Upon awakening, John tasked Max with announcing that two new songs would be released in a week's time. He also requested the dungeon to ready his quarters. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the potential earnings from the song, John deemed it crucial to secure accommodation on the tenth floor within three days. With the dungeon undergoing changes, he foresaw others' greed and the need for a sanctuary in case his position was challenged. John warned that if he were to perish in aiding the dungeon or fall victim to an attack, the remaining songs would be lost. He expressed no desire to coerce, but stressed the importance of having a refuge to prevent a mutual loss. To ensure the dungeon understood the gravity of the situation, he advised it to monitor the conversations about him in the following days.

The dungeon, having heard John's request through Max, was not concerned about potential issues. However, it acknowledged the risk of losing the other songs and the lack of accountability that would follow. It announced that the second song would be released in a week. Eager to return and enjoy the music with Max, the dungeon was interrupted when it overheard the main guard, Bob, plotting to coerce John into making further changes to the dungeon. Bob was stirring discontent among others, accusing John of greed for charging for music access. Additionally, the dungeon caught wind of two elven women scheming to ensnare John. With less than an hour passed, the dungeon realized John was facing danger for his assistance. Reflecting on its existence pre-John, it recognized the stark contrast: no music and significantly less power. John's influence had rapidly strengthened it. Determined to inform Max of the unfolding situation, the dungeon planned to use its ample power to construct a sanctuary for John and appoint guards to protect him on the tenth floor, ensuring his safety in the designated safe zone.

Long ago, the dungeon conceived an idea but had found no reason to implement it until now. It engaged in a discussion with Max about the optimal way to establish John's abode. The initial option was to utilize a mountain, removing part of its facade, or alternatively, to enlarge a section and create a single front entrance to the home. She also proposed that the dungeon could summon a few formidable creatures to reinforce the area as a safe zone. Upon hearing Max's suggestion to expand and maintain only a front entrance, the dungeon was reminded of how it had designed its initial levels. The original plan was to simply create a secure section for John, but Max emphasized that it was crucial for the people to recognize that John had gained the dungeon's trust and support. This recognition would hopefully lead them to accept him, understanding that challenging this bond would render the dungeon unconquerable. By doing so, it would eliminate the need to construct a new sanctuary for him every ten floors. The dungeon assured that all arrangements on the tenth floor for John would be completed within the next three days and also conveyed the underlying intentions of the people surrounding him.

John had just completed his morning stretches when Max relayed the conversation that had taken place within the dungeon. Upon learning of the girls' and Bob's conniving plans, a chilling glint appeared in John's eyes. He fixed his gaze on one of the guards and coldly warned, "Should I be disturbed during my closed-door cultivation for any reason, I will not hesitate to hold accountable all those who trouble me, including every guard complicit in the disturbance." Contrary to his usual demeanor, John displayed no trace of malice. However, the guards underestimated him, dismissing his cautionary words. They failed to grasp the essence of John's character; none considered the possibility of him reaching the tenth floor. Having entered the dungeon only once, Bob, along with many others, presumed to have unraveled John's tactics.

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After informing the guards, John retreated to his bedroom to meditate. Fifteen minutes into his deep, rhythmic breathing, thoughts of time began to occupy his mind. Before him were two clocks: one with a white face and black hands, the other black with white hands. On the white-faced clock, all three hands pointed to six, symbolizing John's current mastery over his own time magic. As this realization dawned, the hands on the black-faced clock began to move counterclockwise, revealing the time John had taken from others. Conversely, the white-faced clock's hands moved clockwise, indicating the time John was reclaiming. Lost in cultivation, John emerged after an indeterminate period, having gained four hours. The transformation was profound; his skin was coated with a dark substance, enhancing his senses and emitting a potent odor. After an hour-long bath, John finally rid himself of the lingering scent.

John's thoughts accelerated, reminiscent of the times he had entered augmented virtual reality mode. The key difference now was that his body could effortlessly match his heightened perception. John queried Max, "How long have I been cultivating?" "Nearly two days, John. Moreover, Bob and the girls are growing restless," Max replied. "Really? Okay, so that black substance was the impurities you couldn't utilize, right?" John asked. "Precisely," confirmed Max. Without further ado, John retrieved the third-level beast core and consumed it. The moment it hit his stomach; he experienced a surge of power akin to downing a shot of whiskey. With his newly advanced spirit cultivation, John could sense the transformations within his body. The energy that once trickled through his veins like a modest stream had now swelled to the proportions of the mighty River Styx.

John felt the energy pulsing through his muscles and bones, slowly seeping into his organs. As it spread to his skin, he noticed his flesh becoming noticeably tougher. This increased resilience seemed to better contain the growing power within him. Suddenly, an internal barrier broke, releasing a strong burst of energy that flowed through his entire body. It took an additional hour for his cultivation to stabilize. He was aware of everything within a four-hundred-foot radius. He noticed Seraphina approaching with his spirit. The white royal robe he had worn was ruined by impurities, so he had changed into his old outfit. This outfit was highly advanced; it was bulletproof, knife-proof, and fireproof. Its lining was composed of nanomachines. If it were to tear or become damaged in any way, it would self-repair and self-clean. The nanomachines functioned like liquid metal. Then, there was a knock at John's door. John inquired, "Max, is everything ready?" "Yes, John, everything is as you requested. You also received more beast cores than anticipated. I had the dungeon create guards for you. Only you can enter your new abode," Max replied. John responded, "Inform the dungeon that I am on my way."