their attacks coordinated and relentless. Against the odds, against the strength gap, these creatures now seemed far stronger than they were supposed to. The alpha staggered, its movements slowing as blood poured from its wounds. Cale seized the moment, lunging forward and driving his dagger into the base of its skull. The beast let out one final, deafening roar before collapsing. [System Notification: Alpha Crystalhide Ursus (D) Defeated.] [Stat Increase Pending: Strength +8, Agility +5.] Cale stood over the corpse, his chest heaving. Blood dripped from his armor, but his expression was calm, almost satisfied. ¡°Good hunt,¡± he muttered. The village, now safe, erupted in cheers behind him. Villagers who had been watching the fight emerged from their homes, their faces alight with gratitude and awe. One by one, they began to approach, some bowing, others offering thanks. Leira¡¯s father was among them, his expression a mix of relief and respect. ¡°You¡¯ve done more for us than we could ever repay,¡± he said. ¡°But if there¡¯s anything you need¡ª¡± ¡°The ruins,¡± Cale interrupted ; his tone made it seem like he had already prepared this response a long time ago. The old man nodded slowly. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you everything I know.¡± Cale¡¯s lips twitched into a faint smile. Chapter 9: No Allies Needed, Only Minions The villagers dispersed slowly, their hushed whispers of gratitude carried away by the evening breeze. Cale stood alone by the remnants of the battlefield, the glow of the village barrier flickering faintly behind him. Leira''s father had promised to meet him in the morning to discuss the ruins, but tonight the matter remained unresolved, left to linger in the air like the faint scent of blood and burnt mana. Cale wiped his dagger clean on the hem of his cloak, the blade glinting briefly in the moonlight before he sheathed it. He turned away from the village, heading toward the forest outskirts where the shadows swallowed the light. The air still crackled faintly with residual mana from the fight, the land itself thrumming with life, but the immediate threat had passed. He found a gnarled tree and leaned against it, its twisted branches clawing at the sky as though to guard him. The distant hum of the barrier was the only sound, a faint rhythm against the oppressive silence. Cale sighed and muttered, ¡°System. Stats.¡± ¡ª [Stats Analysis] Name: Cale Evander Class: Dungeon Master Level: 3 (+2 levels gained) Health: 85/85 Mana: 32/32 Stamina: 43/60 Strength: 25 Agility: 31 Endurance: 22 ¡ª ¡°Not bad,¡± Cale murmured, scanning the floating text. He wasn¡¯t fully accustomed to the system yet, but he could piece things together well enough. The jump in his stats made sense after his fight with the alpha beast. Progress. Slow, but steady. At this rate, it wouldn¡¯t take too long to claw back to his former strength. ¡ª [Abilities Updated - New Unlock: Feral Instincts (Passive): Senses heightened in danger zones. Reaction speed +25% in high-stakes scenarios.] ¡ª He smirked. "Feral Instincts. Fitting, I guess." The system had been generous tonight, moulding him into something sharper, deadlier. ¡°You¡¯ve always been feral,¡± came the Core¡¯s voice, slipping into his mind like silk. There was amusement there, layered with something he couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°Or perhaps it¡¯s just a part of you reawakening?¡± ¡°Your smug commentary,¡± Cale shot back. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be helping me figure out my next move?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Then let me simplify it,¡± the Core replied, her tone light, but her words heavy. ¡°You¡¯ve proven you can dominate. Now you need to expand, you need allies. Stonefang won¡¯t wait for you to brood under a tree.¡± Cale ran a hand through his black hair, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the forest stretched endlessly under the pale moonlight. Bitter memories threatened to stir, but he shoved them aside. ¡°No. I don¡¯t need allies,¡± he said, the words sharp and deliberate. ¡°I¡¯ve got minions. Reliable ones.¡± The Core¡¯s laughter was soft, but it carried an edge. ¡°How pragmatic.¡± He thought back to the little devils that had fought beside him earlier. Sure, their competence might¡¯ve been bolstered by the effects of Commanding Presence, but they¡¯d performed better than expected. Better than most humans. He¡¯d trust them over any backstabbing flesh-and-blood ¡®companions¡¯ any day. ¡°Stonefang doesn¡¯t scare me,¡± Cale added. ¡°I never said it should,¡± the Core replied evenly, though her tone carried a subtle shift. A warning cloaked in honey. Cale frowned. He didn¡¯t trust her, not fully. She served him, yes, but her motives were her own. She wasn¡¯t a pawn. If anything, she might¡¯ve been holding the strings. Allies, enemies¡ªsometimes, there wasn¡¯t much of a difference. ¡°Stonefang might look like a forgotten ruin overrun with beasts,¡± the Core continued, her words sliding into his thoughts like a blade slipping between ribs. ¡°But power doesn¡¯t remain hidden for long. Nobles sniff out advantage. Wanderers stumble into opportunity. Nothing is ever truly abandoned, Master.¡± Her phrasing was as elegant as ever, but the message was clear. ¡°I know,¡± Cale said, his fingers tracing the hilt of his dagger. His mind churned, weighing risks, plotting paths. ¡°It¡¯s more fun when everyone thinks it can kill me, anyway.¡± The Core laughed again, this time more fully. ¡°As you wish, Master.¡± ¡ª Morning brought a different mood to the village. Shadows hung long across the ground as Black Hollow struggled to recover from the horde¡¯s destruction. Villagers whispered to one another in low voices, their thankful gazes flickering at Cale as he crossed the square. Leira caught up with him, her expression calmer but no less determined than last night. ¡°My father¡¯s waiting,¡± she said, glancing at the darkened path ahead. ¡°You know... you could leave. Let this mess fade into someone else¡¯s problem.¡± ¡°Tempting," Cale said, striding alongside her. ¡°But then I¡¯d miss out on more potential treasures waiting to be claimed. Besides...¡± He glanced at her, half a smirk playing on his lips. ¡°Your expression seems a bit too calm for someone who survived the hoarde last night. Leira hesitated, her cheeks coloring slightly. ¡°I can say the same for you. But... Stonefang isn¡¯t like those monsters last night. People don¡¯t return from there.¡± ¡°I am not people,¡± Cale replied smoothly. She didn¡¯t look reassured, but to his surprise, she didn¡¯t argue further. ¡ª Inside the small cottage, Leira¡¯s father sat hunched over a worn table. His fingers traced faint lines on a scroll that looked as old as the man himself. His head lifted sharply as they entered ¡°Here comes the kid poking at ghosts,¡± the old man muttered, his voice gruff with grudging respect. ¡°I¡¯ll admit, you¡¯ve got strength, the way you fought that horde. But don¡¯t let it go to your head, Stonefang¡¯s got a way of leaving only bones behind.