In the coastal city of Mirriandelle, the second most important city in the kingdom of Eldoria despite not being a Ducal city, a thriving port had secured its prominence. Its bustling docks, among the two most active on this side of the world, attracted merchants, nobles, and adventurers alike. These groups, along with sailors and the remnants of the now-diminished Handlers profession, formed the backbone of the city’s prosperity. The rise of the Adventurer’s Guild, a trustworthy alternative to the old Handler system, had further cemented Mirriandelle’s status. With adventurers hunting bandits as a paid activity, the once-plaguing issue of banditry had been eradicated, ensuring the safe passage of goods and enriching the city’s trade.

Wherever a city thrived, the construction of castles and temples followed. Mirriandelle was no exception. The first castles and temples dedicated to the kingdom’s three deities were built during its earliest days. Over time, the temples expanded alongside the city, but none grew as grand as the Býg'mæk temple, which from its inception was designed to be monumental. Now the city’s largest structure, it stood as a symbol of faith and prosperity.

Deep within this very temple, in a highly secretive room, seven individuals of great importance gathered around a round table. The tension in the air hinted at a long and arduous discussion nearing its conclusion.

"Well then, gentlemen, I believe we have a deal," a red-haired young man declared, glancing to his left and right.

To his left sat three kings, their gazes piercing. Despite their intimidating presence, Licht, the red-haired young man, remained unfazed. He had seen more intimidating people in his life. These men were King Lance, ruler of the Evermere Kingdom and one of the first kings; King Floren, the newly crowned ruler of Eldoria; and Dorian, the youngest of the trio, who had replaced the missing king of the Waldow Kingdom.

Licht smiled warmly, addressing them, "We have terms, right?"

The kings nodded in agreement. Satisfied, Licht turned to the trio on his right. This group was no less imposing, though for different reasons.

High Reverend Micah, a stern-looking middle-aged man with gray-golden hair and hazel eyes, sat in his black priestly robes adorned with the emblem of the Keysbrügr faith. Beside him was Paladin Lucius, a golden-haired man in his early thirties, whose relaxed demeanor belied his title as Custodian Paladin and Divine Emissary of the Býg'mæk faith. The last figure, childlike in appearance, was the most intriguing, for he looked no older than nine. And yet he was, without a doubt, a centuries-old angelic being, titled by the Seraphim of Peace as the "Most Beautiful Angel."

Failing to suppress a warm smile once he looked directly at the angel, Licht swallowed and declared, "Since I’ve heard no objections from the representatives of the faith, I assume the terms are acceptable to you as well."

The trio exchanged apprehensive glances before nodding, thus concluding the secret meeting.

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The first to leave were the three kings, who departed hastily, leaving Licht with the faith representatives. As High Reverend Micah prepared to leave, he paused and addressed Licht, his tone laced with disappointment and disdain. "To think you’d end up working for her instead of anyone else."

Licht had anticipated this moment. Bowing his head slightly, he replied, "I understand your disappointment, Your Grace. I feel I’ve betrayed your trust by choosing her after promising to consider your offer. However, this is the path I must follow, as it aligns with what I truly am at heart—an adventurer."

The High Reverend sneered. "What a shame."

"Indeed, Your Grace," Licht said solemnly. "But I believe our paths will cross again. It would be an honor to work with your faith in the future to rid the world of the terrible plague that dungeons are."

The High Reverend Micah sneered once more. "I suppose, between dealing with you or her, you’re the more reasonable choice." Turning to leave, he added, "Tell her we will not interfere in her folly. But before she throws her life away, ensure she teaches you thoroughly how to exterminate dungeons."

Nodding respectfully, Licht watched as the High Reverend exited. He then turned to the two remaining figures. The archangel smiled warmly at Licht before leaving without a word. Moments later, a silver-haired girl entered the room, closing the door behind her.

Paladin Lucius, now speaking with a different tone, remarked, "As Micah said, it’s surprising you ended up working with her. We spent years ensuring you wouldn’t get involved with her because of how dangerous it was, only for this to happen. It’s almost as if she planned it."

"She definitely planned it," Licht admitted with a wince.

It had taken her explanation for Licht to realize why she specifically requested his presence for their quest to retrieve the Rule and Overrule Authority.

She didn’t need him, at least not for that mission. This is what she needed him for. She wanted him to inherit the knowledge that had made her unique—a knowledge so significant that it allowed her to operate freely, unchallenged, for years in the land of men. This knowledge was the secret to exterminating dungeons, something she had never shared with anyone who isn’t a dungeon master.

Lucius sighed. "Well, at least it’s not the worst of outcomes. Being chosen for this means that from here on out you’ll be protected from both the faith and the emperor’s lackeys, no matter the result of all this."

Noticing Lucius’s concerned expression, Licht asked, "Do you think she might fail?"

Lucius grimaced. "Far be it from me to doubt her planning abilities. She’s proven herself time and again. But I know her well enough to recognize her flaws. She can be stubborn and impatient."

"Stubborn... impatient," Licht echoed, struggling to reconcile these traits with his perception of her. "Do you think she’s rushing things?"

Lucius shook his head. "She’s learned to control those impulses over the years. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have survived this long. I trust she’ll take the necessary precautions to avoid failure. Still, I can’t help but feel the timing is too aggressive, even for her. The worst part is I know what’s most likely driving her urgency, and it’s not something I can veto against."

It took Licht a moment to understand what Lucius was referring to, and once he did, his mood darkened. Sensing this, Lucius patted his shoulder and sighed. "Forgive me. I didn’t mean to be so pessimistic. Let’s be optimistic and pray to the Goddess that everything goes as she so thoroughly planned."

"Yes," Licht agreed. "Let’s hope for that."