[Sasha]
3 weeks in and I arrived on the Starfer Velion Dungeon. It's the most sinister dungeon in the Adventurer's Guide. Also a Class S Type of Dungeon.
Just by the looks of the tower, it already looks haunted and abandoned. There are cracks and breaks on the window holes and you can even hear an eerie whisper.
This dungeon is filled with dark affinity type of monster, worse there are those with cursed magic inside it.
Cursed magic is the most strange type of magic. When one hasn't built up the right mental defense, anything scary can happen.
I'm going to find the dungeon boss and slay him to undo the curse. I'm fully prepared and I will do whatever it takes!
I have to delay my task with the Eastern Overlord because I know Faisor doesn't have enough time.
However, oddly enough, walking through the hallways there are no enemies. I did my best to stay cautious but to my disappointment no one is coming out.
Walking further, there are loots on the floor. Some are expensive armors and weapons which I just took. Going further, all I can see are remnants of the ghouls on the floor. They don't look dusty so they probably got recently defeated.
So someone already conquered the dungeon? Huh?
I sigh and let my self rest easy since even going into the depths of the dungeon, there are no enemies and looks like every monsters already defeated. Even the Dungeon Boss chamber is also empty.
Weirdly enough, I can't find any remains of the Lich.
There is possibility that they defeated all the monsters here except the Lich but why are there no signs of the attackers?
How weird.
The Lich has also been probably slain. Walking around the dungeon feels pointless. Nothing interesting is happening.
Even the traps are already tripped.
Is it an army that raided this dungeon? That is so strange.
Leaving the dungeon, I was unsatisfied. Not to mention, I have many questions on my mind.
Perhaps, high ranking adventurers such as S or SSS class adventurers must have conquered it but even skilled adventurers would take the valuable loot.
It feels like a calamity just passed by and not a person in this dungeon.
Stumbling upon this dungeon is like stumbling on a treasure room. The others would be lucky since the loots here are free.
This doesn't make any sense.
Regardless, I proceed to the meeting spot where our stupid dungeon master told me to go. It's somewhere near the Fort of Hertfil.
I continued going further east for few days. Arriving there, I come across a city in ruins. The buildings are gone. The settlement is completely flattened. There is no one left.
Looks like a battle had occured here.
Just as I was standing around, I notice a presence beside me. It's a person in a golden tight outfit. His mouth is covered by a mask. But one can see that his attractive with his eyes which is deep gold which compliments his yellow spiky hair.
What's going on? I didn't notice his presence. It's as if he already appeared out of nowhere. I can't help but jump away and put up a stance.
"Who are you?!"
However, he doesn't seem like he intends to do harm. I can tell, if he does I would have already died. This person is no ordinary.
He bows slightly, "My name is Emperio. I'm a messenger of the Eastern Overlord. He expects your visit."
I take a deep breath and relax myself. "I see, I have been tasked to deliver this." I pat the fat bag on my back.
Emperio nods. He lends me his hand in which he expects me to grab it. "We will be teleported to my Lord's domain if you hold my arm."
I hesitantly touch him.
I can feel it. I feel amazed seeing this person is overflowing with mana. Mana this dense, I haven't seen before.
This person is even stronger than platinum adventurers no, probably on the tier of Saint Guardians.
Then am I even worthy to touch this person? This is ridiculous! I'll be lucky if even I can survive this.
Afterward, a lightning strike hits us causing me some shock.
I quickly jump out from surprise and before I know it, I'm inside a temple of some kind.
What just happened?
This Emperio person is standing close to me. In front of me is several important looking people.
Each of them looks unique but one thing I can tell is that they are confident in their strength. Their faces are serious.
Looks like I got teleported here. To the most front, a young attractive man with dark blue hair is sitting on a golden throne. He looks kind and approachable but staring at him makes me feel uneasy. Even my legs are shaking just from his presence.
"Don't tell me this is the Eastern Overlord?"
Behind me are some of the people from the werewolf race in human form. I can tell from their wolf ears and tail. They look like soldiers and servants under the Eastern Overlord.
Emperio kneels to the young man in blue hair. "My lord, I have brought you the messenger."
I also kneel to his presence.
This is very nerve wracking. The deal was 2 weeks and I delayed it for another week because I went out to look for the Lich. I hope he won't get pissed and punish me or something.
Overlords have a very little regard to human lives after all. I'm but an ant in his presence.
However, to my surprise, the Eastern Overlord smiles. He seems friendly and down to earth than I thought. He comes down from his throne and says. "Oh, is that the documents regarding the dungeon? I really need it by now."
Realizing I have it strapped, my hands fumble to take it off. For some reason, it took me some time. "Please forgive me!"
I apologize deeply to him since I probably looked awkward.
[Verni]
Is this woman okay? She is being paranoid every second that I end up sighing.
Ren comes close to my ear and whispers. "Verni, what do you expect? You are an Overlord. How do you think people will react on your presence?"
I forgot I was someone important. Looking around me, my generals, the Essential Clones and the werewolf clan, they all look intimidating. From an outside perspective, anyone would feel wary.
Then how shall I handle this?
I clear my throat, "I will be taking your burden from you." I give out my hand.
[Sasha]
Take my burden away? Does he intend to take my life or something?
I shiver and before I react, he already took the bag.
I quickly sag on the floor in relief.
Oh, so he means my baggage. That gave me a heart attack. Though that was quite a choice of words.
[Verni]
I grab one map and looks like it's here as requested. A complete map of the dungeons found in this continent. There a lot on the Eastern Region, huh?
That's good to know.
There are many as well on the south, not much on North and there are only a few ones on the west.
