Chapter 16: Turmoil in the Royal Capital – Part 18
“Now, to conclude our discussion on the ‘Wandering Dungeon,’ we have cross-referenced information from the royal family and the Inner Elf Village, leading us to the following conclusions. Julius.”
“Yes.”
As the latter part of the meeting commenced, Prime Minister Julius began his explanation under the directive of His Majesty the King.
“According to the records, the ‘Wandering Dungeon’ has been observed twice in the past. The first occurrence was approximately 400 years ago, during which a powerful monster known as the ‘Evil Dragon’ emerged, threatening many nations. At that time, the ‘Wandering Dungeon’ appeared in various locations, and it is said that warriors who traversed it gained immense power. Notably, the ‘Evil Dragon’ was ultimately defeated by those warriors.”
“Although this tale predates the founding of our nation, it seems to be passed down as folklore in certain regions. Please continue.”
“Yes. The second occurrence was about 200 years ago, and this relates to the legendary adventurer mentioned earlier by His Holiness the Pope. It is said that a monster of continental proportions appeared during this time, and prior to that calamity, the ‘Wandering Dungeon’ manifested. Of course, that adventurer managed to conquer several of these dungeons.”
“While there are only two recorded instances, it appears that significant disasters on this continent occur in a 200-year cycle, with the ‘Wandering Dungeon’ serving as a precursor. It seems reasonable to conclude that the ‘Wandering Dungeon’ plays a role in bestowing power upon humans. Lord Soushi and his companions have indeed conquered two of them; what were your impressions?”
Prompted by His Majesty, I nodded in acknowledgment.
“I also had a conversation with a person named Lyra Nora, who resides in the lowest depths. It seems undeniable that the ‘Wandering Dungeon’ exists to grant power to humans. She referred to it as the ‘Ancient Providence.'”
“I am curious about the nature of this ‘Ancient Providence,’ but if it is certain that the ‘Wandering Dungeon’ bestows power, we must consider that a calamity is imminent. If this refers to the invasion of the ‘Kin of Twilight’ or the emergence of a ‘Demon,’ the situation could escalate quickly…”
As the King turned his gaze toward the Prime Minister, he continued.
“The current issues at hand seem to be the invasion of the ‘Kin of Twilight,’ the emergence of ‘Demons,’ and the covert activities surrounding the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld.’ However, there is something else that concerns me. Lord Dwight, would you care to elaborate?”
“Indeed. The guild’s statistics reveal a gradual increase in monsters appearing on the surface over the past year. Previously, only three to four monsters would emerge along the highways throughout the year, but in the last year, that number has surged tenfold. Additionally, there have been reports of higher-ranked monsters appearing across various regions. We have issued multiple investigation requests for unexplored areas to check for the emergence of new dungeons, but so far, there have been no significant reports.”
“An unexplained increase in monsters, and I hear that the Saint has received a divine revelation?”
Encouraged by the Prime Minister, His Holiness the Pope nodded and spoke.
“Yes. It is said that a divine revelation was bestowed upon the Saint last night: ‘Soon, the King of Demons shall descend upon this continent.'”