_____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification
Intrusion Report:
Thirty-four million four hundred eighty-six thousand seven hundred six entities have invaded your dungeon domain. G.P safety compromised.
Suggestion:
Secure G.P, put an end to the invasion.
Intercept and Slay the invaders
Estimated Reward:
- 12012 G.P
- Authorities: Greed and Resurgence
_____________________________
Having encountered two Authority wielders thus far, this was the first time I faced one accompanied by others. The first invader, a lone mage, stormed in like a one-man army, tearing through my ranks like a madman. He was only stopped by the ambush strategy I devised.
As for the second invader—well, he was alone, technically. But with the strength of seven men and the abilities of multiple classes fused into a single body, he might as well have been an entire party by himself. But ultimately he was by himself.
However, this time was different. The authority wielder was accompanied by some friends.
_____________________________
Name:
Level:
Race:
Class:
Title:
[Status]
- H.P:
- M.P:
- S.P:
- Fatigue:
- Defense:
- Offense:
[Skills]
- Weapon Mastery: Level 13
- OverPowering Strike: Level 13
- Imperial Combat Stance: Level 15
- Greater Shield Block: Level 10
- Heavy Armory Proficiency: Level 13
- Counter-Attack: Level 15
- Quickdraw: Level 15
- Berserker's Fury: Level 15
- Monstrous Endurance: Level 11
- Tactical Awareness: Level 13
- Warlord's Roar: Level 10
[Abilities]
- War Cry: Unlocked
- Unyielding Fortitude: Unlocked
- Resilient Endurance: Unlocked
- Shield Wall: Unlocked
- Adrenaline Rush: Unlocked
- Veteran's Insight: Unlocked
- Slay Evil: Unlocked
- Iron Will: Unlocked
- Unbreakable Formation: Unlocked
- Warlord's Presence: Unlocked
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
Name:
Level:
Race:
Class:
Title:
[Status]
- H.P:
- M.P:
- S.P:
- Fatigue:
- Defense:
- Offense:
[Skills]
- Healing Magic: Level 9
- Divine Light: Level 14
- Protective Aura: Level 13
- Purification: Level 12
- Revitalize: Level 11
- Cleansing Wave: Level 10
- Benediction: Level 9
- Restoration Magic: Level 7
- Aura of Renewal: Level 12
- Warding Prayer: Level 13
- Holy Affinity: Level 11
- Longevity: Level 1
[Abilities]
- Divine Intervention: Unlocked
- Empathic Bond: Unlocked
- Serenity: Unlocked
- Purify Undead
- Sanctuary: Unlocked
- Divine Grace: Unlocked
- Celestial Harmony: Unlocked
- Banish Undead: Unlocked
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
Name:
Level:
Race:
Class:
Title:
- H.P:
- M.P:
- S.P:
- Fatigue:
- Defense:
- Offense:
[Skills]
- Sword Mastery: Level 13
- Power Strike: Level 11
- Combat Stance: Level 13
- Shield Block: Level 11
- Heavy Armor Proficiency: Level 12
- Holy Strike: Level 15
- Endurance Training: Level 13
- Tactical Awareness: Level 15
- Divine Shield: Level 12
- Longevity: Level 1
[Abilities]
- Crusader's Zeal: Unlocked
- Demon Slayer: Unlocked
- Unyielding Fortitude: Unlocked
- Shield Wall: Unlocked
- Adrenaline Rush: Unlocked
- Veteran's Insight: Unlocked
- Divine Intervention: Unlocked
- Iron Will: Unlocked
- Unbreakable Formation: Unlocked
- Holy Presence: Unlocked
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
Name:
Level:
Race:
Class:
Title:
『Expand』
_____________________________
Name:
Level:
Race:
Class:
Title:
『Expand』
_____________________________
_____________________________
Name:
Level:
Race:
Class:
Title:
『Expand』
_____________________________
This Authority wielder was no lone invader like the others; he came with friends, six of them, most of whom averaged around level 50 or so.
