Sometime before the end of the Simulation.

In the lush forest surrounding Fable's dungeon, a group of eight adventurers made their way towards Fabled Lake. The party consisted of three warriors, two archers, a scout specializing in daggers, and a mage, all tasked with escorting two important figures: Lady Aurelia and Lord Marcus Blackwood.

As they walked, the two archers, a tall, lean man named Elias and a shorter, stocky woman named Vera, engaged in casual conversation. "Once we return to Duramara, I plan on visiting my family," Elias said, his voice filled with anticipation. "It's been months since I've seen them."

Vera nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "I'm looking forward to a nice, hot bath and a good meal at the tavern. Nothing beats the food there."

One of the warriors, a burly man with a thick beard named Garen, chimed in. "Why don't we throw a celebration at the guild hall when this commission is over? We deserve it after all our hard work." He playfully bumped the shoulder of the warrior to his right, the group's leader, a stern-faced man named Thorne. "And maybe this buzzkill can find himself a date."

Thorne shot Garen a disapproving look but remained silent, focused on the task at hand.

Leading the group was the scout, a skinny, agile woman named Lyra. Her keen eyes scanned the surroundings, alert for any potential threats. The mage, an elderly man named Oren, walked beside her, his staff glowing faintly with arcane energy.

In the center of the formation, Lady Aurelia and Lord Marcus walked side by side. Lady Aurelia, a young woman with delicate features and long, golden hair, exuded an air of grace and poise. Her brother, Lord Marcus, was a tall, handsome man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He carried himself with confidence and authority, befitting his status as the heir to the Blackwood family.

As they walked, Vera struck up a conversation with Lady Aurelia. "I heard the Blackwood family visits Great Beast Lake every year. It must be quite a sight to behold."

Lady Aurelia smiled, her eyes shining with excitement. "Indeed, it is. The lake is truly breathtaking, and the surrounding forest is so peaceful. It's a wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature's beauty."

Their conversation was interrupted by Thorne, who approached the two nobles with a respectful bow. "Lady Aurelia, Lord Marcus, we are about to arrive at Great Beast Lake. If for whatever reason the Lake's Guardian Turtle is awake, I ask that you keep your distance."

Lord Marcus nodded, his expression serious. "Naturally. We understand the importance of caution."

Lady Aurelia, however, looked puzzled. "Brother, why do we need to be wary of the Guardian? Isn't it usually quite docile?"

Lord Marcus shook his head, his brow furrowed. "That's only when Father is around, Aurelia. The Guardian Turtle is an ancient and powerful creature, and its temperament can be unpredictable. It's best not to take any chances."

He turned to Thorne, his voice firm. "We will heed your advice, Thorne. The safety of my sister and myself is of the utmost importance."

Thorne bowed once more. "Of course, my lord. We will do everything in our power to ensure your protection."

Time passed and the group began to talk and gossip; Marcus spoke with Vera about catching a deer for them to grill later that night. The prospect of a hearty meal after their journey brought smiles to their faces, and they eagerly discussed the best ways to prepare the venison.

Twenty-five minutes passed, and a light appeared, guiding them towards the clearing. Lady Aurelia, her excitement growing, rushed ahead of the group, a wide grin plastered on her face. Lyra, noticing the young noblewoman's haste, quickly followed behind her. Thorne, worried, called out to Lady Aurelia, but she ignored him, rushing to the tree line before coming to a complete stop. The others saw her take a step back, nearly falling, but Lyra caught her just in time.

Marcus, concerned for his sister, rushed forward, calling out to her. "Aurelia! What's wrong?" However, as he approached, his nose began to shrivel up, and he glanced towards the clearing, his pace slowing.

Aurelia started crying softly, and the rest of the adventurers caught up. Marcus, frowning, turned to the group. "I need you to investigate the corpses. See if you can determine the cause of death of these animals. We're two days away from Duramara, and if there's a new type of magical beast in the area, we need to inform my father."

As he spoke, Marcus kept his eyes fixed on the strange altar in the center of the clearing. It was an imposing structure, crafted from dark grey stone, with five tall pillars at each corner. Atop each pillar sat a deep blue crystal ball, shimmering with an inner light that seemed to ripple with magical energy. The altar's surface was etched with golden characters in an unknown language, their mysterious glyphs catching the sunlight and glowing softly against the stony backdrop. In the center, a stairway carved directly into the stone led downwards, disappearing into the shadows below.