¡± It was clear he wasn¡¯t trying to be cruel. The words carried the weight of caution, an unspoken warning to curb Cale¡¯s confidence after last night¡¯s victory. ¡°Might leave me bones,¡± Cale agreed lightly, his tone even. ¡°But I don¡¯t think you called me in here for a lecture.¡± The man snorted, folding the scroll and sliding it aside. ¡°No. You want information, and I¡¯ve got it. But there¡¯s always a price.¡± Cale leaned against the doorway, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°That so? Then tell me, old man, what price equals saving your village from last night¡¯s rampage?¡± The old man paused, his weathered face hardening. Finally, with a grumble, he said, ¡°I hate debt. So, fine. We¡¯ll call it even.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Cale said curtly. ¡°Now talk.¡± The old man sighed, tracing his fingers over the grain of the table as though conjuring his thoughts. "Stonefang... it wasn¡¯t always ruins,¡± he began, his voice low. ¡°Before the Warlord Era, before empires even looked this way, it was something older. Built by hands that probably weren¡¯t human.¡± ¡°Magic ruins aren¡¯t exactly rare,¡± Cale remarked, though his interest was piqued. ¡°Go on.¡± The old man¡¯s eyes flicked toward Leira. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she gave a nod and stepped out of the room, leaving the two alone. ¡°You¡¯re right, magic ruins aren¡¯t rare,¡± the man said after the door shut. ¡°But this one¡¯s different. Years ago, a noble came through. A minor lord, nothing special. Claimed he was an adventurer. Paid me and a few others a hefty sum to guide him into Stonefang.¡± ¡°And?¡± Cale asked, his voice sharp. The old man¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°He left with nothing to show for it. Said the place had been picked clean. But as we left, he muttesomething... said he felt a presence. Something calling him deeper. He swore there was power hidden in the heart of Stonefang.¡± Cale raised a brow, intrigued but skeptical. ¡°He survived? Left empty-handed? Nobles don¡¯t risk their lives for whispers and hunches.¡± The old man¡¯s lips thinned, his voice growing hoarse. ¡°He left, yes. But not whole. Dragged himself out of there with something stuck to him. Like molten steel, red and alive. It bit into his skin and wouldn¡¯t let go.¡± Cale straightened, his fingers brushing the hilt of his dagger. ¡°And he lived?¡± ¡°Not for long,¡± the man said darkly. ¡°He raved about beasts and thrones, about things no one should approach. Said Stonefang wasn¡¯t just ruins, it was waiting for something. Or someone.¡± The room fell silent, the old man¡¯s words lingering like a ghost between the m. Slowly, a faint smile spread across Cale¡¯s lips. ¡°That¡­¡± he said softly, ¡°sounds like something I¡¯ll survive better than him.¡± Chapter 10: Arriving At The Ruins Cale stood just outside the old man''s cottage, the faint morning mist wrapping around the village like a shroud. Black Hollow still buzzed with quiet activity, villagers movingall around. He let out a long breath as he let the story of the noble sink in, twisting the threads of the old man¡¯s words into his growing web of plans. "Red marks," he muttered, recalling the vivid description. ¡°Something alive¡­ either he stuck his face into where he wasn''t supposed to, or those ruins really don¡¯t like intruders." But still, he wouldn''t let that hold him back; going to the ruins was absolutely necessary since it was somehow connected to the system. The system had given him the mission after all. ¡°I don¡¯t believe in accidents.¡± The core¡¯s voice was smooth as it edged into his mind. ¡°What the man described reeks of ancient enchantments, or curses meant to keep the unworthy away.¡± ¡°Good thing I¡¯m not unworthy,¡± Cale said dryly, sliding his hands into his pockets. ¡°You¡¯re always confident, Master. That¡¯s admirable.¡± There was the faintest trace of amusement in her voice, but it vanished quickly, replaced with the cold pragmatism he had now somehow grown used to. ¡°But remember, if this noble left the ruins alive, others may have followed his whispers. Rivals.¡± Cale¡¯s lips twisted into a sardonic grin. ¡°If they''re lucky, they got eaten already.¡± The Core didn¡¯t respond; her silence somehow louder than any rebuttal. ¡ª Leira was waiting near the centre of the village, her expression tight. ¡°Did he tell you what you needed to know?¡± ¡°More or less,¡± Cale replied, keeping his voice casual. ¡°Your dad''s not big on sharing secrets, though. Cant believe he left out the important details the first time i met him for information. As he spoke he waved a piece of folded paper he held in his hand, looking like an old map, the one the old man held earlier. ¡°Well. it¡¯s good that stony heart of his got touched seeing me bleed for the whole village.¡± Leira¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°We didn¡¯t ask for your help.¡± Cale rolled his eyes. ¡°No, but you needed it anyway. Im pretty sure i wasn mistaken¡± Leira didnt respond immediately. He wasn¡¯t wrong. The horde had been worse than anyone in Black Hollow anticipated. The village had held on by a thread, and without him, that thread would¡¯ve snapped. Who knows how many people would have lost their lives last night if not for Cale. A flicker of guilt crossed her face, but she hid it well. She crossed her arms, looking toward the woods. ¡°Are you really going to the ruins?¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Obviously.¡± She chewed on her bottom lip, hesitating before finally asking, ¡°Why?¡± Cale¡¯s gaze was calm but unyielding. ¡°Why does anyone do anything, Leira? Answers, power... or a reason to keep moving forward.¡± She blinked, visibly caught off guard by his bluntness. "Is it really worth risking your life over?" Cale smirked, his tone turning sharp but playful. "You saw me last night, right? Risk is just part of the fun." Leira nodded, her expression softening a bit as she remembered the scene from when he fought the hoarde. Someone like him, surely had experienced far more than she did. She knew she couldnt just judge him based on her own worldview. Whatever his reason was for insisting on going to the Stonefang Ruins was, It must really be important. If it¡¯s him, just maybe he would be able to¡­ ¡°Be careful, traveler.¡± She said in a low voice. ¡°Cale,¡± he corrected, turning to leave. ¡°Just call me Cale.