episode_0161

It’s been a while since heading towards Elvengard.

Elvengard, the place where the high elves live, is thought to remain unchanged no matter how much time passes.

But from the moment we started on the road, a completely different scenery unfolds.

“Mercenaries?”

The road leading to Elvengard is bustling with mercenaries and traders.

What’s going on?

“What happened in Elvengard?”

“Weren’t you going there to hear the news?”

“What news?”

“A dungeon has appeared in Elvengard. They’re looking for mercenaries to deal with it because it’s quite challenging. The reward is the territory of Elvengard itself, so it’s quite a commotion.”

“Oh…”

To think that such a thing happened.

In fact, more surprising than the news of a dungeon appearing in Elvengard is the fact that Elvengard has requested outside help.

For the proud elves to endure such humiliation.

It seems they’ve learned a lot since the Kalis incident.

“Where is it? Is it near the World Tree?”

“No. From what I’ve heard, it’s a dungeon a little distance away from Elvengard… The advance party dispatched by the Mercenary Council is currently assessing the difficulty level, and they say clearing the boss room won’t be easy. There’s a high chance of casualties and receiving the Black Star after the Red Star…”

Is the World Tree not being affected?

If that’s the case, there’s no urgent need to deal with it.

But from Elvengard’s perspective, neglecting a dungeon led to a major epidemic in the past, so even if it’s an insignificant dungeon, they seem eager to clear it quickly.

“That’s right. It’s the right decision.”

And that was a wise choice.

Because the newly created dungeon is not a natural one.

Now that Draken’s powers have been completely revoked.

Only the Four Heavenly Kings can create dungeons.

A unique dungeon.

Either Luna or Velfergor’s unique dungeon is in Elvengard.

In other words, Luna or Velfergor’s main body is currently in Elvengard!

“This seems like a signal meant for me, doesn’t it? With the powers revoked, only the Four Heavenly Kings can create dungeons. So, are they calling me to come?”

“Most likely.”

I can’t help but agree with Cali’s words.

They must be aware that Cali has been resurrected.

And using the unique dungeon as a means to inform her of her whereabouts.

But why Elvengard of all places.

With its abundant magic and energy…

Huh?!

“Undead army…!”

Creating an undead army requires immense magic and energy.

And Elvengard’s atmospheric conditions can fulfill that.

Given enough time, they can summon an undead army with combat power comparable to knights one by one.

Creating a unique dungeon means they’re ready for a direct confrontation.

This dungeon is not only a signal calling for Cali.

It’s also a challenge, a way of saying if you want to stop us, come in and see.

“I can’t not go.”

I can’t refuse.

Having come for a head-on confrontation in a place with no way out, there’s no choice but to face it.

The outcome will likely be decided here.

Either I die, or the Four Heavenly Kings are completely wiped out…

There’s only one future left now.

“Let’s at least unload our baggage in Elvengard first.”

“Are you sure? Can we enter Elvengard?”

“Of course. The priestess is my acquaintance.”

“W-What? You…”

Cali looks at me in shock.

But soon, the look of confusion disappears from her eyes, replaced by a look of respect.

It seems she thinks I have a close relationship with the priestess.

In reality, it’s quite the opposite.

“Then there’s nothing to worry about! If we ask the priestess, we might be able to enter the dungeon alone. Then we can just quietly make contact with the Four Kings.”

“Exactly. That’s the plan.”

Kali hit the nail on the head.

Taking precedence over the mercenaries to enter alone.

And then, taking down the Four Kings from the inside.

If the opponent is Luna, they can easily neutralize her by holding Kali hostage.

If it’s Velfegor, they can overpower him with force.

…It would be nice if it were that simple.

“Let’s go for now…”

Rubbing his throbbing head.

They entered the crowded square filled with mercenaries.

Perhaps because Elvengard was not a place frequented by visitors, there didn’t seem to be enough space to accommodate so many people.

After a brief moment passed.

Soon, a woman with blue hair, whose silhouette alone seemed to reveal her identity from afar, walked towards them and drew the attention of the crowd.

“…”

In an instant, the square fell silent.

All eyes turned towards her.