Marcus's frown deepened as he studied the altar, certain that it had not been there before. He turned to Lyra. "Bring my sister over to the altar. We'll wait there while the others finish their investigation."

As they began to walk towards the altar, Oren called out to Thorne. "Captain, the altar is releasing a sizable amount of mana into the clearing. We should be careful."

Thorne nodded, his expression grim. He turned to two of his warriors. "Darius, Garen, watch over the noble siblings."

Darius, a towering figure with a muscular build and a few small scars on his rugged face, nodded solemnly. His intense eyes and vigilant posture reflected his skills as a seasoned warrior. Garen, the burly man with the thick beard, agreed as well, his jovial nature temporarily subdued by the grim scene before them.

The two warriors followed behind Marcus and Lyra, their hands resting on the hilts of their weapons, ready to defend the nobles at a moment's notice. As they walked, they couldn't help but glance at the corpses of the animals scattered around the clearing, a sense of unease settling in their hearts.

The adventurers dispersed to investigate the scene while Marcus approached the Fabled Altar with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. He ran his fingers along the intricate engravings, marveling at the craftsmanship and the pulsing magical energy that seemed to emanate from the stone. The deep blue crystal balls atop the pillars cast an eerie glow, their inner light flickering like trapped souls.

Marcus's mind raced with questions. What was the purpose of this altar? Who had built it, and why had it appeared so suddenly in a place he had visited countless times before? He leaned in closer, studying the golden characters etched into the surface, hoping to decipher their meaning.

Meanwhile, Vera, Thorne, Oren, Lyra, and Elias carefully examined the corpses scattered throughout the clearing. They searched for any signs of injury or illness, but found nothing that could explain the mass death. The animals appeared to have simply dropped dead where they stood, their eyes wide and glassy, their bodies still warm.

Vera knelt beside a deer, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I don't see any wounds or signs of a struggle," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's like they just... died."

Thorne nodded grimly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "I don't like this. Something's not right here."

Oren, the elderly mage, closed his eyes and extended his hand over the corpse of a bird. He muttered an incantation, and a faint blue light emanated from his palm, probing the lifeless form. After a moment, he sighed and shook his head. "There's a residue of magic here, but I can't determine its nature. It's unlike anything I've encountered before."

Lyra, her keen eyes scanning the tree line for any signs of danger, spoke up. "We should report this to Lord Blackwood. If there's a new threat in the area, he needs to know."

Elias nodded in agreement, his bow at the ready. "And we need to keep Lady Aurelia and Lord Marcus safe. Who knows what else might be lurking in these woods?"

As the group finished their investigation, they gathered around the Fabled Altar, watching as Marcus continued to study the pillars with growing interest. Thorne cleared his throat, drawing the young lord's attention. "My lord, we've completed our examination of the corpses, but we were unable to determine the cause of death. Oren believes magic may be involved, but we have no proof."

Oren nodded, his eyes drifting towards the stairway leading down into the altar. "If we want answers, we may have to venture inside," he said, his voice heavy with trepidation. "But I must warn you, my lord, we have no idea what lies beneath."

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***

Present Time.

[The simulation has desynced due to outside interference.]

[426 years have been simulated, resulting in a rich history, the birth of 1 monster race, and the birth of 1 demi-human race]

[85% of all animals, due to constant exposure to the dungeon's mana over the 426 years of generations, have become magical beasts.]

[Congratulations, to the host for completing your first simulation.]

Fable, once engrossed in the system messages, now wore a puzzled expression. "Desynced due to outside interference?" he muttered, turning his attention back towards the 3D model of his dungeon's first floor. Indeed, nine figures could be seen entering the floor via the stairway. He zoomed in to look at their faces, noting that Thorne's group was in awe. Fable did not know who they were, but he could see their levels.

The group consisted of two level 6 individuals, Lady Aurelia and Lord Marcus, who appeared to be nobles. They were accompanied by a level 9 warrior named Thorne, a level 9 mage named Oren, two level 8 archers named Elias and Vera, a level 7 rogue named Lyra, and two level 7 warriors named Garen and Darius.

Fable frowned; he still had 74 years remaining in the simulation. He wondered if he would get a refund or if the simulation would continue once these intruders were dealt with or left. However, the system interrupted his thoughts.