Looks like I may keep in contact with this Dungeon Master for a while. She may provide me a lot of information about the outside world.
I then throw the entire thing on the [Spatial Bag] and let my clones read the rest of it later.
I grab one map of the continent of Groundwell push it down a table, letting Ren see it as well.
Ren strokes her chin, "so much have changed, huh? The empire from the north west is gone now and the countries from the north east has shrunk, due to northern influence."
"I see." However, I could care less about the situation of these countries. All I care about is this country. Found on the central region of the continent. It's mostly empty space with desert, barren lands and forest in between with kingdoms scattered through out.
It's the closest proper Kingdom to the Infinite Dungeon.
It's called the country of Semrad by its label. There are paths along it connecting the northern and southern region.
Ren says, "I assume Semrad is perfect route for merchants and trading. I think that it's a valuable location for other countries. Is it influenced in anyway by the Holy Light Church?"
The messenger answers, "this country is ruled by a merchant King who is both neutral to the north and south. However, he won't allow northern or southern influence to come in his territory."
The dungeon master and I made a deal that I would eliminate the western threats heading to their location. And also ensuring in keeping the country at peace in exchange for information.
Apparently, Cerberus has been awakened from the east. An army of monsters are going to the central region and north is wrecking chaos on their path.
However, the ruler has no idea of our deal. I was hoping I could make him aware so I could also reap some benefits from him too.
Since I have no currency of this world, I intend to sell some of my low level items so I can make money. Perhaps, purchase a lot of stuff from the Overworld.
If Semrad is neutral from the north and south. Then—
I smile and say, "how about eastern influence?"
The messenger blinks a couple of times trying to digest what I say, "your excellency, forgive me but I have no clue for I am only an adventurer. I'm not well-versed in politics."
I can see that she is afraid.
"I want your opinion. You are free to speak as you wish."
She takes a deep breath before saying. "Then, no. It has been neutral and it will always be, your excellency."
"What do you think of the ruler?"
"Hmm, King Halmin is a pragmatic and cautious man. He will do anything to protect his territory and assets. Even with the threat from the west it will take time for him to come up with a decision."
All of this thinking makes me feel strained, thus I return to my seat in comfort. I already have some plan in place but I can see she looks worried about something.
"Miss messenger, can I ask for your name and can you tell me about yourself."
She is frozen staring on the floor. Minnerva stomps her foot, "human, the overlord is talking to you."
"It's fine, Minnerva." I chuckle to let her feel comfortable but she is hard to handle. "Now, if you please."
"Forgive me, your excellency. But my story is not worth your ears."
"It's fine, I'm curious."
"My name is Sasha and..."
Afterward, she tells the whole story. She tells about a Lich who cursed the guy who is probably her boyfriend.
"Don't tell me..." I pull out the Lich from the Spatial Bag and throw him in front of Sasha.
"Ahhh! It's feels like I'm drowning in space!" Says the Lich in panic. But after realizing he is out, he sighs. "Phew."
After he sees me, I smile. He then gets scared and hides behind Sasha.
[Sasha]
No doubt, this ghoul in magical robe is the lich. I can't believe the Eastern Overlord had him all along. Who would have thought that I would find him here conveniently.
"Hey mortal! Carry me here from that Eastern Overlord and I will grant you anything you wish. If you have a dead relative, I can even ressurect him. Hehehe. Otherwise, I'll have to curse you." Hearing that, I sneer and kick him out towards the Eastern Overlord.
"Ahhh!"
[Verni]
I chuckle seeing Sasha kicking him to me.
He is down on the ground, upon lifting his eyes to me I talk down to him. I open my palm and let him see my [Cursed Flames: Level 20]. It's like a thin stream of dense dark flames.
Everyone as well from the Essential clones to the Werewolf warriors are ready to draw their blades with their eyes staring daggers at him.
"Mr. Lich, I want you to remove the curse of this certain adventurer."
The Lich grunts, "hmmph, my curse is irremovable. There is no way I can undo it--"
Ren stomps her foot, scaring the Lich. "Your curse is irremovable, huh? What about if I exorcise you here." She smiles menacingly.
The Lich must have noticed that Ren is a holy magic user, thus he kneels. "I apologize. Maybe I can undo the curse if I'm close to the one I cursed."
"Hmmm, how many people have you cursed?"
The Lich snickers proudly, "a lot my lord. I cursed some ancient royalties, and strong adventurers that they decided to make myths about me."
"I see, then can I ask you to undo your curses as well to others?" I smile. "If you do, I will pardon you if your crime."
The Lich chuckles as though nervous, "I think those mortals are already dead, hehe."
[Sasha]
So this is the personality of the Eastern Overlord, huh? No wonder the guild master is invested in him and why she is always talking to him. He seems humane and reasonable.
Eastern overlord says, "well then Kravos, come forward."
A long crimson haired young and masculine man walks forward, he kneels. "You call upon me, my lord."
"Normally, I would give the scouting to Emperio but I need him here in the east. Can I count on you to scout the western enemies?"
Kravos nods, "my lord you can count on me." He grins. I can see that he is excited. I can tell that this person is a war freak.
"Nikolai, Selena, I want you to accompany Kravos."
An attractive masculine man and an appealing young woman come foward. "Yes, my lord." They say in unison.
In fact, why are these people who are working for the Eastern Overlord so attractive? How is this possible?
Regardless, afterward we got teleported back to the mountains along with Kravos, Selena, Nikolai, the Lich, Emperio and the Eastern Overlord and few of his men.
Looks like we are now about to head to the west. I can't thank them enough.