¡± --- The path to the ruins stretched out like a dark vein through the forest, ancient trees looming on both sides. They twisted unnaturally, gnarled branches pointing toward the sky like frozen claws. Even the birds seemed quieter here as he got closer, their songs stifled by an unseen weight. Cale moved carefully, his steps deliberate as he scanned the environment for any signs of danger. His senses surged out into a low simmer, reaching out like invisible fingers to feel the faint pulses of mana surrounding the edges of the area. The forest was... heavy. Too heavy. ¡°Something doesn¡¯t feel right,¡± he muttered, gripping his daggers tighter. ¡°Of course not,¡± the Core responded calmly. ¡°This region seems to reject harmony. It reeks of chaos, wild and untamed. You¡¯ll feel that weight until the ruins influence is crushed, or embraced.¡± ¡°Well, that''s a bit Comforting.¡± Cale managed to mutter despite his tensed expression. Just then, he stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing as his brows twitched faintly. His senses had picked up something. Ahead, the foliage rustled unnaturally, the movement too precise for the lazy winds rolling through the forest. Cale crouched low, a faint smirk curling his lips. ¡°Company. There seem to be people here. I guess i¡¯m not the only one who¡¯s stupid enough to explore this place.¡± --- Sure enough, the first figure stepped out, a lanky man in dark armor, followed closely by three others, two men and a woman. They carried weapons that looked quite¡­ standard. Compared to the crude daggers he currently had access to. Cale couldn''t help but notice the weapons as they gleamed under the dim forestry light. These people seemed more of Adventurers than scavengers. Well, it was same difference to Cale. ¡°Hold there!¡± the figure in the forefront barked. ¡°State your name and your business.¡± Cale was take aback by this abrupt confrontation. He tilted his head, rolling his dagger slowly. He put just enough relaxed confidence into his stance to unsettle them. ¡°Name¡¯s not important. Business is mine to mind. What are you doing here?¡± The the person who had spoken to him frowned. ¡°You don¡¯t look like you belong around here. This area¡¯s claimed for exploration by the Ironfang Guild. Turn around, or¡ª¡± ¡°Ironfang?¡± Cale interrupted, a faint edge creeping into his gaze. ¡°Ah, yes, guild.¡± He almost forgot about these things. It had really been quite some time since he left that other world or maybe his memory was starting to fail him slowly? Well, it was such a relief that these concepts still existed in this world. It made transitioning a bit more¡­ smoother, as it seems this world wasn''t too different from that other one. ¡°Unique name tho, for a guild¡± He added after a brief thought. Those simple words earned him a flash of anger in the man¡¯s eyes for some reason, the three at his back tensed slightly but didnt react too much. They weren¡¯t fools. Anyone mocking Ironfang that casually wasn¡¯t walking into this blindly. ¡°What¡¯s your problem with the guild?¡± the man growled. Cale was surprised, he wasnt expecting this question. ¡°None¡­?¡± He said with a shrug. ¡°How could I have problems with people I''ve just met?¡± The man was agitated by his casual response. It was strange, for some reason, Cale¡¯s simple words seemed to incite him further. With that, his jaws tightened and his aura flared, spilling out like a wave of heat. Cale frowned, but his expression didnt betray any hint of panic. Just then, one of the others, a young man with short brown hair and leather armor, stepped forward and lightly touched his shoulder. The man who seemed like he was about to pounce on Cale, his anger loosened and hsi expression was replaced with surprise, his aura snuffed out immediately. ¡°Captain¡­?¡± ¡°Let him pass.¡± The brown-haired man muttered. Cale even with the surprise on his face, was already moving, brushing past the group with the lazy ease of someone who didn¡¯t consider them a threat. But It didn''t take long for him to vanished into the shadows of the trees. ¡ª ¡°Amusing little men,¡± the Core said dryly, her voice laced with faint mockery. ¡°Do you always leave your rivals alive out of charity?¡± ¡°Charity?¡± Cale frowned, though his tone was light. ¡°Not exactly. Sometimes it¡¯s out of preference. Why?¡± ¡°Ah,¡± the Core hummed, her tone honeyed with amusement. ¡°So, you don¡¯t crush your enemies, you make them crush themselves.¡± Cale rolled his eyes, wondering where this conversation was going. ¡°I''m not some mindless rouge who kills people on a whim. I was hailed as a chivalric hero in that other world you know? Besides, I could tell that there was some sort of misunderstanding in that whole exchange.¡± Because, why else would that guy get so worked up just from his simple response? Although her form wasn ''t visible, Cale could almost swear that he felt a faint grin from the Core at his response. But he pressed forward, the ruins now closer than ever. Chapter 11:First Glimpse The forest thinned, revealing a clearing where sharp stone spires jutted out of the earth like the broken teeth of some long-dead beast. Stonefang Ruins. Even from here, the architecture radiated power. Ancient glyphs shone faintly on the stones, their light flickering like dying embers, wards that had once been formidable but were now eroded by time. Cale wasn¡¯t alone. He noticed them as soon as he stepped into the clearing. Groups of people lingered near the spires, their gazes flickering toward him the moment he arrived. The scrutiny was brief, no more than a few seconds, before they returned to their own business. Cale¡¯s eyes swept over the scene, taking everything in. Most sat in the shade cast by the towering spires, their postures tense, their eyes constantly darting. A few paced in restless circles, weapons within easy reach. They weren¡¯t Ironfang, not the group he¡¯d encountered earlier. But they carried a similar air¡ªrough, pragmatic, and ready to kill if necessary. ¡°So this is an Adventurer¡¯s Fest, huh?¡± Cale muttered in a low voice. ¡°That old man made it sound like this place was crawling with danger. Judging by how many people are here, maybe he was being a little too cautious.¡± ¡°Or perhaps he wasn¡¯t,¡± the Core¡¯s voice chimed in, her tone smooth yet sharp. ¡°No matter the risk, humans are always drawn to power. Struggle is the law of nature, Master. Do not use their presence as a measure of safety.¡± ¡°I know, I know.¡± Cale waved her off, his tone light. He wasn¡¯t stupid enough to dismiss her entirely. Surviving the Demon King¡¯s army had taught him better than to underestimate anything. If he¡¯d ever let his guard down, even for a second, he wouldn¡¯t have lived long enough to regret it. Still, he could feel the tension in the air, the kind of oppressive weight that only came with the promise of danger. The adventurers here weren¡¯t lounging around for fun. Their solemn expressions, the way their hands hovered near their weapons, the cautious glances they exchanged¡ªit all spoke volumes. These people were scared. Cale circled the area slowly, finally settling under the curve of one of the spires. It formed a jagged canopy overhead, shading him from the sun. To anyone watching, he probably looked like just another adventurer resting before venturing into the unknown. But his eyes never stopped moving. He scanned the clearing, memorizing every detail. He didn¡¯t know enough about this world yet, and asking questions outright would only draw attention to his ignorance.