As Thorian awoke, the first sensation that washed over him was a profound sigh that seemed to escape his very soul. So today is the day, he mused silently, a heavy weight settling in his chest, the day we challenge that monstrous dungeon. I just hope no one perishes under my watch.

Memories of Eärendil's horrors crept into Thorian's mind, vivid and daunting. He had faced this dungeon in a past life, yet the version that had tested his limits back then was merely a shadow of its true, uncorrupted self. William, lord of Raven's Nest during that era, had once shared tales of staggering losses they endured while battling the dungeon in its full, tainted state. The version Thorian had conquered was significantly more benign, a stark contrast to the nightmarish accounts he had heard.

But that fool never disclosed the true extent of what he encountered, Thorian reflected with a tinge of bitterness. And the version I cleared? It was mere child's play - just a handful of monsters and a final, arduous showdown against one of the elves.

With another sigh, Thorian rose from his bed, bracing himself for the day ahead. There was no respite for a lord; he needed to maintain constant vigilance and peak efficiency.

Stepping outside his dwelling, Thorian found Harald asleep by the door. His companion had grown so large that navigating the entrance had become a daily ordeal. Eventually, Harald opted to slumber outdoors rather than endure the struggle of squeezing through the doorway.

"These houses were clearly not designed with our needs in mind," Thorian muttered, clicking his tongue in mild frustration as he surveyed the village. "In fact, none of these structures were."

Shaking his head to dispel these thoughts, Thorian concluded, This issue will likely be resolved once we advance to the town stage and gain greater control over these structures.

As he made his way to the usual meeting spot with Alacritas, Thorian felt a wave of relief wash over him at the sight of the silver assassin already waiting. "It's good to see you here, Alacritas," he greeted, his face breaking into a rare smile.

Alacritas, ever the embodiment of solemnity, offered a slight bow. "The pleasure is mine, my lord," he responded with customary formality.

Thorian took a moment to carefully choose his words before delivering his instructions. "Today, I want you to refrain from any deep investigations. Given our agreement with Nalia, she should be cautious about crossing you. However, avoid her base and abstain from spying on the Lord, as she has dealings with him. Instead, focus on the other key players: the merchant lady, the nobles, and William's family."

Alacritas, stroking his chin thoughtfully, countered, "But my lord, it seems apparent that the lady harbors bad intentions towards Locksley's lord. Would it be prudent to give her free rein without surveillance?"

Thorian exhaled a weary sigh. "The issue is that she can track you with relative ease. If I'm reading her correctly, she'll likely bide her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike you down and do with William as she pleases. Then, she would likely launch an assault on us while we remain oblivious."

Upon hearing Thorian's analysis, a visible change swept over Alacritas's face, his expression twisting in self-reproach as he swallowed hard. "I am truly sorry, my lord, for my inadequacies."

"No, under any other circumstances, your efforts would have been exemplary," Thorian reassured, shaking his head, inwardly chastising himself for inadvertently causing distress. "It's just that our current adversary is exceptionally cunning and powerful. The resources at her disposal are both vast and enigmatic."

"Still, I wish I could contribute more," Alacritas admitted, his teeth gritted in frustration, his hand clenched tightly.

Thorian offered a gentle smile to the silver assassin, opting to steer the conversation in a new direction. "Tell me, how has your progression been? What level have you achieved?"

Caught off guard by the sudden inquiry, Alacritas paused to consult his status window before replying. "I am currently at level 28 in my race and 25 in my class."

"That's commendable," Thorian nodded approvingly. "Perhaps you should spend some time in the abyss during today's expedition. It could aid in reaching the threshold for evolution."

Alacritas's brow furrowed in concern. "But my lord, wouldn't that detract from my scouting responsibilities?"

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Thorian shook his head, offering a different perspective. "Being overly concerned with small details at the expense of greater gains is shortsighted. While scouting provides us with valuable intelligence, your personal growth and strength are paramount. All the information in the world is futile if we lack the strength to act on it."

Alacritas pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement. "I will heed your advice, lord. My team and I will take on the abyss today."

"I eagerly anticipate your evolution," Thorian said, patting Alacritas's shoulder encouragingly.

"Then I shall leave you to your responsibilities, my lord." With those final words, Alacritas vanished, leaving no trace of his presence behind.