Even though Mia hadn’t said a word yet.

There’s probably no human who can resist the enchanting charm that elves possess.

“Nice to meet you. I am Mia, the priestess of the World Tree. I understand that you have all come here in response to Elvengard’s dungeon conquest recruitment. We will support you in every way possible for your convenience and success in conquering the dungeon, and we will determine the order of the conquest attempts to prevent any disturbances. So, let’s first divide the party members and those who have come individually…”

“Huh?!”

“…”

Mia suddenly screamed while calmly explaining.

And at that moment.

All eyes turned to me.

Wondering what was happening…

Mia was pointing at me, her lips trembling.

“Y-You! Hey. No, you! Come with me for a moment!”

“What? What’s going on?”

“She’s calling you separately?”

“What kind of person is he?”

I was planning to quietly approach later…

But because Mia pretended to know me, I had no choice.

As I took a step forward, people moved aside, clearing the way.

I followed Mia’s gesture and headed inside.

“Well then, let me continue the guidance. Those who came as a party, please gather representatives over here, and those who came individually, please register over there…”

“Eugene!”

As soon as I entered the small room, the voice from outside suddenly stopped.

A barrier had been set up.

At that moment, Mia’s face changed completely, and she called out to me with a trembling voice, suddenly embracing me tightly.

Seeing this, Mijung and Kali’s expressions slightly furrowed.

“I was worried…”

“Why were you worried?”

“Well! Well…! I couldn’t reach you! Do you know how many letters I sent? What on earth happened?”

“Ah…”

The timing was quite delicate.

It must have been when Linda committed suicide and became incapacitated.

So there was no way for news to reach me.

“I’m fine. It’s just that the communication device broke down… Was it because of the dungeon that you called me?”

“Yes, that’s right. Can you help?”

“I’ll help. If possible…”

“Here is the map of the dungeon that has been identified so far. The appearing monsters and also…”

Before I could answer, Mia pulled out various materials and showed them to me.

It seems like they haven’t fully grasped everything about the dungeon yet.

But with this structure…

It’s definitely Luna’s unique dungeon.

It’s clear that undead monsters make up the majority.

“Massive amounts of magic have been detected inside. It’s a dungeon created by a powerful enemy similar to the spider monster that eroded the World Tree. We haven’t found the mastermind yet, which makes me even more anxious. I wonder what kind of chaos will unfold this time…”

“For now, instruct the residents of Elvengard to prepare for evacuation. Also, find some places in advance to accommodate the evacuees. If we fail to conquer the dungeon, Elvengard will be destroyed.”

“…”

We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

During the forest fire, the spread of flames was slow enough for everyone to evacuate safely. But if an undead army were to attack, most people would likely not be able to escape and would perish.

We must be prepared for a swift evacuation.

It would be best to evacuate in advance, but without prior arrangements, we have nowhere to accommodate so many residents, and it may lead to widespread panic among them.

The best outcome is undoubtedly to successfully conquer the dungeon so that evacuation is not necessary.

“Do you know anything about the enemy?”

“I do, but I won’t be of much help. It’s best to provide information about the enemy to the mercenaries attempting the conquest.”

“Why is that?”

“If I enter the dungeon… Ah, never mind. It would be quicker to show you. Guide me to the dungeon.”

“Okay.”

Why am I not much help?

The answer is simple.

Showing once is better than saying a hundred times.

I followed the bewildered Mia.

We left Elvengard and headed towards the marshes through controlled roads.

The stern elf warriors greeted Mia, and we soon reached the entrance of the dungeon without any delays.

A massive stone gate appeared before us.

In reality, there was no need to enter through this gate.

I touched the stone gate and turned to Mia.

“The monsters in the dungeon are strengthened by the blessing of Saint Jill.”

“The monsters in the dungeon have a weak poisonous effect due to the curse of Witch Yuria.”

“The dungeon is filled with cold due to the grudge of Frost Lord Yerina.”

“This is what happens when I enter.”

“…”

As frost crept over the stone gate, a chill spread throughout the surroundings. And when the monsters inside went into a frenzy, their cries echoed out.

Mia’s face turned pale.