In the Temple Dungeon, on the ground level, Ethan opened Victor's profile.
[Name: Victor]
[Wisdom: Legendary Scholar]
[Strength: A+ Rank]
[Bloodline: Human (Legendary)]
[Language of Nature: Thunder]
[Drunkard: Victor is a heavy drinker. When intoxicated, all his abilities significantly amplify.]
[Lore Master: A genuine Scholar. Ask him anything, and he'll provide an accurate answer if he knows it.]
[Description: Once on the verge of ascending the Path of the Sage, this master-level individual spiraled into decline, becoming a furious drunkard. However, this doesn't negate his Scholar status. Should Victor rediscover his lost confidence, he might emerge as a powerful ally.]
"What in the world...?"
Ethan was taken aback, especially by the last part of the description.
It seemed somewhat unusual.
"Victor only has A+ rank strength? And it seems he could potentially grow stronger if he regains his confidence. But how? The profile doesn't mention it."
"Also, what's this Path of the Sage?"
The oddities surrounding Victor sent Ethan deep into contemplation.
He began to realize that his understanding of this world was profoundly lacking – he was virtually in the dark.
Until now, his focus was primarily on the development of his domain, seeking potent forces and constructing robust defenses to protect his territory.
He had completely overlooked the need to explore this world.
"Now that I've attained Rank S, the only way to ascend further is to find a path to the divine realm."
"But that journey will undoubtedly take a long time."
"Currently, my Temple Dungeon is fortified enough to defend against intruders. There's no need to worry about the arrival of Heroes, unless they band together to challenge me."
"But that's improbable. Even among Heroes, there are rifts."
"So, in the coming days, I can focus on development. During this period, I need to enhance my understanding of this vast world, survey its territories, delve into its history and intriguing legends, and most importantly, seek talents like Victor."
Ethan's thoughts clarified almost instantly.
He then turned his gaze to Little Fairy Baal, who was perched gently on his shoulder.
Wondering what mysterious details might be hidden in Baal's description, Ethan curiously opened her profile.
[Name: Baal]
[Strength: Rank D]
[Bloodline: Shadow Fairy (Rare)]
[Enhancement Path: To be explored independently.]
[Space Travel: As a unique Little Fairy existing in the realm of consciousness, Shadow Fairies inherently possess the ability to traverse through space, bypassing various seals and barriers. However, this feat can also leave them feeling exhausted.]
"Only Rank D? What a delicate little creature." Ethan chuckled audibly.
However, as he examined the rest of Baal's abilities, his condescension faded.
Baal's capacity for spatial travel was undeniably a formidable power.
Even for him, as a Dark Lord with the Golden Divine Dragon Bloodline, spatial abilities were a rare and potent force.
"But if Baal possesses the ability to travel through space, how did she get trapped?" Ethan recalled the moment when he first encountered Baal.
She was ensnared between the virtual rift of consciousness and material.
It was only with his assistance that Baal managed to escape.
"I should ask Baal about this when I have the chance." Ethan made a mental note of this mystery and closed the informational prompt, heading back to his Dungeon.
"Victor." Ethan called out.
"My esteemed Lord, Victor is here. How may I assist you?" Victor stepped forward, his voice laced with deference.
Ethan nodded, then voiced his decision, "As you've seen, this realm is under my dominion. But as it grows, the multitude of monsters and Heroes within need oversight. Beyond this, there's the Blackstone Hero Kingdom, and there will be even more places to come."
"I don't have the time to handle every minor issue; I need someone to aid me."
Victor's eyes widened in realization, "Honored Lord, I offer my services willingly."
Ethan nodded once more, "I was hoping you'd say that. Remember, Victor, even though I've bound you with an Enslavement Contract, I won't exploit your efforts without reward. Once this realm grows stronger, I'll grant you a single wish. Whatever it may be, as long as it doesn't contradict my principles, I'll see it done."
