Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 674- Hexennacht (2)

Simon who heard that it was a high ranking dungeon and not an intermediate or low dungeon that got conquered, was surprised. However, his surprise changed into pure dumbfoundedness when he heard that it was not just one, but three of the high ranking dungeons that got conquered.

It needs to be mentioned that a high ranking dungeon cannot be compared to a low or intermediate tier dungeon. They are called high rank for a reason, they stand at the top of other dungeons and possess formidable and longstanding power that are a testament to their complexity.

These high ranking dungeons are born through a slow and arduous process of maturation and evolution. The path from an intermediate-tier dungeon to a high-ranking dungeon is a long and gruelling one, spanning centuries for centuries at the very least.

It is these enduring forces that shape these special realms. The dungeon itself undergoes a metamorphosis, fueled by the accumulation of a vast amount of mystical energies, the infusion of ancient powers, and the imprint of countless battles fought within its depths.

Not only that, the transformation of a high ranking dungeon from an intermediate-tier one is accompanied by a confluence of other factors.

The accumulation of potent magical energies within the dungeon's core serves as a catalyst, triggering the awakening of new sets of dungeon becomes a high ranking one that all the options of the [shop] gets unlocked, making it far more difficult and treacherous Floors, Affluences, Biomes, Environmental Change, Laws, Mutations and other challenges.

If we talk about the [Shop] then there are even more changes to be listed and options that could be installed. It is only after the dungeon becomes a high ranking one that all the options of the [shop] gets unlocked, making it far more difficult and treacherous to tread.

Additionally, the monsters that could be spawned to defend such dungeons are formidable creatures far more powerful than the ones teeming inside the intermediate tier dungeons. Not only do they possess uncanny strength, agility and defence they are also cunning beyond compare.

From massive hulking behemoths to elusive and stealthy assassins, they pose an insurmountable challenge to any adventurer who dares to tread their halls.

The facility of the [Boss Monsters] also gets unlocked at this point. Magical traps, Arrays, Barriers, Constructs, Ancients Sigils… There are so many safeguard systems to protect the dungeon that there is no end to it.

The influence and presence of all these elements is what makes a High ranking dungeons an impenetrable fortress.

Additionally, they are a bastion of power and secrecy, housing the lairs of mighty demon dukes. Demons that are second only to the archdukes in terms of strength and authority, commanding legions of minions and possessing formidable magical prowess.

The fall of a high ranking dungeon should be an impossible endeavour, something that couldn't be imagined easily. Yet, the truth stands before him. Even with all those impossible odds stacked against them, the adventurers managed to conquer said dungeons which stands as a testament to the ultimate power of a demon noble.

The fact that not one, but three of these powerful demon dukes had fallen prey to the onslaught of adventurers was a sobering realization. It shattered the illusion of invincibility that the demon society had held onto for centuries.

Given the gravity of the situation, it was only natural for the demons to become united for this once. After all, If the adventurers could topple powerful demon dukes and conquer high-ranking dungeons, then no demon, no matter how mighty, was safe from their relentless advance.

While the weight of the issue still lingered within the heart of the demons, Belial the Demon Lord of Envy, decided to drop another bomb.

"The duke that has fallen this time, was from my faction. Duke Beleth, his domain the Shadowed Abyss is located in the north-eastern direction of the Demon Continent. The humans had built large teleport gates near his domain that connected with the multiple central kingdoms".

"I had cautioned him multiple times not to let his guard down against these dastardly humans who call themselves adventurers. Yet despite my efforts and warnings, his dungeon had fallen not too long ago".

"What's surprising was that, until the very last moment his dungeon was conquered, none of us were able to sense anything. We received no communication, nothing from him which was unusual because if he was in trouble, he would have sent us a distress call".

"I sent a few of my subordinates and even personally went to the Shadowed Abyss to investigate the situation. However, I found nothing unusual with the ruins of his dungeon other than this".

Belial took out something from his space ring and showed it to the gathering. It was a sound transmission conch and a very high grade one at that, capable of sending transmissions over tens of thousands of kilometres.