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The last thing he needed was to make himself a target. From his observations, a pattern emerged. Groups of adventurers stood up at intervals, walking toward the far end of the clearing where a series of massive, gate-like tunnels waited. The entrances yawned open like the mouths of beasts, dark and foreboding. Most entered in groups, clearly established parties with a sense of camaraderie. A few went in alone, their steps more hesitant. And some? Some stayed. They lingered in the clearing, watching the gates from a safe distance, their motives unclear. Were they gathering information? Waiting for the right moment? Or just too afraid to step inside? Cale leaned back against the stone, arms crossed. ¡°So, those gates lead into the real Stonefang Ruins,¡± he murmured to himself. The Core¡¯s voice hummed in his mind. ¡°Indeed. What you see here is merely the outskirts. Beyond those gates lies the true danger, and the true opportunity.¡± Cale said nothing, his gaze fixed on the ruins. He didn¡¯t need her to tell him to be careful. He could feel it in his gut. After a while, he stood and brushed the dust off his cloak. ¡°No point in sitting around,¡± he muttered. But he didn¡¯t head toward the gates. Not yet. Instead, he moved in the opposite direction, weaving through the spires with measured steps. Cale''s path led him back into the dense underbrush, where thick bushes and towering trees swallowed him whole. The murmurs of the adventurers lingering near the ruins faded behind him, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of forest creatures. The deeper he went, the more isolated he became. As his footsteps slowed, his body began to dim, his figure gradually dissolving into faint motes of light. It was a seamless effect, as if he had been plucked from the fabric of reality itself. From a distance, it would appear as though he had simply vanished, scattered like dust on the wind. "Recall Core." The command echoed softly, and in the next moment, Cale reappeared in a dimly lit chamber. The familiar stone walls of the dungeon greeted him, though they were not quite as he remembered. He stood in the central area of the dungeon, the place that had once been barren and lifeless. Now, it was transformed. The space was partitioned into sections, and intricate carvings adorned the once-plain walls. Mana-infused torches burned steadily at regular intervals, their light casting soft shadows over smooth stone steps that led upward. The air carried an almost regal atmosphere. At the center of it all was a throne. Elevated on a small dais, it was carved from materials that gleamed faintly under the torchlight. The throne''s design was intricate, its surface adorned with faint patterns that glimmered with magical energy. ¡°Welcome back, Master!¡± A soothing voice drew his attention to the side. Standing gracefully near the steps of the throne was the Core, her form as elegant as ever. ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Cale muttered, momentarily taken aback by the transformation. His gaze swept over the changes, his thoughts racing. ¡°You did all this?¡± he asked, his tone tinged with curiosity. ¡°Yes, Master,¡± the Core replied with a solemn nod, her expression placid. ¡°While you were away, I thought it would be prudent to enhance the dungeon. I aimed to make it more... accommodating for you.¡± She gestured toward the redesigned space with a slight flourish. Cale''s brows furrowed slightly as he processed her words. The Core seemed to notice the shift in his expression. ¡°Perhaps¡­ it isn¡¯t to your liking?¡± she asked, her tone measured. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that.¡± Cale shook his head and began ascending the steps toward the throne. As he climbed, his fingers brushed against the smooth surface of the stone, tracing the fine craftsmanship. He recognized some of the materials¡ªthey had been scavenged from the belongings of Kain, the scout he had dealt with earlier. Reaching the throne, he studied it briefly before sitting down. ¡°You did well. That was thoughtful of you,¡± he said, his voice steady. ¡°It is my pleasure, Master,¡± the Core responded flatly, her tone devoid of emotion. It was as though her sole existence revolved around fulfilling his needs, leaving little room for personal satisfaction. Cale leaned back in the throne, but his gaze remained sharp as it settled on her. ¡°But it makes me wonder,¡± he began, ¡°what exactly separates me, the master of this dungeon, from you, the Core? You seem to have the authority to make sweeping changes here, maybe even more than I do.¡± He paused, his voice hardening slightly. ¡°You¡¯ve already shown you can override me when you think it¡¯s necessary. So what¡¯s the point of having me as the dungeon master at all?¡± The Core remained calm, her expression unchanging. ¡°You are mistaken, Master,¡± she said. ¡°My duty as the Core is to guide and assist you. Our fates are intertwined, and it is only natural that I act in ways that I believe will benefit you and ensure the dungeon¡¯s success.¡± Her tone softened slightly. ¡°You still retain supreme authority over the dungeon, and over me. If my actions displease you, you may establish boundaries for me to follow in the future.¡± Cale¡¯s tense expression eased. Her explanation made sense, and he found himself a bit reassured. What she had done wasn¡¯t really overstepping; it was an act of forethought and care. He couldn¡¯t be mad at that. ¡°You did well,¡± he said again, this time with a faint smile. The tension in the air dissipated. Adjusting himself on the throne, he allowed his body to relax against the carved stone. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, his tone lightening. ¡°Let¡¯s see what progress we¡¯ve made.