Dungeon Monsters Keep Offering Sacrifices

66 – Dungeon Monster Enhancement

As I touched the screen, quietly observing the dungeon, an alert popped up.

– Intruders detected in the dungeon.

A group had entered the dungeon.

“Oh, who’s intruding?”

I quickly checked and found a peculiar combination.

At the forefront, a paladin was commanding several individuals.

I touched each person who had entered the dungeon.

Touching them didn’t trigger any special effects.

Only brief descriptions popped up above each person.

[Adventurer]

It was a really simple description.

Curious if a different description would appear, I clicked on each one.

However, regardless of the person, the descriptions were all the same.

“They’re just ordinary adventurers, huh?”

All of them were labeled as ordinary adventurers.

Given their numbers, I thought they might not be adventurers but had come from somewhere else.

I stared intently at the adventurers on the screen.

“Did they just form a party?”

Dungeons were dangerous places.

That was true for Earth, and the Eldorado Continent was no exception.

Taking on dungeons alone or with a small group was usually difficult, so people always formed parties.

The most basic form of a group was, of course, a party.

Adventurers with similar intentions gathered together to form a party, tackling dungeons together.

And it seemed they had also formed parties among themselves before entering.

I zoomed in on the screen to check the armaments of these individuals.

“Hmm… doesn’t look as promising as I thought.”

The level of the equipped gear didn’t seem significantly high.

At best, they were on the level of bronze-grade?

Occasionally, there were a few who looked decent, but even then, surpassing silver-grade seemed challenging.

“Well, this should be easy to handle.”

After confirming the invaders’ level, I comfortably observed.

Upon reflection, the invaders had visited the dungeon several times before.

Among them were adventurers, as well as knights from the sect.

Therefore, I assumed this group of adventurers had set their sights on my dungeon.

However, judging by their armament, they were merely at a barely acceptable level.

“They wouldn’t have dared come here if they knew what monsters are in store.”

Even the knight commanding the adventurers at the forefront wasn’t an ordinary knight.

[Venci (★★★)]

– Controls the mind of the knight ‘Eric.’

Real identity: Venci.

A monster guarding the first zone of the dungeon, manipulating the mind of a knight.

“These guys will prove to be quite useful.”

Venci, too, was one of the monsters I owned, having come out in the previous draw.

They were useless against high-grade beings, but for adventurers who seemed as unremarkable as they come, they were the worst.

Sure enough, Venci, controlling the knight, lured the adventurers deep into the dungeon.

Then, the Vencis that had been lying in wait for the defenseless adventurers rushed in.

What unfolded next was nothing short of a bloodbath.

There were those who thrust swords into their own throats, as well as others who swung their swords at fellow companions.

The inside of the dungeon presented a scene soaked in blood.

If I were an ordinary person and not an Awakener, I might have thrown up right there.

“I guess you could call this fortunate.”

Having worked as a porter and experienced various situations, scenes like that couldn’t be considered terrifying to me.

It was just numb.

Of course, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for those people, but ultimately, it was about the job.

If they didn’t die and reached the heart of the dungeon, it would soon be my last day.

That’s why I had to do my best.

“When this penalty is lifted, I’ll have to make some major adjustments.”

I had been managing the dungeon too chaotically.

With the recent incident and everything, it was necessary to revise the command system.

I briefly entertained other thoughts, and before I knew it, the situation had been resolved.

There were only seven adventurers left, all covered in blood.

And they were being controlled by Bensy.

A truly terrifying atmosphere hung in the air.

Following the orders of the paladin, they rushed out of the dungeon.

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“Huh?”

Behind those rushing out, the Death Knight was following.

“No, what is this guy doing?”

Why do these guys keep trying to leave the dungeon?

Do they have some kind of wandering barrier?

I immediately touched the Death Knight and gave an order.

The command was simple.

Just stay in the dungeon, and it understood without a hitch.

The Death Knight somehow returned with a dejected look.

No, it did return, but it came back again.

And it began to move the bodies of the adventurers who had died a little while ago.

More precisely, it was at the command of Celia that the Death Knight began to move.

“As expected, the only one who can manage the Death Knight here is Celia.”