 "This transmission conch is something I salvaged from the ruins of Beleth's dungeon. Recorded in it are mostly static noise and inaudible words, but there are a few vague sentences that I believe contain the clues to the identity of the suspects involved in this incident".

 Belial showed the transmission conch to the audience at Hexennacht before playing it.

"ZZzz… TTZZzzzz.. hold them no matter what, do not let them get to the last floor… TTZzzz... This is bad… hold longer.. attack. This is Duke Beleth, requesting... TTZzzz... Adventuters… attacking… fall… monsters…TZZzzzz"

A static noise echoed out, signalling that this was the end of the transmission.

'This..' many demons wore a look of askance on their face unable to make sense of the audio that they just heard.

 From the voice that sounded out, they were sure that it was Duke Beleth; however, there was too much static and interruptions in the transmission that it was hard to make sense of what the duke was trying to say.

"I believe it was a distress call from Beleth requesting for immediate reinforcements from us. However, something had happened to his dungeon that interfered with the sound transmission and stopped it from sending any signals".

"Additionally, though I am not hundred per cent sure, but the last part I believe tells us about the identity of the assailants. Adventurers, attacking, fall and monsters. There is no doubt that it was the doing of the Adventurers since I also found his dungeon core missing, so there is no mistaking it".

"'Attacking' and 'Fall' must mean that his dungeon was attacked and was on the brink of falling. As for the Monsters, I am not too sure but I believe that the monster referred here is not talking about the monsters that we spawn in our dungeon to safeguard it. Duke Beleth must mean something else".

 Belial spoke, his voice contained a mix of curiosity and concern.

As the weight of the revelation settled upon the crowd at Hexennacht, a collective gasp swept through the venue like a chilling breeze. The news that something unsettling, something that possessed the power to topple down even the power of a Demon Duke, sent shockwaves of disbelief and fear among the attendees.

Whispers filled the air, spreading the grim tidings like wildfire.

"As I thought so, we need to give an appropriate reply or the humans will think they can do anything they want"…

"Say what? Are you still suggesting we break the treaty first? We cannot stop the humans from entering our land nor can we go into theirs"…

"Silence everyone, this is not the time to argue among ourselves. The treaty is something that cannot be broken no matter what. However, it is also true that we cannot allow these dastardly humans to climb on top of our head dance".

"There will be retaliation. As the demon lord, I promise you all that I shall thoroughly investigate this matter, and a verdict will be reached. However, till then I ask everyone to exercise restraint. Do not under no circumstances be the first one to break the treaty".

 Belial spoke, his voice carrying the weight of unsurpassed authority. As his words hung in the air, a hushed silence settled over the venue. The conquest of their cherished dungeons by these dastardly beings was a blow to their pride, a reminder that their dominion was not invincible.

 "We must also keep a watchful eye on the Adventurer's Association. Their changing policies and allegiances have the potential to disrupt the delicate balance of power within our dominion. We cannot afford to underestimate the influence they wield."

Gareth, the demon who had lived for over six thousand years, decided to interject with his observation.

The Adventurers' Association, once viewed as a mere nuisance, had grown into a force to be reckoned with.

The audience in the Hexennacht nodded in agreement. They realized that the time for underestimating the adventurers' association had long passed. It was no longer a matter of petty squabbles over territorial disputes or dungeon resources. It was a fight for survival, a battle to protect their dominion, their place to live, and their very existence.

The discussion ensued, whispers of concerns were mumbled, plans were hatched and new alliances were made. The Demon Dukes once divided by their own ambitions and rivalries, now united in the face of a common enemy.

Strategies were devised to fortify their dungeons, to bolster their defences. The lessons learned from the fallen high-ranking dungeons were etched deep into the consciousness of the demon society.

While all of this was happening, Simon was deliberating something inside his head. The matter was of course about the adventurers. However, he was still wondering about the incomplete message the Demon Duke named Beleth left behind.

He couldn't get the last word that the duke said off of his mind.

 'Adventurers… attacking… fall… monsters…' What did he mean by that?

Monsters… there was something about this word that struck Simon. A memory from a few years ago couldn't help but surface in his mind once again.