¡± He summoned the system window with a flick of his fingers. A glowing array of panels materialized in front of him, curving slightly so that he could see them all at once. Chapter 12: Like A Forgotten Kingdom [Dungeon Overview:] Core Level: 1 Core Energy: 100/100 (Replenished from absorbed monster essence.) Defensive Rating: 20 (Moderate. Improved with minion deployment and traps.) Mana Reserves: 200/200 (Fully restored through Soul Drain and ambient absorption.) Current Minions: 5/15 (Gloomfang Spiders x3, Shadow Imps x2) Territory Size: 1 Floor (100m radius) --- Cale stared at the glowing interface floating in the air, his brow furrowing as he reviewed the stats. "Hmm... not much progress," he muttered as his have swept through the numbers. Sure, his personal stats had seen some improvement, it was hard to complain about that, but the dungeon stats? Stagnant, aside from a small bump to the defensive rating. And that was nowhere going to be enough. Cale sighed, leaning back against the throne. He¡¯d focused on building himself up, which made sense. Strength was survival, after all. But this wasn¡¯t just about him anymore. His strength as a Dungeon Master was tied to this place, this living, breathing dungeon that now served as both his weapon and his shield. And he had bigger goals than just surviving. He had to get back. Back to the world where betrayal had cast him out. Back to the world where his so-called comrades would never see him coming. And beyond that? Maybe, just maybe... The thought hit him like a punch to the gut: Home. The real one. His chest tightened as memories came rushing back. A world without magic. Without monsters. Without dungeons or Demon Kings. Just peace. The hum of machines, the chatter of people. A world where innovation and comfort reigned instead of chaos. He swallowed hard. How long had it been since he¡¯d been dragged from that life? Since he¡¯d been tossed from one brutal world to another, forced to fight battles he never asked for? A bitter laugh escaped him. "Yeah. And now I¡¯m running a dungeon." His fingers clenched into fists. If this place could truly bridge worlds, like the Core said, then this wasn¡¯t just about revenge anymore. This was his ticket home. His gaze flicked back to the stats, landing on a notification he hadn¡¯t noticed before. [New Reward: +50 Dungeon Points Earned.] ¡°Dungeon points,¡± the Core¡¯s voice purred beside him, silky and sharp, ¡°are your most valuable resource. Consider them currency for improving the dungeon. But they are rare, Master. Spend them wisely.¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Cale glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. She was lounging against the wall like she had all the time in the world, her glowing tattoos casting faint patterns on the stone. ¡°Got it,¡± he muttered. ¡°Rare. Valuable. Don¡¯t blow it all at once.¡± Her smile widened, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. ¡°Precisely.¡± He stared at the numbers again, his mind churning. It reminded him of those mobile games he used to play back home, the ones where you¡¯d waste all your early-game resources like an idiot, only to realize later how badly you¡¯d screwed up. Yeah, he wasn¡¯t making that mistake here. After a moment of deliberation, he allocated 30 points to Mana Reserves. It was an easy decision. He¡¯d learned the hard way during the fight at Black Hollow Village just how quickly the dungeon¡¯s mana could drain. Every minion he summoned wasn¡¯t just a free soldier, they consumed mana constantly, siphoning it straight from the reserves. That was why he hadn¡¯t summoned more during the horde attack. Sure, he had space for ten more minions in his current cap, but draining the reserves too much would cripple the dungeon. Efficiency mattered more than raw numbers. ¡°Thirty points,¡± he muttered to himself, nodding as the mana reserves updated. ¡°That should give us some breathing room.¡± Satisfied for now, he moved on to the next task. Minions. If he was going to prepare for whatever danger lurked in those ruins, he needed to make sure his forces were ready. The summoning ritual unfolded instantly. On the cold stone floor of the throne room, glowing circles flared to life, their intricate runes crackling with energy. Moments later, four Gloomfang Spiders materialized, their massive, armored forms towering over the space. Their sharp, serrated legs clicked against the floor, and a faint, poisonous mist leaked from their mandibles. The pressure in the room spiked as their ominous presence filled the air. Cale crossed his arms, studying the creatures with a satisfied smirk. These were his killing machines, the perfect tools for the mission ahead. The Stonefang Ruins were said to be riddled with dangers that had driven seasoned adventurers to paranoia. If the rumors were true, he¡¯d need every edge he could get. Still, he wasn¡¯t reckless. He trusted his own skills, but a bit of overwhelming force never hurt. The summoning circle glowed once more, and this time, a single Shadow Imp emerged from the haze. Its wiry frame and glowing eyes contrasted starkly with the bulk of the Gloomfang Spiders. Cale¡¯s decision to summon it wasn¡¯t purely practical, he considered it a small token of gratitude. The Shadow Imps had proved their worth during the Black Hollow horde attack, not just through brute force but with their cunning and ruthless efficiency. Their versatility was unmatched, capable of performing utility tasks in the dungeon, and most importantly could also be used to torture invaders with brutal creativity. Besides, what they lacked in raw combat power could be compensated with Commanding Presence, his cheat-like ability. Of course, the real challenge was ensuring the damn thing activated when he needed it most. Cale did a quick mental tally. His minion cap now sat at 10/15. That was enough for this mission, he didn¡¯t want to overextend. Satisfied with his preparations, he exited the dungeon. --- The forest air hit him like a refreshing wave. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, dappling the ground in gold. He emerged into the open clearing surrounded by the jagged stone spires as his dungeon¡¯s entrance dissipated behind him. Adventurers were still there, milling about in small groups, their conversations hushed and serious. The tension in the air still rained as palpable as ever, most of them were clearly deliberating whether to brave the gates ahead. Cale barely spared them a glance. Adjusting his gear, he strode toward one of the massive gates at the far edge of the clearing. It loomed with an ancient and intimidating presence, its surface inscribed with runes that pulsed faintly. He wasn¡¯t the first to enter alone, but he was one of the few. Crossing the threshold, his vision twisted. The world warped and spun, a sensation that felt both familiar and disorienting, like entering or exiting his dungeon. ¡°A warp gate?¡± Cale muttered, bracing himself as the dizziness subsided. ¡°Yes, you guessed correctly, Master,¡± the Core¡¯s voice purred in his mind, yet, her tone carried a faint mocking edge. ¡°That was a rhetorical question, you know,¡± he replied dryly, rolling his eyes. Her smug tone set his teeth on edge, but he let it slide. He¡¯d experienced warp gates before in that other world, they were artificial constructs and their complexity made them rare. Their creation required an absurd amount of resources and knowledge. ¡°Oh, really? I thought I might let you know, in case your vast intellect failed you,¡± she added, her sarcasm seemed to cut deeper this time. ¡°Why are you being a pain right now?