“Quite the party that he got here, right guys?”
“Quite the party indeed.”
“Especially so, if you account in our Authority wielder…”
_____________________________
Name:
Level:
Race:
Class: Paladin
Title:
[Status]
- H.P:
- M.P:
- S.P:
- Fatigue:
- Defense:
- Offense:
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
[Skills]
- Sword Mastery: Level 14
- Holy Strike: Level 15
- Divine Shield: Level 14
- Righteous Smite: Level 15
- Shield of Faith: Level 15
- Healing Light: Level 15
- Aura of Protection: Level 15
- Holy Radiance: Level 13
- Retribution: Level 12
- Divine Wrath: Level 15
- Vindicator's Stance: Level 15
[Abilities]
- Divine Unity: Unlocked
- Crusader's Zeal: Unlocked
- Holy Resilience: Unlocked
- Guardian Angel: Unlocked
- Divine Intervention: Unlocked
- Celestial Aegis: Unlocked
- Beacon of Light: Unlocked
- Sanctified Ground: Unlocked
- Avenging Justice: Unlocked
- Celestial Blessing: Unlocked
[Authorities]
- Greed and Resurgence
『Expand』
_____________________________
"Yep, I’m definitely withdrawing, my domain can’t handle something like that," Dungeon Master 06 declared with a resigned finality. "I’m out. It’s between you guys."
The authority wielder, much like each one of his friends, bore the title of a champion—a title that I, through Otherworldly synergy, had come to associate with the feat of dungeon slaying, if that’s even a word.
In the beginning, I wasn't sure if there were dungeons like me out there, but seeing more and more invaders with that "Champion" title made it clear that there were, in fact, other dungeons out there. This title was bestowed upon those who triumphed over a Dungeon Guardian, more precisely when one defeated a dungeon guardian with one of the two protocols in use.
The moment we saw those titles of champions and, of course, also their levels, we knew that our current invaders were something beyond the abilities of Dungeon Master 06's spawns or even his Guardian to handle. Dispatching them fell upon Dungeon Master 01, Dungeon Master 02, Dungeon Master 03, Dungeon Master 04, Dungeon Master 05, and me.
Being the highly motivated individual that I was, eager to take on the challenge, I offered, "Can't help then, Dungeon Master 06. I'll deal with them for you."
"No, you don't," a disapproving voice immediately cut in.
"Did you already forget your whole thing?" followed another.
"Undead domain, Anti-life biome, that's all you."
"Oh, come on! Not that excuse again. I'll deal with them in a second with my Dungeon Guardian. Easy peasy."
"Yeah, and in that second, all the creatures, monsters, and animals in Dungeon Master 06 will die."
"Do you know how long it will take for them to repopulate to the current extent?"
"Not long."
"Okay, fair enough, not long, but still, the time wasted would be time that Dungeon Master 06 should be dedicating to harvesting."
"Just think about them, Dungeon Master 00. Think," Dungeon Master 01 whispered, suggestively.
"Those would be G.P. lost, never to be recovered," Dungeon Master 05 added, trying to guilt me.
"We know you know that we're right. Just give up."
"Tsk." Facing a logic I saw no flaws in, I was left with no other choice but to back down. "I'm withdrawing; they’re for you guys."
"Welcome to the club, Dungeon Master 00," Dungeon Master 06 said.
"I guess yeah."
I watched as the other Dungeon Masters battled over who would get to face the batch of invaders. Each presented arguments and counterarguments, and they eventually decided to settle the matter over a game of rock-paper-scissors. However, they soon realized that they were all going through the same thought process, leading them to the same answer in each game.
They considered leaving it up to luck, but we didn’t have many tools at our disposal for a luck test—no dice, no cards, or anything. The only unpredictable variable was ironically the invaders themselves. They ended up betting on which invader would be the first to land a killing blow on one of Dungeon Master 06’s spawns. And thus the task of handling the batch of invaders fell to Dungeon Master 02, not particularly because he won the bet, but rather because he got to choose the one with the highest level of fatigue compared to any other Dungeon Master.