"Thank you, my Lord!" Gratitude emanated from Victor's every word.
Ethan waved his hand dismissively, briefing Victor on the current state of the realm.
He subsequently appointed Victor as the Deputy Chief of the realm, giving him authority over the other monsters and Heroes, and overseeing the construction within the territory.
This decision, undoubtedly, was a masterstroke.
With Victor taking over the tedious tasks, Ethan found many of his burdens lifted.
Days passed.
In the newly established third layer of the Dungeon - its deepest level - Victor approached Ethan, presenting a paper covered in writing.
"My Lord," he began, "these are the significant occurrences from the past few days. Additionally, our Divine Dragon Warrior patrolling the realm's perimeter identified several Heroes skulking about. They've been dealt with. However, we found these on them."
Victor handed over several crimson scales.
"What are these?" Ethan inquired curiously, picking up one of the scales.
It seemed unremarkable, just a regular shard, albeit colored red.
"We're still investigating," Victor replied, "We intended to extract information from those Heroes, but before they could speak, flames enveloped them. In an instant, they were reduced to ashes."
Victor recounted the events as they transpired.
Ethan's expression instantly grew solemn.
"Reduced to ashes in an instant? This isn't ordinary. Victor, any theories? Share your thoughts."
"It's possible they were under a Flame Curse."
"Flame Curse?"
"Indeed! Some powerful beings are adept in various potent magics, and curses are a branch within that spectrum. These Heroes might have been afflicted with such a curse, doomed to be consumed by flames if they divulged any information."
"I see." Ethan nodded, always impressed by Victor's profound knowledge.
"And which beings might wield this Flame Curse?"
At this, Victor shook his head, "My Lord, the Flame Curse isn't particularly arcane magic. Most entities associated with fire, like the Blazing Dark Lords, Fire Elemental Lords, or Flame Sprites, can utilize it. Even some of the human archmages can master it. Identifying who sent these Heroes based solely on this curse would be a daunting task, impractical really."
"In that case, we'll wait and see." Ethan sighed, feeling slightly helpless.
He then picked up the paper Victor had handed him.
After a cursory glance and finding no issues, he signed it, signaling Victor to proceed as suggested.
With Ethan's approval, Victor departed the Dungeon.
After his departure, Ethan reviewed the resources at his disposal, settling his gaze on the 'Hero's Soul'.
A number '183' displayed next to it, indicating he now possessed 183 Hero's Souls.
"To unlock the third layer of the Dungeon, it will cost one hundred and fifty Hero's Souls."
"It's foreseeable that the deeper I wish to unlock the Dungeon, the more Hero's Souls it'll demand. But I wonder, is there any distinction between Hero's Soul and Soul of Justice?"
Ethan was deep in thought.
Another matter also perplexed him.
Before he had left his territory, Ethan received a hidden quest prompt.
[Ding! Commence hidden quest: Ascend as the Sovereign of the Blackstone Dwarf Kingdom. Reward: Rank S Treasure Chest x1.]
Yet now, the Blackstone Dwarf Kingdom had been obliterated under his reign, its very name altered to the Blackstone Hero Kingdom.
Despite seemingly completing the quest, there was no notification of its accomplishment.
"Where could the problem lie?"
Lost in his contemplations, the Little Fairy Baal stumbled in, flustered, exclaiming, "Ethan, someone's returned. It seems they're from the territory. They don't recognize Victor, and a confrontation has ensued."
"What happened?"
Ethan inquired immediately, though witnessing Baal's state, he deduced it would be futile.
He reprimanded, "Baal, have you taken up drinking like that lush Victor? You are forbidden from touching alcohol henceforth, or I'll exile you from this territory!"
"Ethan, I won't drink anymore... hic!"
Baal, in her frantic state, hastily reassured.
Seeing Baal in such a state, Ethan's confidence waned, and he let out a resigned sigh.
Subsequently, he departed from the Dungeon, making his way to the surface.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