[Host, Soul Points will not be refunded if the simulation is interrupted; it's the Host's responsibility to ensure simulations remain uninterrupted, not the system's.]

Fable tried arguing with the system, stating that it wasn't fair for him to be held responsible when he had no way of preventing people from wandering in. However, the system defended itself.

[If the Host did not wish the simulation to be interrupted, then the Host should have made use of Floor 0.]

[While Floor 0 can only host one type of monster that is unable to rise above level 5, these monsters could have served as a modest deterrent.]

Fable held his head, annoyedly stating, "You never told me about this, System." However, the system simply responded.

[The System is the system, not the Host's babysitter. If the Host has any questions or concerns, then the Host should ask the System.]

Fable, while annoyed, knew the system was speaking the truth. The system had only addressed his questions or worries after he had asked. The system didn't even inform him about the people that entered his dungeon, only that the simulation was interrupted.

Fable laid back, letting out a sigh. "Whatever, I don't know why I expected to have a proactive system; I guess he felt it would be cheating if he gave me some omnipotent steward."

Fable laid there for a few more seconds before slowly turning his attention to the 3D model with the group of intruders in view. An idea struck him, and he asked the system, "System, can the people of this world see me?"

[Only beings under the influence of the dungeon are currently able to perceive the Host.]

Fable's smile grew as he continued his line of questioning. "And what about damage? Can my spiritual body be injured by them or the dungeon's creatures?"

[Host, it is impossible for beings who inhabit the dungeon to cause harm to their Dungeon Master. Also, the Host's spiritual body is just an extension of the Host's main body. Only if the Dungeon Core suffers damage will the Host be injured or even killed.]

Fable's grin widened, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. He turned his attention back to the 3D model, observing the group of intruders engaged in a discussion. Unfortunately, the model lacked sound, leaving their conversation a mystery to him.

A thought struck Fable, and he posed another question to the system. "Is it possible for me to move to different locations in my dungeon instantly?"

[Affirmative, Host,]

[You can use the Dungeon Core as a nexus and teleport to any location in the dungeon using the 3D model. However, while the Host can freely return to the Core Space from any location, the Host must return to the Core Space to teleport to another location in the dungeon.]

Fable's smile faded, replaced by a confused expression. He furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of the system's explanation. "So, I can teleport to any location in the dungeon as long as I'm in the Core Space, and I can return to the Core Space from any location in the dungeon, but I can't teleport from point A to point B in the dungeon without returning to the Core Space first?"

[Affirmative, Host,]

Fable, still wearing a confused expression, muttered to himself, "That's stupid," but ultimately shrugged his shoulders.

During his brief conversation with the system, he watched as the group split into two parties. One, consisting of Marcus, Thorne, Elias, and Lyra, left the flower field and entered the rainforest, while the other, comprising Oren, Garen, Vera, Darius, and Aurelia, sat in the flower field, engaged in leisurely conversation.

Fable faced a choice; he could enter the flower field and relax while gathering information through the casual conversations of the group, or he could follow the other group into the rainforest, observing them using their skills in combat and possibly overhearing any information they might discuss.

For Fable, the decision wasn't difficult. He chose the latter option and tapped on a location next to the group that had ventured into the rainforest. With a simple thought of himself appearing in that spot, Fable teleported to the desired location, remaining undetected by the group.

Meanwhile, in the flower field Oren moved a short distance away, settling into a meditative pose to immerse himself in the mana flowing through the area, Darius and Garen engaged in a lively discussion about their plans for a grand celebration upon completing their mission. Their boisterous laughter and animated gestures filled the air, a stark contrast to the somber scene they had witnessed earlier.

Amidst the chatter, Lady Aurelia and Vera found themselves drawn into a conversation of their own. They sat together on a fallen log, the vibrant blooms of the field swaying gently around them in the warm breeze. Aurelia, her eyes still slightly red from her earlier tears, looked to Vera with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

"Vera, I've always wondered what it's like to be an archer," Aurelia began, her voice soft but genuine. "The precision and focus it must require... it's truly impressive."

Vera, taken aback by the young noblewoman's interest, smiled warmly. "It's a skill that takes years to master, my lady," she replied, her tone both proud and humble. "But the satisfaction of hitting your mark, of knowing that your arrow will find its target... there's nothing quite like it."