One aspect of invasions that has always puzzled me is how I/my domain is perceived as a dungeon. One would think that a person entering a domain like mine, one that has claimed so many invaders, would make sure to be at the top of their strength before attempting an invasion. However, most invaders have, for some reason, accumulated a certain percentage of fatigue, usually with less than 5% or 15% missing from either their H.P, M.P or S.P.
Initially, I assumed that 5% was the average natural level of fatigue for Verdenkind, but after acquiring a Verdenkind that we spawned into Dungeon Master 06's domain, we discovered that 0% was the idle state of fatigue for Verdenkind, as it was for all the other spawns aside from the Undead and Shadow Creatures, who were completely immune to fatigue to an extent where they didn't even possess the status known as fatigue. Thanks to Dungeon Master 06’s domain and the strange effect it had on our whole dynamic, I finally understood why it was like that. There were not only monsters inside my domain but also outside, and in most cases, invaders had to make it through them to enter my domain, which is why they were always slightly exhausted.
Anyway, since Dungeon Master 02 was the one chosen to dispatch the batch of invaders, he spoke with a grinning voice, demanding, "Dungeon Master 06, I am ready. Relinquish control to me."
"Right away," Dungeon Master 06 replied, "take good care of my cattle."
"Don't worry, they'll be safe outside my guardian chamber."
"Hmph, I'll trust your word," he declared, passing control over to Dungeon Master 02. The map interface before us almost immediately changed. The map transformed into a new layout, completely different from the previous one, with the red, white, and blue dots disappearing. Then, only the red and white dots reappeared on the new layout. However, another notification promptly popped up.
___________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
System Notification:
[ Guardian Room Invasion Detected ]
Average Level: 54
Invader Race: HighBreed, Verdenkind
Class: Healer, Monk, Mage, Knight, Warrior, Paladin
Warning: Acquired GP’s integrity compromised. Dungeon core defenses activated.
Objectives:
- Ensure the survival of the dungeon core to prevent permanent damage.
- Ensure the safety of acquired G.P
- Gather enough G.P to reach [Vessel of Godhood]
Defensive Countermeasures:
- Spawn Guardian
- Choose Guardian Protocol
____________________________
One other advantage that the Authority, Ethereal Echo, provided, aside from its splitting or cloning properties, was the ability to execute something like this—a tactic used by the authority's previous owner Tusko Vagar: Using his splits/clones, each with its own set of skills and abilities to handle his problem. In other words, a sort of shield or barrage that he both used defensively and offensively that one would have to cleave through before reaching the true him.
As a dungeon core, however, we did not have access to such a trump card. If I were a Verdenkind or HighBreed, I certainly would’ve.
Instead, we had access to the Dungeon Core equivalent of that trump card: the unique ability to relinquish control over the space occupied by our domain. In this case, Dungeon Master 02 utilized this ability to transport the “cattle” to his domain and the current invaders directly to his Guardian Sanctum, intending to put an end to the invasion in the most direct manner possible.
"Okay gentlemens, let’s get this done with."
____________________________
- Spawn Dungeon Guardian
____________________________
“Yes!”
Dungeon Master 02 announced gloriously as a hologram representing the invaders manifested like chess pieces on one side, and on the other, the newly materialized Dungeon Master 02's domain Guardian.
____________________________
- Choose Guardian Protocol
____________________________
____________________________
[ ???'s Interface ]
Reclamation Protocol
『Confirm Activation』
[ YES [ NO
____________________________
"Yes! Now rise, my glorious creation. Rise!"
