[Agartha Continent, Gilead Forest]
Miri Dravad emerged from her sleeping tent, dressed and ready to start a new day. After slightly adjusting her clothes, her blue eyes settled on her assistant Ard, who greeted her with a nod of his head.
They both headed to the large tent located in the middle of the temporary camp. Miri observed the ordinary men and women who had joined them in this forest as they went about their morning routine. They stepped aside to make way for her, greeting her with a respectful gesture.
Beyond the camp, one could see the construction of the wall that would surround the future city. For now, the workers were transporting wood to install it on the wall until it could be reinforced later.
Miri approached the command tent, which was three times the size of the largest tent in the camp. Outside stood two guards who, upon seeing her, hastened to open the red flaps.
Crossing the threshold, the muffled noise from outside faded to a whisper. With her vision, she could see the magic surrounding the tent, noticing the enchantment that Lord Gilead had ordered installed.
Lord Gilead lifted his gaze when they stopped in front of the table in the center of the room.
Spread across the large wooden table was a map showing the forest region they were currently in. Beside Lord Gilead stood men and women—the young lord's servants and advisors.
"Ah, Miss Draven, a pleasure to have you join us," greeted Lord Gilead. "I had the water from the river created by the dungeon analyzed, and the results show it is clean. It contains no poisons, toxins, or hostile mana."
Miri nodded.
"Such good news!" she said, looking at the young lord of this land. "We've placed a gate near the dungeon. We're expecting hunters to arrive soon. New dungeons are rare, and those that aren't conquered or destroyed immediately are even rarer."
The man nodded.
"About that. I want it known that this dungeon is off-limits. No one is to attempt to seize its core, should we manage to find it."
Miri raised an eyebrow.
"I thought you wanted to conquer it," she said, but he shook his head.
"Oh, no, Miss Draven. This is a great opportunity," Francisco Gilead said, rubbing his hands together.
"All my research shows that dungeons, especially the lost type, are far more innovative and creative than any conquered dungeon. It's likely this dungeon contains many monsters and an indeterminate number of floors. If it's as ancient as we believe, the core won't be easy to find," Miri stated.
"That is sound reasoning. Though it also means there will be a high human cost to obtain those resources. At least until the dungeon understands that we aren't going to try to conquer it."
Miri looked at the lord of the land, feeling a fierce headache coming on.
Gilead dismissed them with a wave of his hand, saying, "You're from the guild; you know what you're doing and what you're getting into. Ah! Also, inform my architect where you want your guild hall built. It will be one of the first structures." After that dismissal, as obvious as it was rude, Miri turned and walked away from the tent, followed by Ard.
"I don't like him," Ard said in a calm voice once they were far enough away.
"You don't like anyone," Miri replied with a slightly amused smile. "But I agree with you. He may not be a good person, but he is the new lord of this land. We have to deal with him whether we like it or not."
Miri and Ard, after walking for a few minutes, arrived at the guards watching the dungeon entrance.
Since the incident on the first day, surveillance of the dungeon had been intensified around the clock. However, the dungeon hadn't done anything else.
"Lady Guild Master. There's nothing to report," said a guard.
"I'm not the guild master yet. My appointment still needs the approval of two other masters."
"Nevertheless, Lady Guild Master, I think it's best for you to get used to being addressed that way starting now," the guard said firmly. Miri shook her head while Ard wore a light, amused smile.
[Dungeon, Gilead Forest]
Well now!
I have to admit something: humans are incredibly hardworking. Not as much as me, of course—I am a Dungeon Master, with all those technicalities—but it was interesting to witness the rise of a new medieval city from scratch.
They had cleared an entire section of the forest to gather wood and were beginning to construct defensive walls. I was certain that in the future, the wooden wall would be replaced by one made of solid rock.
They also started building simpler things like roads to improve movement.
Aside from watching the development of this new city springing up on my territory, I had been studying and eavesdropping here and there—like on the exchange between the Lord of this land and Miri, the white-haired woman.
Thanks to the memories of those who died, and by absorbing their mana and memories, I finally managed to understand the language. I also gained a basic understanding of their society and information about hunters.
During the first week after the new residents arrived, I finished fine-tuning the details on the first and second floors. I was simply accumulating points to begin construction of the third floor, which would be a bit smaller than the second though more difficult.
It wasn't until the third day of the second week that a new group of hunters ventured into my dungeon. From what I could see, they received an explanation about the first floor and the boss.
Once ready, they entered my...
Well, that sounded strange. They simply entered the Dungeon.
The hunter group consisted of a mage who had a predilection for ice, judging by the chilling mana that surrounded her body. Then there was a tall knight with great musculature and bronzed skin, wearing heavy armor.
A rogue wielding a short dagger as well as a short bow; the woman seemed to be in her twenties. Finally, there was a cleric with green hair and glasses, dressed in priestly robes with an icon of their faith clasped in their hands.
Of course, I knew their names, but given the number of people who would be continuously entering my dungeon, I'd have to give them simple nicknames. It made things much easier for me.
For a moment, I was worried when the white-haired woman, Miri, met with the young lord, who refused to conquer my dungeon. I still didn't know if that was possible, but I decided not to test it for now. I would simply be cautious and see how events unfolded.
Emerging from my internal monologue, I observed the group of four venturing into the dungeon, beginning their journey through the first floor.
I suppose for now, I'll call them the Cliché Group.