"He really isn't fond of socializing, is he?" Thorian chuckled to himself, watching as the silver assassin disappeared.

With that, he set off towards the Village Hall. After collecting his daily quests, Thorian made his way to the Cultivation Hall. Meditating for two and a half hours had become an unexpectedly enjoyable part of his routine. It was one of those rare moments where he could sit back, free from the burdens of kingdom management and the looming shadow of threats. His only focus was the rhythmic inhalation of ether, transforming it into Qi within his dantian.

Following his meditation session, nestled in his now snug wooden tub, Thorian decided to assess his progress.

Cultivation Realm Qi Gathering Sixth Stage (89.3%)

'So, I will be reaching the seventh stage tomorrow?' he thought, pleased with his advancement. His mind wandered to the stages beyond "Qi Gathering." I'm approaching the threshold of the Foundation Realm. I'll need to prepare for the tribulation accompanying that transition.

Yet, such considerations seemed a bit premature. Shaking his head to clear these thoughts, Thorian carefully rose from the wooden tub, mindful not to damage it.

Glancing back at his wooden tub, Thorian's brow arched in sudden realization. How in the world would Zogarth fit in now, especially after his evolution? We definitely need larger tubs.

This thought led him to a broader reflection. Lately, the issue of size seemed increasingly prevalent in every aspect of their lives. 'Adapting to being a monster is indeed challenging. The entire territorial system seems designed with humans in mind, so it's unreasonable to expect it to cater to our unique needs.'

After tidying up the tub and himself, as had become his routine, Thorian made his way to the village hall. There, he found Zogarth standing befuddled at the gate, while Forlune was doubled over with laughter.

The cause of the commotion was unmistakable: Zogarth could no longer fit through the Village Hall's doorway.

Suppressing the urge to chuckle, Thorian approached the pair with a measured expression. "It appears we have a situation," he remarked dryly.

"Oh, indeed we do," Forlune managed between laughs, wiping away tears of mirth. "I knew Zogarth had grown, but never imagined he'd be too large for the door! This will be a tale for the ages."

"Enough, Forlune," Zogarth snapped, his teeth clenched in embarrassment. "This is humiliating enough without you making a spectacle of it."

Seeking to shift the conversation, Thorian asked Zogarth, "Can you still register and claim quests?"

Zogarth nodded, a hint of relief in his expression. "Melina has been accommodating, handling all of that for me so I don't have to squeeze in here."

"Good, then the situation isn't entirely dire," Thorian replied, before posing another query. "And what of the Cultivation Hall?"

"I've spoken with the elders," Zogarth informed. "I'm unable to use the rooms for cultivation, but the corridor is spacious enough, thanks to the larger main gate."

Thorian rubbed his head, contemplating the implications. "This is going to present quite a challenge."

"It already is," Forlune interjected, barely suppressing another laugh. "A general who can't enter any village building – you couldn't have thought of a better joke even if you tried."

Zogarth shot a glare at Forlune, then exhaled a resigned sigh. "I am truly sorry, my lord. Perhaps I should have chosen a different evolution. This is quite embarrassing."

"Alright, we'll conduct our meeting outdoors today," Thorian interjected, keen to lift the spirits before they dampened further. "As for your size, don't fret. After our next upgrade, the buildings will expand to accommodate you."

"Really?" Zogarth's eyes brightened with renewed hope. "I am relieved to hear that."

"Anyway, we don't have much to discuss, so it'll be a brief meeting," Thorian continued. "I'll just collect my rewards for the cultivation quest and then join you in the outer region. Inform everyone on the council to gather there and establish a private perimeter."

"I shall heed your instructions," Zogarth affirmed, departing with Forlune, who was still fighting back his mirth.

Shaking his head in mild amusement, Thorian entered the Village Hall, where Melina greeted him. After receiving his quest rewards, Melina queried, "My lord, are you planning to venture into Eärendil today?"

"Yes, I am," Thorian confirmed with a nod. "Do you have any advice that might aid me?"

Melina paused, her expression turning solemn. After a moment, she nodded. "I do." Leaning in closer, she spoke in a grave tone, "The moment you encounter the spirits, my lord, run as swiftly as you can."