It was natural.

Celia had the highest rank here.

The Death Knight began to move the corpses of the adventurers to one place.

The destination was the altar in the center of the dungeon.

The Death Knight piled the corpses on the altar, one by one, burdening his shoulders.

Celia nodded approvingly at the sight.

– Celia offers the adventurer as a sacrifice to her master.

– Celia offers the adventurer as a sacrifice to her master.

Simultaneously, alarms sounded, indicating the offering had been made.

These sacrifices were truly rare, a long-awaited event.

Of course, absorbing their abilities would take some time.

– Absorbing the abilities of the sacrificed adventurer. (Remaining time: 6 hours)

A whole six hours.

“I’ll probably faint again.”

And during that time, I would likely lose consciousness.

Based on my past experiences, I realized that absorbing the abilities of the sacrifices always led to fainting.

The difference now was that, even if I fainted, there was someone to protect me.

That someone was Maru.

In reality, this place was safe since it was my home.

But absolutes did not exist.

Just because it was a home didn’t guarantee safety forever.

So, it seemed wise to prepare for unforeseen circumstances from now on.

“Maru, come here.”

I turned my head and commanded Maru.

In the future, when sacrifices were offered, Maru would guard me.

Fortunately, Maru understood my intentions well.

Drawing the demonic sword from his waist, Maru took his position around me.

“This should be enough to handle it.”

Maru would protect me even at the cost of his life.

Now, I only had to wait for the moment of unconsciousness.

But…

– The sacrificed offerings have reached a certain quantity.

– Obtained the key to the next system.

– [Dungeon Monster Enhancement System] (Locked)

Another alarm rang.

“Dungeon monster reinforcement?”

It was the system list that appeared after acquiring the ‘True Owner of the Dungeon’ trait last time.

Of course, since they were all locked, I didn’t know what abilities they had.

Just speculations.

But now, having obtained clues to unlock them, I couldn’t help but be excited.

It couldn’t be used yet, but I believed that someday it would be unlocked.

“Could it be unlocked based on the number of sacrifices?”

That was my last memory.

“Ah…”

Suddenly overwhelmed by a pouring drowsiness, I just surrendered my body.

* * *

The adventurers divided into two groups.

One group tracked the footsteps of an unknown presence, while the other investigated the direction the footsteps had come from.

Among them, those tracking the footsteps of the unknown presence continued to walk through the mountain range.

Nariel, the guide, confirmed the traces at the forefront and determined the direction of the path.

Next to her, the warrior Glecto stood guard near Nariel.

Many adventurers followed, forming a formation without delaying their vigilance.

They indeed showed a veteran-like appearance.

They did not rush and were gradually moving forward.

How long had it been since they followed the faint traces on the dirt road?

In front of them, the appearance of a dungeon was revealed.

The problem was that it wasn’t just a dungeon.

In front of the dungeon, orcs had taken positions, watching the adventurers.

“What is that!”

Along with the sight of orcs, the presence of goblins around them also caught the adventurers’ eyes.

In such a sudden situation, the adventurers were bewildered.

Even the monsters in front of them were ready for immediate combat.

“Darn it! Was it a trap?”

Clearly, the owner of the footsteps they followed was mostly skeletons.

However, not even skeletons could be found ahead, let alone similar beings.

Should I just flee?

Yet, showing my back here was not an option.

The moment I expose my back, they’ll attack.

But confronting them directly was also uncertain.

Their numbers were simply overwhelming.

In this moment of adversity for the adventurers, hesitating on how to remedy the situation…

“I plead to you!”

Skoal, among the orc group, addressed the adventurers.

“If one of you duels me and prevails, I’ll ensure safe passage for all of you.”

The adventurers were taken aback by the proposition.

Why would a monster propose first?

Looking at the current situation, the enemy’s strength surpassed theirs by far.

It might just be capriciousness.

Perhaps it was merely entertainment for the monster.

Yet, none of the adventurers dared to refuse the proposal.

Instead, they exchanged glances, silently hoping someone else would step forward.

“….”

Anyway, there seemed to be no way to salvage the current situation.

No, even if they could, the casualties would be horrifying.