¡± Cale asked, narrowing his eyes. The Core didn¡¯t reply immediately, but he could almost sense her smirking. Her behavior was¡­ odd. He¡¯d been trying to understand her better, but she gave off conflicting vibes, half loyal companion, half mischievous tormentor. He bit back a sharp retort, reminding himself that now wasn¡¯t the time for petty arguments. --- When his vision finally stabilized, the scene before him left him momentarily stunned. The landscape stretched endlessly, looking ancient and desolate. Crumbling buildings and half-toppled structures dotted the area, their stone walls eroded by time. Vines and moss crept over broken pillars, and a thick silence blanketed everything. It felt like a city¡ªa once-thriving civilization long abandoned. As if everyone had vanished one day, leaving behind only traces of their existence. A chill ran down his spine. The place felt... wrong. ¡°Why do I feel like I¡¯ve stepped into a completely different part of this world?¡± he muttered, frowning. ¡°You¡¯re perceptive, Master,¡± the Core¡¯s voice replied, her tone more serious now. ¡°This place... while connected to this region, does not have a fixed location.¡± Cale¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What are you implying?¡± The Core¡¯s presence grew heavier, her voice low and deliberate. ¡°The people of this world might not understand it, but shouldn¡¯ t you be able to tell, Master? The one who ruled this place wasn¡¯t an ordinary being. He may have been like you.¡± Cale stiffened. ¡°A Dungeon Master?¡± Chapter 13: It鈥檚 not your fault A dungeon master. The thought nagged at Cale as he trudged through the crumbling ruins. If this Warlord the Core mentioned had truly been a dungeon master, it explained why the system had led him here. But still, something didn¡¯t add up. Cale stopped and glanced around. Ancient stone pillars rose around him, their surfaces etched with runes so old they seemed to pulse faintly in the dim light. This wasn¡¯t a dungeon, at least, not in the sense he understood. ¡°If the owner of this place was a dungeon master, then why...¡± he muttered, half to himself, scanning the surrounding ruins. "Why does it look nothing like any dungeon you''ve ever known?" The Core''s voice slithered through his mind, a mix of amusement and smugness. ¡°You read my mind,¡± Cale muttered, rolling his eyes. ¡°This isn¡¯t a dungeon,¡± he continued, gesturing at the sprawling remnants of what had clearly once been a thriving city. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s ancient. Prosperous, even. Entire civilizations must have lived here. This doesn¡¯t align with what I know about dungeons. They¡¯re supposed to be... dark, confined. Traps everywhere. Monsters lurking in the shadows. This place¡ªit¡¯s just ruins.¡± The Core chuckled, a low, melodic sound that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand. ¡°Kukuku¡­ Master, you¡¯re so naive. It¡¯s adorable.¡± Cale¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°Spill the beans already, would you? You¡¯re clearly holding something back, and I hate being kept in the dark.¡± The Core¡¯s laughter faded, replaced by a more serious tone. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault.¡± ¡°...What?¡± ¡°You¡¯re naive, Master, but it¡¯s not your fault. I forgive you.¡± ¡°....¡± Cale¡¯s jaw tightened. He said nothing, just shot a glance skyward, silently praying for patience. ¡°Master,¡± the Core continued, her tone shifting again, this time with a mocking edge, ¡°you¡¯re just so damn clueless.¡± ¡°You know what?¡± Cale snapped, his voice tinged with frustration. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of this little game. Either explain yourself, or shut up.¡± ¡°Hehehe... Alright, alright,¡± she teased, clearly enjoying his irritation. ¡°Why so agitated, Master? I was just about to explain.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it anymore,¡± he muttered, turning away and scanning the area, ready to explore on his own terms. ¡°Even if you say that, I know you¡¯re still curious.¡± Her voice followed him, persistent as ever. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you anyway.¡± Of course, she would.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Cale kept walking, heading away from the warped stone gate that had brought him here. Even as he tried to tune her out, he couldn¡¯t help but listen. ¡°The problem is,¡± she said, her tone shifting yet again, ¡°your view of your dungeon master abilities is¡­ painfully limited. Remember what I told you when we first met? Being a dungeon master¡ªit¡¯s a power that far surpasses anything as trivial as being a ¡®hero.¡¯¡± Cale frowned. He did remember. She¡¯d practically spat the word hero that day, her disdain for it was palpable. ¡°Your idea of what a dungeon is¡­ it¡¯s too small. Too human,¡± she continued, her voice softening but retaining that ever-present undercurrent of smugness. He didn¡¯t respond, but her words wormed their way into his mind. A hero. What was a hero, really? The thought lingered, unwelcome. A hero was a symbol, a title bestowed by the people of a world, a badge of faith, of hope. To be a hero was to carry the weight of an entire civilization¡¯s trust, to rise above all others in strength and resolve. But for him? Cale let out a bitter laugh. He¡¯d been hailed as the Hero, but the truth was, he hadn¡¯t been the strongest. Not even close. His allies, the ones who had stood beside him, fought beside him, betrayed him¡ªeach of them had surpassed him in sheer power. Aelira, Rhogar, Jorin, Velena¡­ they had all carried the blessings of at least one of the Seven Gods. When it came to raw strength, Cale couldn¡¯t hold a candle to them. Not when they activated their blessings, transforming into forces of nature far beyond his reach. But even with their blessings, none of his former allies had ever reached the threshold that past heroes were known for. None had broken through that final barrier to truly embody the legends of old. Yet Cale, weaker than any of them by conventional measures, had still been hailed as the hero. Why? The answer lay in his strange and unique ability, Commanding Presence. It was more than a charisma skill or a simple talent for leadership. It was a force that bent others to his will, that empowered them and drove them to heights they would never have reached alone. His allies¡¯ meteoric rise in strength? Their rapid mastery of their divine blessings? That was his doing. Without Commanding Presence, they wouldn¡¯t have followed him. They wouldn¡¯t have grown. And when he used the ability on himself, it allowed him to temporarily break the limits of a hero¡¯s power, reaching beyond the conventional for short bursts of time. Yet it still didn¡¯t feel like enough. He clenched his fists. A hero was meant to wield power beyond measure, to stand as a being second only to the gods themselves. That was why, back when the Core had first spoken to him, he hadn¡¯t taken her words seriously. ¡°You know¡­¡± the Core¡¯s voice interrupted his thoughts again, carrying a knowing edge. ¡°A dungeon master can attain strength equal to that of gods. That¡¯s the entire purpose of the system, after all.