As she had said before, a true dungeon was not like the others. It was an entirely new world where other beings and humans lived, with the possibility of having their own magic system. Upon taking over a completely new body there, all previous abilities were left behind, forcing the user to rely on the abilities of the body they assumed, which could be completely different from their own.
[If we consider this world, from what I've seen, they're not as strong as ours]
"Yes, but they're still strong"
Enrico nodded while changing clothes. They were torn from the small training he had ended up doing throughout the day. His original body would remain unused for the next two months, but he could still wear proper clothes while unconscious.
"Besides, you're probably comparing them to ninth and tenth circles"
[Maybe I'm just comparing a little]
Wearing a long winter shirt, Enrico put on the backpack he brought and entered the portal, which closed immediately after he stepped in, leaving no trace that anyone had ever been there. Even the broken houses returned to normal, as this portal restored everything to how it was before it appeared. Inside the dungeon, he found himself in a corridor that seemed infinite. Taking a step forward, Enrico continued without concern.
[What satisfies me about this portal is that your body will rest for two whole months]
"Actually, that annoys me"
The good thing about true dungeons was that they didn't negatively affect the body of those who entered. That meant he wouldn't feel hunger, get sick, or suffer any negative effects like weakening from lack of training. Those who entered could even leave stronger depending on the dungeon—and this one was exactly that type.
"In these two months, my percentage will grow little by little, and I'll still get the reward"
[Something that should definitely make you satisfied, even if you're a bit disappointed, right?]
Enrico looked to the side expressionlessly. The system was right, and he couldn't complain, but he still wanted to find a way to become stronger than he originally planned. Depending on his results in the dungeon, it might even be possible to reach—or surpass—that level.
"How can I get stronger than I planned?"
[I can't believe you're already thinking of some crazy idea]
"Relax, I won't push my body. I'm just trying to think of something that improves my percentage growth"
[It better be]
As he walked forward, the corridor became increasingly white, as if the walls were disappearing into pure whiteness. When everything turned completely white, Enrico stopped thinking for a moment as an idea formed in his mind.
"Maybe this will work"
[What did you come up with now, you maniac?]
Before answering, he focused ahead, and the system also turned its attention to the shadow that appeared. The being before him was the god of that world, analyzing his body as it approached—far too close. Touching his shoulders, then his arms, Enrico simply stood there with a curious expression—not because he wanted to know why, but because he already did.
"It's the first time I've seen a god"
[Please, Enrico, you have several gods watching you]
"I mean seeing one with my own eyes—and I don't even talk to them, so whatever—"
The god's hand gripped his shoulders, and its eyes seemed to see his entire life passing before it—Enrico's life, not Saul's. The god before him was inside a vessel created to withstand part of his power, used only when he wished to descend into the world he created. He wasn't at full power, which made it easy for the system to block memories about Saul and allow them to converse.
"Interesting… you don't seem bothered by me touching you"
"If it were different, I'd punch you, but I can tell you don't have bad intentions"
The god placed a hand on his chin, observing Enrico's expression. He seemed quite amused for some reason. As he circled him, both were teleported into a white room with dark accents. At the center, a glowing blue fountain stood. That fountain was the entrance to the god's world. Normally, when entering true dungeons, mages were automatically placed into new bodies, but this god wanted to personally examine them—that was the main reason he only allowed one person to enter.
"The other reason is that he doesn't like having many outsiders in his world. One is already more than enough"
[That's a bit strange]
"He just wants to protect his world. That's why, when that villain caused so much destruction, he seemed to break"
In the original story, when his world faced such chaos, the god tried to kill the woman responsible. But since his vessel couldn't handle his power, he ended up dying and had part of his power absorbed. That was why she became so strong, to the point of becoming a major problem in the future—combined with the reward she obtained from completing the true dungeon, even with the god dead.
[That's strange coming from you too]
"I get it, you're trying to annoy me. Go sit somewhere"
He almost felt like yawning at the system's attempts to bother him. The god pointed to the fountain, allowing him to enter his world. Enrico nodded and walked toward it. His steps stopped as he reached it. The water below revealed a castle, several guards, and houses in the distance.
"See you later, shadow guy"
Enrico raised his hand to the god and let himself fall into the water. Scratching his head as he watched that, the god placed a hand on his chin, a shadowy smile forming on his face.
"I wish you the best, villain"
Enrico seemed to fall into total darkness before everything was engulfed in blue water. Realizing he was already in the world—possibly in a river—he swam upward as fast as possible. Emerging from the water, he began coughing and shaking off the droplets before looking at his reflection and freezing in shock.
[What? Why did you have to take the body of this disgusting guy?]
"Go to hell… another villain"