Even if they managed to break through those numerous orcs and goblins, not everyone here would survive.

That’s why they had to put all their strength into this one-on-one life-or-death struggle the orc proposed.

Winning meant at least preserving one’s life, akin to a lifeline from the heavens.

“…I’ll go.”

At that moment, the warrior Gregto stood up.

Approaching the orc leader with a towering greatsword and shield, a chilly breeze swept through the forest.

They stared at each other.

“I am Gregto, leading the tribe of the Red-Maned. That’s who I am,” Gregto addressed the orc introducing himself.

“Is it right to just let them go if we win?”

Gregto asked again.

He wanted confirmation.

Gregto still needed those adventurers, not out of simple humanity but as tools to fulfill a request.

In response to his question, Scoll lightly nodded his head.

After finally receiving confirmation, Gregto also nodded.

Why monsters like them would make such a proposal, he didn’t know, but for now, it wasn’t a bad deal.

While Gregto was thinking that, Scoll was having the same thoughts.

Anyway, Scoll was confident because he had no reason to lose.

The provocation a while ago was just a lie to raise the opponent’s morale.

Dealing with fearful enemies was as uninteresting as it could get.

“…”

A moment of silence.

And then, a silent roar began.

As if they had made a silent agreement, both charged forward.

Scoll’s massive axe possessed a destructive force that could bring down even the thick trees of the forest.

Axe wielding that force swung towards Gregto.

But Gregto, holding a heavy shield, was not to be underestimated.

Clang—

The axe and the heavy shield clashed, emitting sparks.

It was truly an evenly matched situation where neither gave way.

They continued to swing their weapons at each other, avoiding each other’s attacks.

Unblocked attacks left traces on their skin.

As the wounds increased, their blood and sweat scattered in the air.

Simultaneously, the battle was surrounded by extreme tension, and the atmosphere became overheated.

Scoll tried to overwhelm the opponent with his massive physique, while Gregto countered with his skilled techniques.

A delicate balance and the heavy sound of breathing filled their battle.

The weight of endless combat engulfed them.

As the battle continued, Scoll gradually advanced forward.

It was a subtle but gradually dominating pattern.

Gregto never gave up, even under the relentless force.

He parried Scoll’s attacks, thinking to himself.

Someday, there would be an opening.

He merely waited for that moment to arise.

And when the opportunity presented itself, he swung his sword at his opponent without hesitation.

But Scoll effortlessly dodged such attacks.

Then, Scoll’s axe swiftly approached Gregto.

Stepping back, Gregto raised his shield.

The clash between Scoll’s axe and Gregto’s shield resounded through the air.

Clang!

A chilling sound echoed from the shield.

“hahahaha! You truly are a warrior!”

Despite his attack being thwarted, Scoll laughed heartily as he gazed at his adversary.

“May this battle continue! Cheers! I shall present this glory to the ruler!”

Scoll found immense joy in the current situation.

When was the last time he engaged in combat so joyfully?

If possible, he wanted to bring down the man before him and spar every day.

But he knew it was impossible.

This adversary dared to trespass into the ruler’s domain.

He couldn’t spare him for his own selfish desires.

Scoll gradually exerted more force.

Whether it was due to the difference in their races or their experiences, he felt the opponent’s strength waning.

Yet, he couldn’t afford to diminish his own strength here.

That would be an act of disrespect toward his opponent.

It would trample upon the honor of a warrior.

Thus, Scoll squeezed out even more strength.

“Here I come!”

At that moment, Scoll’s axe glinted in the sunlight.

Swinging through the air, Scoll’s axe descended upon Gregto.

“…….”

Red blood began to flow from Gregto’s mouth.

The greatsword and shield he held fell to the ground.

Gradually, his posture began to crumble, and soon his head rolled down to the floor.

However, Skol did not pick up his head.

He simply closed his eyes and observed a moment of silence.

“It was a good match.”

The opponent was, at the very least, a formidable warrior.

The honor of a worthy warrior must be respected.

Skol, concluding his reflection, turned away and replayed the recent events in his mind.

And after a moment.

– Skol’s [Dungeon Monster Enhancement System] has been unlocked.