Episode 19: The Orpheus Tablet
The world’s deepest Dungeon, [Orpheus], located in Israel—
This White Dungeon, Orpheus, had distinct characteristics that set it apart from other Dungeons.
Seekers who entered for investigation discovered ruins with writing on them in the middle layers.
The script closely resembled hieroglyphs used in ancient Egypt, believed to be of human origin.
Researchers deciphered the writing, successfully translating most of it, except for some parts.
It contained information about monsters and magic.
It also hinted at the involvement of Dungeons in human history, depicting how ancient civilizations were influenced by them.
A particularly significant relic was a large Stone Tablet, measuring three meters in height and two meters in width.
At the top of this Stone Tablet, six Demon Ores were arranged in a row, followed by twelve Demon Ores below them, and then twenty-four Demon Ores beneath those.
Hieroglyphs were inscribed on the lower part of the Stone Tablet, where there were no Demon Ores.
The officials of the International Dungeon Research Organization considered this Stone Tablet the most important ‘Dungeon relic’ and decided to place it in the most prominent location on the floor housing several research labs.
The Stone Tablet, leaning against the wall and protected by reinforced glass, was observed by Ethan Noble, an authority in Dungeon research, who wore an audacious smile.
“So, it was true. I wondered what all the fuss was about with the other researchers making such a racket.”
Clark, Ethan’s assistant standing next to him, looked up at the Stone Tablet with a dubious expression.
“A Duke has been defeated, hasn’t he? That should be the third case. I wonder who did it?”
The two were looking at the third row from the top of the Stone Tablet, where twenty-four Demon Ores were displayed. Among them, three Demon Ores—red, blue, and black—were shattered.
“It’s interesting that the ‘Black Demon Ore’ was the one that shattered this time,” Ethan remarked with interest. Clark nodded once and continued.
“They are currently confirming with governments around the world. Defeating a Duke would require a considerable Seeker clan or military force.”
“Heh… venturing into the Black Dungeon, which yields no profit, and even diving deep into its depths? Some people are truly eccentric.”
“If they are focusing on exploring the Black Dungeon, could it be the University of England?”
“They are certainly advancing the research of ‘Demon Ore’ there, but I doubt they have Seekers capable of diving that deep.”
“Then, another country?”
“Well, yes. Considering countries with large ‘Black Dungeons,’ that would be India, Russia, Australia, and Brazil, I suppose?”
Ethan pondered for a moment, then clapped his hands as if remembering something. “Ah, that’s right.”
“I believe there was one in Japan as well. But exploration there hasn’t progressed much, so the possibility is low.”
While many researchers looked up at the Stone Tablet and discussed it, Ethan turned his back to the Stone Tablet and began to walk away. Clark followed behind him.
Clark sighed as he watched Ethan return to his lab, humming a tune.
He thought that the defeat of a Duke was probably not a big deal to this man.
After the two left, the massive Stone Tablet stood eerily silent.
The Orpheus Tablet—
It described special Monsters and indicated their hierarchy of strength.
From the top, there were six Kings, twelve Lords, and twenty-four Dukes.
These Monsters were called unique monsters among researchers and had garnered attention.
Two Dukes and one Lord had already been defeated. This Duke’s defeat was the first in three years.
There was a reason why the International Dungeon Research Organization and governments around the world were closely monitoring these defeats.
It was because the text written on the Stone Tablet contained the following description:
‘When all the Monsters shown here are defeated, a great change will come to humanity.’
Whether this change would be good or bad for humanity was entirely unknown.
However, for Ethan, it didn’t matter either way.
What was important to him was whether he could conduct interesting research.
That was all.