Chapter 395 Dungeons
Chapter 395 Dungeons
"A-Ahh…Haha…Hahaha…I'm sorry, you're attractive and all but I already have a gi–" Experience new stories with empire
"...on a mission?"
"E-Eh? Sorry, what?"
"I said, will you please go out with me on a mission?"
"..."
"A-AHH! So that's what you mean! Sure, sure, what's the mission?"
Heaving a sigh of relief after finally confirming that everything was indeed a misunderstanding, Shye unknowingly gave his word before even asking what the mission was.
'That damned guild master…saying things in a misleading way…'
"This is not the place to talk. The guild master shall explain to you. Come."
Decisively grabbing Shye's wrist without giving a single sh*t about what the other emeralds would think, Luna pulled Shye towards Corvus' office.
Naturally, such an "intimate" display made most of the emeralds gnash their teeth in utter fury.
'Why are these bastards getting angry at me?! It was her who suddenly grabbed my wrist! Blame her!'
***
"I assume you already agreed, Crowley?"
"Y-Yes, Guild Master. However, could you please enlighten me about the details of this mission?"
"..."
"Ahh…it sure is nice to be young! Hahahaha!" Corvus "knowingly" said while looking back and forth between Shye and Luna.
"W-what do you mean, Guild Master Corvus?"
"What do I mean? YOU agreed to Luna without even asking for the details. What do YOU mean?"
Shye felt a headache coming, however, it appeared that their darned guild master had already made up his mind that the two of them were a soon-to-be couple.
Thus, Shye didn't even bother explaining, knowing that it would be futile to explain.
"Sigh... May I please know the details of the mission now?"
Satisfied that Shye finally "admitted" his feelings, Corvus proceeded to explain the details of the mission.
"You've heard of dungeons, correct?"
Shye nodded in agreement with Corvus. He recalled discussing dungeons during one of the premium lessons he attended at Colzen Academy.
From what he knew, there were two types of dungeons: Mana Dungeons and Lord Dungeons
Although both types have their respective ranks and bosses, there are quite a few differences between the two.
The origin of a mana dungeon is mostly unknown except for the fact that it is formed by Adthiopia's most primordial element: mana.
However, due to its characteristics, average Mana Dungeons are generally easier to conquer than average Lord Dungeons, furthermore, although both were a threat to the world, the latter was widely recognized as the greater threat between the two.
Well…for the low-ranked adventurers and the mundane folks, at least.
Lord Dungeons were formed by variant monstrous creatures known as Lords.
These beings possess remarkably elevated mana levels within their species, making them not only stronger but also smarter than their regular counterparts.
What makes these "Lords" truly frightening is their natural inclination to create their own dungeons using their staggering mana reserves, and beckoning other creatures to join them as their loyal servants.
In addition to this, [Lord] type creatures are typically ranked (A-) and above, making the average ranks of Lord Dungeons insanely high compared to Mana Dungeons.
What renders the former more perilous than the latter is not only their higher average rank but also the fact that the monstrous inhabitants within Lord Dungeons possess the ability to freely enter and exit as they please.
On the other hand, since the creatures inside Mana Dungeons were born from mana itself, they could not leave the confines of the dungeon.
Also, once killed, the creatures disintegrate back into mana particles.
Only, in terms of posing a threat to the world at large, Mana Dungeons proved far more hazardous than Lord Dungeons as they siphon mana from surrounding areas, leading to the gradual deterioration of entire sub-regions if left unconquered for more than five years.
Moreover, these Mana Dungeons all have different rules, and if adventurers want to try and conquer these dungeons, they have to play by its rules, otherwise, adventurers wouldn't even be granted entry.
Regardless of an adventurer's rank, the rules of Mana Dungeons were utterly impossible to circumvent or manipulate.
These Mana Dungeons…were the root of Blas' problems.
The reason remained a mystery, but fifty years ago, Mana Dungeons started to manifest at a markedly accelerated pace compared to the norm.
As a result, the pace at which adventurers conquered these dungeons began to fall behind the rate at which they formed, leading to the world's mana slowly drying up.
At this rate, the world and its inhabitants would die.
Adthiopia is currently in dire need of outstanding rookies—a lot of them. Why? Because there are some "unconquerable" dungeons that would only grant entry to those below a certain age.
One such renowned dungeon was the Ambrose Mana Dungeon, an (S) ranked dungeon that would only allow entry to those aged 28 and below.
In addition to this, only seven people could enter every two months, making it almost impossible to conquer.
Every year, the most prominent of geniuses from various regions form parties of seven talented individuals, yet, none of them had succeeded, further allowing the renowned dungeon to amass strength.
The Ambrose Mana Dungeon has existed for twelve years now, effectively rendering four cities uninhabitable due to their gradual withering.
If nothing was done and such dungeons continued to form, the world…would surely die.
As for Shye…
"Well... Luna has been designated as the leader of one of the five compulsory dungeon-clearing squads in Balkrow City. She's chosen you to join her team, and she'll be the one briefing you on the mission specifics," Corvus stated firmly, with a hint of concern evident in his demeanor. "You two will be joined by five others from different guilds.
While I hope for your party's success, my foremost wish is for both of you to return unharmed. Your lives come first, understood?"
"Y-Yes, guild master," Shye replied, mildly baffled about his current situation.
'Why did she choose me? There are other veterans, no?'
"Well then, if there's nothing else, you two are dismissed. Luna will take it from here."
"Uhh…I have a question, Guild Master Corvus." Shye suddenly asked.
"What is it?"
"W-What do we get if we're the party who successfully conquered the dungeon?"
Hearing Shye's question, Corvus smiled.
"Instant promotion, fame, and rewards from the guild, of course."