¡± Cale frowned. Equal to gods? That seemed absurd. As if sensing his disbelief, the Core continued. ¡°It¡¯s true, Master. Don¡¯t let the word ¡®dungeon¡¯ deceive you. It doesn¡¯t just mean dark caves filled with traps and monsters.¡± Her tone shifted, growing more serious. ¡°A dungeon is a concept. It¡¯s the foundation of your power. A starting point. There¡¯s no limit to how it can grow. A dungeon can evolve into a city, a nation, a world¡­ even more. What you see around you? This ancient ruin?¡± Her words hung in the air. Cale¡¯s eyes darted across the sprawling ruins again, his mind spinning. ¡°You mean¡­ this entire city is¡­ a dungeon?¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad you finally understand, Master,¡± the Core said, her tone tinged with satisfaction. Cale swallowed hard. This entire place¡ªa vast city with architecture more advanced than anything he¡¯d ever seen, had once been someone¡¯s dungeon? If that was true, then the Warlord who had ruled here must have been unimaginably powerful. ¡°From what I can see, it seems he was in the process of integrating this world into his dungeon,¡± the Core continued. ¡°That¡¯s why this place connects to so many parts of the world simultaneously.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± Cale muttered, his voice tinged with awe If this Warlord had managed to bind an entire world to his dungeon, then he hadn¡¯t just rivaled gods, he might have surpassed them. ¡°Then what happened to him?¡± Cale asked aloud, the question gnawing at him. ¡°How could someone that powerful¡­ disappear?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re asking me, Master, who am I supposed to ask?¡± the Core teased lightly. ¡°I¡¯m just a mere Core, after all.¡± Cale frowned. Mere Core, my ass. He didn¡¯t trust her coyness. She always seemed to know far more than she let on. Still, her point stood: whatever had happened to the Warlord, it didn¡¯t matter right now. What mattered was the opportunity before him. ¡°This place¡­ presents a great chance for you, Master,¡± the Core said, her tone shifting again, holding an unspoken weight. ¡°If you can seize what lies here¡­¡± She didn¡¯t finish, but the implications were clear. Cale pressed on, stepping deeper into the ruins. The debris of a forgotten era littered the ground, shattered statues, crumbled pillars, patches of twisted vegetation glowing faintly under the pale light of the moon that hung overhead. The air was thick with subtle tension, and his senses were on edge. ¡°Charming place,¡± he muttered in a low voice. ¡°Be cautious, Master,¡± the Core warned, her voice taking a softer tone. ¡°This place may seem silent, but it is far from safe. There¡¯s more here than stone and memories.¡± ¡°Good. I like a bit of danger,¡± Cale replied, though his voice carried tensed traces. Just then, a soft chime echoed in his mind, signaling the system¡¯s intervention. ¡ª [Analysis Activated] [Region: Stonefang Ruins] [Status: Early Formation] [Hostile Entities Detected: 24+] [Recommended Approach: Scout before engaging.] --- ¡°Even the system¡¯s getting bossy now,¡± Cale muttered, crouching behind a broken column. He drew his twin daggers, the metal glinting faintly under the moonlight. Shadows shifted in the distance, and two hulking shapes emerged. The creatures werewolf-like, but far larger, their bodies covered in metallic hides that glinted unnaturally. Their glowing eyes scanned the ruins with eerie precision, and faint pulses of mana rippled through the air with every step they took. They weren¡¯t ordinary beasts. ¡°These things¡­¡± Cale muttered, gripping his daggers tighter. ¡°They¡¯re mana-forged constructs,¡± the Core explained. ¡°Not alive in the traditional sense, but dangerous nonetheless. Be careful, Master.¡± Cale¡¯s muscles tensed as the beast began to move closer, their metallic claws scraping against the stone. ¡°Guess it¡¯s time to test myself once more,¡± he whispered. Chapter 14 Fallen Idol ___ [New Entry: Steelhide Direwolves.] [Classification: Dungeon-Aligned Beasts.] [Threat Level: Medium-High.] [Special Abilities: Hardened Skin, Pack Coordination, Minor Telepathy.] ___ ¡°Steelhide Direwolves,¡± Cale murmured, watching the creatures pace through the ruins. ¡°Whoever named these things was clearly feeling creative.¡± ¡°You should focus a bit more, Master,¡± the Core¡¯s voice chimed in, her tone seemed sharper than usual. ¡°These creatures are not to be underestimated. Their coordination suggests they have some intelligence.¡± Cale smirked faintly. ¡°Let¡¯s see how coordinated they are with my dagger in their throat.¡± The lead wolf froze mid-step, its glowing eyes locking onto him. The second followed, a low growl rumbling in its throat. Then they charged. ___ They were fast. The first wolf lunged, its steel claws screeching against the stone. Cale ducked low, rolling beneath the swipe, but the second wolf was on him immediately. Fangs snapped inches from his arm as he twisted away, heart pounding. He cursed under his breath. The ruins boxed him in, leaving little room to maneuver. Glowing symbols along the walls pulsed faintly, siphoning mana into the wolves like some twisted feeding ritual. ¡°Nasty dogs,¡± Cale muttered, gripping his daggers tighter. He infused them with mana, the blades humming faintly. The wolves hesitated. Just barely. It was enough. Cale darted forward, slashing at the nearest wolf¡¯s legs. The blade sparked against its steel-hide, leaving little more than a shallow gash. ¡°Oh, come on.¡± ¡°Master,¡± the Core interrupted. ¡°Their weakness is near the jawline. Aim there if you want results.¡± ¡°Noted.¡± The lead wolf lunged again, claws outstretched. This time, Cale sidestepped and drove his dagger upward with all his strength. A sickening crunch. The wolf yelped as the blade pierced its jaw, its metallic blood spilling across the ground. It collapsed in a heap, twitching once before going still. No time to breathe. The second wolf struck, raking its claws across Cale¡¯s arm. Pain flared, but he retaliated, driving his second dagger into the beast¡¯s neck. It didn¡¯t die. Snarling, the wolf shoved its weight against him, knocking him flat. Its teeth snapped inches from his face, it''s hot breath reeking of blood and iron. ¡°Master?¡± the Core called, her voice edged with concern.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°I¡¯ve got this!¡± Cale snapped, twisting the blade deeper. The wolf let out a strangled cry before finally collapsing on top of him. ___ [Steelhide Direwolf Defeated: Experience Gained. Stat Increase Pending.] ___ Cale groaned, shoving the corpse off and staggering to his feet. His arm throbbed, blood trickling down his sleeve. ¡°That was¡­ unpleasant,¡± he muttered, dragging himself upright. He scanned the area, half-expecting more wolves to appear from the shadows. ¡°You need healing,¡± the Core said, her tone more concerned than usual. ¡°Yeah, thanks for noticing.