Chapter 59: Origin of the dungeons
Everyone took a deep breath. Everything they had heard from Victor sounded completely absurd. If anyone else had spoken those words, they would have dismissed them as nonsense without hesitation. However, the truth was simple. They did not have any better solution.
The room remained silent as everyone struggled to process the overwhelming information. Suddenly, Diana slowly stood up from her chair. She inhaled deeply and clenched her hands together. Her expression was unusually complicated, and a trace of hesitation could be seen in her eyes.
She had been carrying a secret for a long time, but after hearing everything Victor had revealed today, she realized that she could not continue hiding it. No matter how disturbing the truth was, everyone deserved to know.
"Everyone, I have something to tell you as well."
Victor immediately narrowed his eyes. The expression on Dianaโs face was familiar. Whenever someone wore that expression, it usually meant that terrible news was about to follow.
Lyria looked toward Diana with curiosity. "What is it?" she asked.
Diana remained silent for several seconds before finally speaking. "Do you all remember the White Gate where I was seriously injured?" Everyone nodded. That incident had nearly cost Diana her life.
Diana continued. "Inside that gate, I obtained some very disturbing information." The atmosphere immediately became heavier. "The creatures inside mentioned a lord." Her voice grew quieter. "They said that their lord was coming."
Everyone stared at her. Diana continued, "The beast tides are going to become increasingly frequent. They were preparing humanity as a sacrifice. They intended to offer this entire world to welcome their lord."
The room grew completely silent. Diana swallowed before continuing. "Based on everything I learned, I believe this lord is an Elemental Lord." Her expression became grim. "And I believe he will appear within five years."
After those words left her mouth, complete silence descended upon the room. Nobody spoke. Nobody moved. The information was simply too overwhelming.
Then suddenly, boom! A deafening explosion echoed throughout the room. Everyone turned toward Arthur. His fist had slammed into the conference table with such force that the entire table disintegrated into countless fragments. His face was filled with frustration.
"Fuck!" Arthur growled. "Then why do we not all commit suicide right now? We can just lie down and die. Then those bastards can dance on our corpses while they celebrate."
Nobody criticized his outburst. Everyone understood his frustration. The future seemed increasingly hopeless with every passing minute.
Victor remained calm despite the tension. His gaze slowly shifted toward Nova. "Nova, do you know anything about these dungeons?" He paused briefly. "Specifically, their origins?"
Nova frowned slightly as she organized her thoughts. "I am not completely certain. However, based on what I know, the dungeons appear to be gateways created by powerful civilizations."
Everyone immediately focused on her. Nova continued. "They might originate from another planet. Or perhaps another world entirely. They are likely being used to transport armies and resources." Her expression became serious. "To those civilizations, humanity is insignificant. They do not view this planet as a home. They view it as a resource."
Victor crossed his arms. "An invasion."
Nova nodded. "Essentially, yes."
Victor immediately raised another question. "Then how do the monsters continuously respawn every thirty minutes? Are they repeatedly sending identical creatures?"
Nova shook her head. "No. The reality is far more complicated."
Everyone listened carefully. Nova explained, "The Green Dungeons operate through an ancient invasion system developed by extremely advanced races. The invading races send soul imprints into the dungeon. The dungeon then uses the planetโs own energy to recreate those creatures indefinitely."
Several people inhaled sharply. Nova continued her explanation. "In other words, the monsters are not physically present. They are copies generated from stored soul patterns."
Victor nodded slowly. That explanation finally made sense.
Nova then continued. "However, Red Dungeons and White Dungeons are completely different." Her expression became even more serious. "Those dungeons are not using copies. They serve as direct transportation gateways. The invading civilizations send their actual armies through them."
The room immediately became colder. Even the sages listening from afar felt chills running down their spines. A civilization capable of creating such systems could not possibly be weak. In fact, it was likely unimaginably powerful. The implications were terrifying.
Victor understood that better than anyone. The situation was far worse than most people realized. The entire planet was already in a state of emergency. Humanity simply had not noticed it yet.
After thinking for several moments, Victor finally spoke. "Very well." His voice was calm and decisive. "Sages."
Everyone focused on him. "Please help me collect those monsters within three days if possible." Several sages immediately nodded.
Victor continued. "And establish an academy." The elders looked surprised. Victor elaborated. "Focus on people who have not awakened elemental affinities. However, if they have demonstrated talent in non elemental martial arts, recruit them immediately." His eyes became serious. "We need to accelerate our development. We do not have the luxury of time anymore."
The elders understood. Every second now mattered.
Victor then turned toward Diana. "What about the spell?"
Diana immediately understood what he was asking. "I have spent the last two weeks studying various elemental spells." She paused briefly. "I am currently developing a new version specifically for you." Victor listened quietly. "It should be compatible with any elemental affinity. However, it is still incomplete." She sighed softly. "I will need at least one more month."
Victor nodded. "There is no need to rush. Take the time necessary to perfect it."
Diana visibly relaxed. Victor then looked around the room once more. "There is another task."
Everyone waited. "I am going to modify several breathing techniques." Many people looked surprised. Victor continued. "I want to create specialized versions for every elemental affinity." His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "If everything proceeds smoothly, people should be able to begin training within a week."
Several elders exchanged glances. Such speed was unbelievable. However, nobody questioned Victor anymore. He had already accomplished too many impossible things.
"You handle everything else." After speaking those words, Victor turned and walked toward the exit. The meeting had effectively ended.
Once he left the room, the sages immediately looked at one another. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon them.
Arthur was the first to speak. "I will establish the academy." His voice was firm. "I will personally oversee recruitment and identify promising candidates." He then pointed toward several elders. "The five of you will head into the wilderness." Their expressions became serious. "Hunt S Rank monsters." Arthur paused briefly. "If possible, capture them alive."
The sages immediately nodded. Elyndros and the others understood the importance of Victorโs request. They had no intention of wasting time.
Just as everyone prepared to leave, Victorโs voice suddenly echoed from the doorway. "Oh, one more thing."
Everyone turned toward him. Victor continued. "I recently obtained information regarding several ruins belonging to the Second Civilization." The room became quiet once more. "There are powerful Sage Rank mechs hidden within those ruins." Victor continued. "Each mech can be operated by five Legendary Rank awakeners." He paused briefly. "Alternatively, a single Epic Rank awakener can control one alone."
The implications were enormous. "Create specialized squads capable of piloting those machines."
After saying that, Victor finally left. The room remained silent for several moments. Then everyone immediately began discussing preparations.