______________________________
[ Stormforged Colossus ]
Level: 42
Type: Elemental Colossus
Class: Lightning Colossus
Title: Thunderlord's Sentinel
[Status]
- H.P: 35000 / 35000 (+7500)
- M.P: 28000 / 28000 (+9500)
- S.P: 16000 / 16000 (+7500)
- Defense: 42000 (+13000)
- Offense: 49000 (+14000)
[Skills]
- Lightning Infusion: Level 15
- Metal Manipulation: Level 12
- Thunderous Roar: Level 13
- Electric Shielding: Level 15
- Cyclonic Charge: Level 14
- Mj?lnir's Strike: Level 20
- Ironclad Resilience: Level 13
- Tempestuous Step: Level 9
[Abilities]
- Thunderstrike Gauntlets: Unlocked
- Metallic Shielding: Unlocked
- Lightning Surge: Unlocked
- Resonant Shockwave: Unlocked
- Ferrum Fist: Unlocked
- Thunderstorm's Embrace: Unlocked
- Conduit of Fury: Unlocked
- Metalstorm Aegis: Unlocked
- Stormforged Dominion: Unlocked
- Thunder Minions: Unlocked
______________________________
Having transitioned from a strategy that prioritized both spawns and guardians under the precept of the sacred ratio to one that emphasized only guardians, Dungeon Master 02, like the others, successfully acquired an even stronger spawn than his initial one.
Furthermore, the Reclamation Protocol when activated bestowed quite the boon to his guardian who from the get-go began with already very impressive stats.
Dungeon Master 02’s domain Guardian—a Stormforged Colossus—was yet another natural-born title wielder that stood as an awe-inspiring behemoth, its massive form towering over the dungeon's inner sanctum and the invader it stood across. Its frame seems constructed from enchanted alloys, resembling darkened steel, with veins of crackling energy coursing through its metallic surface. The golem's eyes flicker with an inner lightning, revealing an otherworldly sapience. He donned on both arms, imposing Thunderstrike Gauntlets crackle with latent power, ready to unleash devastating bolts upon anyone or anything.
On the opposite side of the room, the adventuring party, while clearly confused by what just happened to them, nonetheless stood united as a diverse and formidable group. Adriant, the towering War Master-titled HighBreed, exuded strength with his battle-scarred visage and polished silver armor. Seraphina, the Healer, emanated a certain air of holiness, most likely because of her pristine white robes and flowing silver hair. The obviously twins, Jaime and Jaimy, Highbreed Monks, shared a worried but battle-ready stance and expression.
Elowen, the VerdenKind Archmage, with her silver hair and violet eyes, clad in robes adorned with arcane symbols, immediately withdrew to the background behind the twin monks, her staff beginning to shine with a magical blue light. Lastly, Kevin Karstark, the Paladin, stood on the forefront as a beacon of light, donned in gleaming armor adorned with strange symbols. His golden hair and noble silver eyes radiated an otherworldly virtue that screamed annoyingly to all of us: "I am a hero," and that he, along with his little party which we had to admit formed a harmonious balance of strength, healing, and magical power, despite their initial confusion, was ready to take on Dungeon Master 02's domain guardian.
"From composition alone, they make a decent party. Offense and defense-wise, they're not too far behind your guardian. Are you sure you've got this?" I asked out of genuine concern.
"Don't worry. I got this," Dungeon Master 02 replied confidently.
In spite of knowing that he was aware, I still went on to remind him. "You do know that you won’t have a second chance and certainly won’t be allowed to use that one protocol right?"
It was an agreement we all ratified together. Despite the tactical advantage it provided, we were strictly forbidden from using the Equilibrium Protocol—for the simple reason that, based on our understanding, if our Domain Guardian was defeated under this protocol, our “deaths” or at the least defeat were guaranteed.
Ironically, the same could be said for the Reclamation Protocol, but at least with that one, defeat was farther away. Instead of balancing the fight for fairness, it granted bonus stats, meaning survival was much more feasible.
If you think about it, it’s obvious that this strategy benefits ordinary invaders, not Authority wielders. Based on the patterns we’ve observed so far, the Reclamation Protocol’s balancing could actually work in our favor—just as it did with Tusko Vagar since the balancing process uses G.P. to adjust things fairly.