¡± Cale pulled a small vial from his belt and downed it in one gulp. The taste was vile, but warmth spread through his body as the wounds on his arm began to close. ¡°Better,¡± he said, flexing his fingers. The Core¡¯s voice softened, almost curious. ¡°You seem... energized when you fight. As though you thrive on it. What drives you, Master?¡± Cale blinked, caught off guard by the question. He thought for a moment before replying, his tone casual. ¡°Survival, I guess. Maybe I¡¯m just stubborn like that.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± The Core¡¯s tone was neutral, but he could sense her lingering curiosity. He didn¡¯t press the issue. Instead, he turned his attention to the ruins ahead. The air felt heavier, charged with the remnants of mana from the fight. He reached into his cape and pulled out a crumpled map, its edges worn from handling. Unfolding it, he studied the scrawled markings. The map was crude, little more than a series of rough lines and barely legible notes. It was what he got from Leira¡¯s father, given to him back in Black Hollow. ¡°Didn¡¯t he say that cursed noble drew this?¡± Cale muttered, squinting at the mess of scribbles. ¡°And here I thought nobles were supposed to be well educated¡­¡± Still, it was all he had. Squinting, he managed to piece together the noble¡¯s shaky scribbles. After a moment, his eyes landed on one particularly messy section labeled ¡®The Fallen Idol.¡¯ He traced the route with his finger, muttering to himself. ¡°So this is where I¡¯m headed¡­¡± The noble who had scribbled out this map hadn¡¯t been much help. Judging by the erratic lines and half-finished notes, even he hadn¡¯t fully understood the place he¡¯d stumbled across. Whatever it was, it had cursed him, leaving behind only this messy attempt at retracing his steps. When Leira¡¯s father handed Cale the map, the old man¡¯s grim words had stuck with him: ¡°Give up. If it were easy to find, the countless adventurers who scavenge these ruins daily would¡¯ve uncovered it by now.¡± The man hadn¡¯t been joking. If anything, his expression had carried pity, as though he believed Cale wouldn¡¯t survive the attempt. Still, Cale smirked as he pressed onward. ¡°The system will give me a hint when I¡¯m close,¡± he thought, reassuring himself. The ruins stretched out endlessly. Ancient remnants of a once-mighty city rose around him, crumbling yet still looking majestic. Every now and then, he paused, struck by the sheer scale of the place. Yet, despite its grandeur, the silence was eerie. He hadn¡¯t encountered a single adventurer. Odd, considering he¡¯d seen dozens passing through the warp gates before entering the ruins. Either the gates had scattered them far and wide, or the ruins were larger than he¡¯d ever imagined. Still, Cale¡¯s steps were careful, his senses remained sharp. He cast them outward, feeling for any trace of danger. The ruins answered back¡ªa warning. Danger. This place reeked of monsters. The map in his hand trembled, though whether from his own tension or the strange pulses emanating from the ruins, he couldn¡¯t tell. Ahead, the path opened into a clearing. A wide, circular space surrounded by massive statues of humanoid figures, their features worn and weathered by time. His destination. The map¡¯s markings matched this place. The Fallen Idol. His arrival didn''t reek of any warmth. If anything, trouble. ¡°Grrr-grrr¡± From the shadows around the area surrounded by the large statues, emerged more beasts. Several of them, each more monstrous than the last. Creatures with jagged limbs, their bodies shimmering like molten obsidian. Spectral apparitions that flitted between the statues, their forms barely solid but brimming with strange energy. ¡°Shit! What a shitty situation. Coincidence right?¡± Cale cursed under his breath, stepping back instinctively. With the timing, he found it difficult to believe these monsters hadn''t just been placed here, expecting his arrival. His twin daggers thrummed with mana. As the hum settled in his ears, it brought with it a small comforting effect against the dreadful sight before him. The Core''s voice cut through his mind. ¡°You¡¯re surrounded, Master. Their movements¡­ they seem to be in some sort of formation. Their strength might not be much, but due to their number¡­. Fleeing might¡ª¡± ¡°No.¡± Cale¡¯s sharp voice cut her words. He crouched low, his daggers spinning deftly in his hands. ¡°I¡¯ll preferred to fight¡± As his response fell, the beasts closed in immediately, and Cale moved. Cale ducked low, his blades flashed upward and severing the limb in a clean strike. Another beast leapt from his side, forcing him to twist and parry. The impact jarred his arms, but he recovered quickly, driving a dagger into its throat. But they kept coming. No matter how fast or precise he was, their sheer numbers began to overwhelm him. Claws raked across his side. Teeth sank into his shoulder. Blood seeped through his armor, dripping onto the stone. ¡°Master!¡± The Core¡¯s voice was laced with panic now. Cale gritted his teeth, his vision swimming. His mana reserves were draining rapidly, the daggers in his hands growing heavier with each swing. A desperate thought flared in his mind: ¡®My Domain ability.¡¯ ¡°It¡¯s risky¡­¡± the Core began, sensing his intention. She was right. Activating his Domain here, in a place that possibly belonged to a dungeon master was risky. But he had no choice. ¡°No choice!¡± Cale growled, slamming one of his daggers into the ground. The air shifted. ¡ª [System Alert: Domain Activation Detected.] [Effect: Dungeon Encroachment Initiated.] --- A transparent barrier expanded outward, rippling through the clearing. The beasts faltered, their movements slowing as confusion flickered in their eyes. And then the ground cracked. A deep, resonant hum echoed through the ruins, growing louder with each beat. The runes etched into the statues flared to life, casting a low light that bathed the entire area. The air rippled violently, and the space at the center of the clearing began to distort. A rift tore through the ground, spiraling open like a wound. The void within churned with raw energy, pulling everything around it toward its center. --- [System Alert: Void Rift Generated.] [Warning: Dungeon Encroachment Unstable. Transport Imminent.] --- ¡°What the¡ª¡± Cale¡¯s words were cut off as the pull of the rift intensified. The beasts screeched, their forms distorting as they were dragged into the swirling void. Cale braced himself against the pull, but it was futile. The force was too strong. His feet left the ground. The last thing he saw before being swallowed was the statues, their glowing runes flashing brighter as if watching him disappear into the unknown.