Aurelia nodded, her eyes wide with fascination. "I can only imagine. In truth, I've always been a bit envious of those who can pursue their passions so freely." She paused, a wistful expression crossing her face. "As a member of the Blackwood family, my path has been laid out for me since birth. Duty and obligation come before personal desires."

Vera, sensing the weight of Aurelia's words, placed a comforting hand on the young woman's shoulder. "But surely, my lady, there must be things that bring you joy outside of your responsibilities?"

Aurelia's face brightened, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "Oh, there are!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I adore riding through the countryside, feeling the wind in my hair and the freedom of the open road. And I love to read, to lose myself in the pages of a good book and imagine myself in far-off lands and on grand adventures."

Vera chuckled, her own eyes sparkling with understanding. "I can relate to that," she said, her voice warm with shared experience. "When I'm not training or on a mission, I find solace in the quiet of nature. There's a spot just outside Duramara, a hidden grove where the trees seem to whisper secrets and the birds sing the most beautiful melodies. It's my own little slice of paradise."

Aurelia leaned forward, her interest piqued. "That sounds lovely, Vera. You must take me there sometime, when we return to the city."

Vera nodded, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "I would be honored, my lady. And perhaps, in return, you could show me some of your favorite places in Duramara? I've heard tales of the city's grandeur, but I've never had the chance to explore it properly."

Aurelia's eyes lit up, her excitement palpable. "Oh, there are so many wonderful places!" she gushed, her hands gesturing animatedly. "The Gilded Plaza, with its shimmering fountains and intricate mosaics. The Iron Shield Arena, where the bravest warriors test their mettle against each other. And the library, oh, the library! It's a treasure trove of knowledge, with books on every subject imaginable."

As the two women continued to talk, their conversation flowing easily from one topic to another, they found a kinship in their shared love of beauty and adventure. For a moment, the grim realities of their mission faded away, replaced by the simple joy of connection and understanding.

Oren, lost in his meditation, remained oblivious to the chatter around him, his mind focused solely on the ebb and flow of mana in the field. Darius and Garen, their own conversation growing more boisterous by the minute, paid little heed to the quiet exchange between the noblewoman and the archer.

Aurelia gently plucked a vibrant flower from the field, twirling it between her fingers as she let out a heavy sigh. "The Nexus Empire is a mess outside of Duramara," she lamented, her eyes scanning the colorful blooms that surrounded her. "Greed and corruption run rampant, and the people suffer while the wealthy and powerful play their games."

Vera nodded in agreement, her own expression somber. "It's a harsh reality, my lady. But perhaps, with leaders like you and your family, there's hope for change."

As the two women continued their conversation, Darius and Garen found themselves growing restless. The excitement of their earlier discussion about celebrations had waned, and they itched for some action. Garen turned to Darius, a mischievous grin on his face. "What say we have a friendly duel to pass the time?" he suggested, his hand already reaching for his sword.

Darius, never one to back down from a challenge, nodded eagerly. "You're on," he replied, his own sword sliding from its sheath. "Let's see if you've been practicing, old friend."

The two warriors took their stances, their blades glinting in the sunlight that filtered through the trees. They were about to begin their duel when a stone suddenly flew in from the distance, smacking against the back of Darius's head. He stumbled forward, his free hand instinctively reaching for the point of impact. When he pulled his hand away, he saw blood staining his fingers.

Darius's eyes narrowed, fury etched across his face. "Who threw that?" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the clearing. "Show yourself, coward!"

His demand was met with another stone, hurtling towards him from the same direction. This time, however, Darius was prepared. With a swift swing of his sword, he cleaved the stone in two, the pieces falling harmlessly to the ground.

The commotion drew the attention of the rest of the group. Vera, her keen archer's eyes scanning the treeline, followed the trajectory of the stone. She pointed towards the top of a distant tree, where three small figures could be seen perched among the branches.

As the group focused their attention on the tree, they realized that the figures were not human. They were children, but their appearance was unlike anything the adventurers had ever seen before. The children had the features of both humans and ocelots, with smooth skin, cat-like ears atop their heads, and long, feline tails. Their faces were adorned with spots and stripes, reminiscent of the wild cats that roamed the forests.

The Ocelot-kin children, unaware of the confusion and surprise they had caused among the humans below, laughed gleefully as they prepared to throw another rock. They had never encountered beings like these before, and in their youthful innocence, they saw the strangers as nothing more than an amusing new toy.