So why not use it now you ask?
The answer was simple—this wasn’t the same case as Tusko Vagar or Christian. This Authority wielder hadn’t come alone; he brought allies. That’s why I believed it was wiser to treat this as a standard invasion, as the balancing might not work in our favor as much as we might hope it to.
As a Dungeon Core, the concept of death was something I had been slowly forgetting. One can't really blame me for that; I had no body, no heart or brain, and thus no fatal weakness to speak of. To me, death was just a very unlikely prospect. However, since encountering invaders wielding the title "champion," a title acquired through defeating a Dungeon Guardian empowered by one of the two available protocols. I felt like I had discovered what was the equivalent of death for Dungeon Cores like myself: losing all the G.P I had so dedicatedly harvested. There was no way I was allowing that to happen, and the Dungeon Masters agreed with me in that regard.
"I know, I don’t need to take stupid risks to win this. Watch me," Dungeon Master 02 proudly declared as his Guardian opened up the hostilities.
_____________________________
[ Real-time Feedback ]
Guardian, Enhanced, Level 42, used ability: Summon Thunder Minions
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
Lightning Golem, Level 25, joined the battle
_____________________________
“Don’t worry we’re watching.We’re watching.”
“And judging.”
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
HighBreed, Monk, Level 48, used skill: Iron Body
HighBreed, Monk, Level 48, used skill: Iron Body
HighBreed, Warrior, Level 61, used ability: Unbreakable Formation
Verdenkind, Level 50, used skill: Elemental Skin
HighBreed, Level 63, used ability: Celestial Blessing
Verdenkind, Level 50, used skill: Mana Overload
Verdenkind, Level 50, used skill: Arcane Empowerment
_____________________________
Recognizing the danger posed by the newly summoned Lightning Golems, the party quickly moved to reinforce their defenses. Jaime and Jaimy channeled Iron Body, rendering themselves impervious to physical harm. Adriant led the party in Unbreakable Formation, enhancing their collective resilience and translating it into a significant boost in defense. Elowen invoked a series of enhancements, further fortifying her status. Kevin Karstark, the authority wielder, called upon the ability Celestial Blessing, granting holy enhancement to his comrades.
The room crackled with magical and defensive energies as the two forces prepared for the impending clash. And on a move of the summoned Golems, it officially began.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Lightning Golem (3), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (1), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (6), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (4), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (2), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (5), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
_____________________________
The Thunder Minions unleashed a synchronized Chain Lightning attack. The party, in a great display of synchronization, backed off allowing Elowen to step forward.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Verdenkind, Mage, Level 50, used skill: Earth Magic
_____________________________
Raising her arm and staff high, slamming it into the ground as if to split an ocean, the Verdenkind mage summoned a large earth wall between herself and the Lightning Golems.
Even before the Lightning Golem's attack was finished, the Authority wielder, the twin monks, and the warrior semi-circled around the Verdenkind mage's earth barrier. With coordinated precision, they charged straight for the still-attacking Lightning Golems.
"What do you think you're doing," Dungeon Master 02 with a voice full of malice as he had his guardian make a move.
_____________________________
[ Real-time Feedback ]
Guardian, Enhanced, Level 42, used ability: Lightning Surge
HighBreed, Paladin, Level 63, used ability: Guardian Angel
_____________________________
Almost instantly after Dungeon Master 02’s Guardian unleashed his Lightning assault, Kevin Karstark steps forward, invoking his skill Guardian Angel. A radiant barrier enveloped him, absorbing the incoming lightning strikes.
With the Paladin sacrificing himself as a lightning conductor, the twin monks, Jaime and Jaimy, and the warrior, Adriant, seized the opportunity. Swiftly and without hesitation, they charged through the dissipating smoke towards the still-vulnerable Lightning Golems.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Highbreed, Monk, Level 48, used skill: Astral Strike
Highbreed, Monk, Level 48, used skill: Spirit Walk
HighBreed, Warrior, Level 61, used skill: Counter-Attack
_____________________________
The twin monks and the knight unleash a coordinated assault on the Lightning Golems. Jaime used his Astral Strike which allowed him to attack with increased precision, Jaimy's Spirit Walk enhanced to enhance his overall mobility, and Adriant his Counter-Attack allowed him to momentarily return the Golems' passive lightning attacks against them.
As they engaged the Lightning Golems, their coordinated assault began to lower the golems' health. However, with only three invaders focused on the golems, half of them remained untouched. Shifting their attention from the Verdenkind mage, the unharmed golems prepared to strike the trio.
Just as the Lightning Golems were about to unleash their attack, the Authority wielder intervened. Emerging from the dissipating smoke, he redirected the electrical onslaught away from his comrades and onto himself, standing strong and eager for battle.
Alone, he not only held off three Lightning Golems but also began rapidly chipping away at their health. Meanwhile, with the golems' attention diverted by her allies, the Verdenkind mage seized the opportunity to join the assault, further shifting the momentum in the invaders’ favor.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Lightning Golem (2), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
Lightning Golem (5), Level 25, used abilities: Chain Lightning
_____________________________
“Tsk.”
At that moment, we all felt like putting a comment on how this battle was going, but having an idea of what kind of mindset Dungeon Master 02 was most likely in, we decided to spare ourselves from the multi-generations-spanning curse that would be unleashed upon us the moment we opened our mouths.
Perhaps sensing that both I and the other Dungeon Masters wanted to make snarky comments but refrain ourselves from doing so, Dungeon Master 02 had his Guardian act—an act that I was tempted to qualify as impulsive.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Guardian, Enhanced, Level 42, used ability: Resonant Shockwave
_____________________________
Understanding the potential threat posed by the Verdenkind Mage and Highbreed Healer, the enhanced Guardian unleashed Resonant Shockwave in their direction, seeking to eliminate them early in the battle. As the shockwave barreled toward the backline, intent on reaching its targets, it unexpectedly—or rather, not-so-unexpectedly—encountered a determined obstacle.
_____________________________
[Real-time Feedback]
Highbreed, Knight, used ability: Shield Block
_____________________________
With a praise-worthy swiftness, the Highbreed Knight, who didn't join the quartet in their charge and instead remained by the mage and healer's side, raised his shield, intercepting the Resonant Shockwave with a masterful Shield Block. The shockwave, now halted by the knight's unwavering defense, created a protective wedge, sparing the Verdenkind Mage and Highbreed Healer from the impact that would’ve been their end.
_____________________________
Name: Pascal
Level: 49
Race: HighBreed
Class: Knight
Health: 63%
Status: In Combat
『Expand』
_____________________________
Despite the grinding force of the Resonant Shockwave, the knight, despite the damage sustained, stood resolute, his armor showing signs of wear but proving that he was very much alive and operational.
"Is that the best you've got?" We could imagine the Highbreed Knight defiantly exclaiming in whatever strange tongue the people of this world speak, making Dungeon Master 02's annoyance flare up.
Having faced not only one but two Authority wielders, with the last one wielding not only one authority but two, I have come to associate authority wielders as the most dangerous kind of invaders. When it comes to invaders of all kinds, so far, each Authority wielder had been operating on their own, leading us to usually refer to them as lone invaders, be it Lone invader 01 or 02. So, naturally, when we saw this invader, while we were uniquely surprised to see that he wasn't alone, we were expecting him and him alone to be as competent as the one that came before him. What Dungeon Master 02, and I must admit, I and the other Dungeon Masters as well, weren't ready for was to not only see the authority wielder to be competent, but his comrades as well. I guess this lesson will serve us well; we grew too conceited to see everything that isn't an authority-wielder invading our domain as being of lesser intellect.
Time I guess to rewatch our approach.
