Author Note:

Heya, to think I'd miss the entire February without posting anything.

Crazy month, sorry about that. Here's the chapter, hope you enjoy it

----------------------------------------

(That’s enough! No more mister nice guy!)

Feeling annoyed, I moved my consciousness to the now empty first room. Alveria and Crystela were the only ones there, standing quietly while resting their back on the wall. An adventurer or two passing through the room every once in awhile, resupplying to the merchants outside and returning back inside. Clearly some time had passed, since the sun had been up and the adventurers had started the dungeon conquest.

Looking at the two armored beauties, I had a mix of emotions. However, after a moment of self debate, I decided confronting Alveria or demanding her explanation would only waste my time and energy. Rather, I should focus on stopping the invasion in this defense game that put my life on the line.

Thus, I traced the adventurers’ progress and my heart, in a different meaning than the dungeon heart, sunk with what I saw. Out of fifty rooms in the first level, about three quarters had been conquered and most of them were frozen solid, leaving no alive creatures behind.

Maa’s method included freezing everything around while walking forward, a simple but very effective. He made various traps useless and, at the same time, killed the creatures before they even had a chance to retaliate. This revealed that numbers was useless in front of Maa’. Even if I, for example, let loosed a thousand of strong monsters at once, I bet he would just freeze them all before they could get close.

And yet, the ridiculous display of power didn’t stop there. Every second a new morpher was produced and moved ahead its master to clear the way, mainly to locate the gate traps and spam through the appeared portals, conquering whichever rooms it led to together with a number of adventurers.

To begin with, elemental guardians were mindless critters controlled by the caster’s will through a mana connection, thus they were immune to mind-disturber trap’s effect. In addition, without a core to aim for, it was very hard to kill them without disturbing the said connection, and they could just regenerate over and over as long it had enough supplies of mana. Therefore, it couldn’t be helped the rooms that that morphers had invaded be conquered one after another.

(Hmm… To think he can maintain that many morphers in such wide area while freezing everything… But you’ll regret showing your trump cards so early in the game, old man.)

‘Massteeerr…,’ queen gi-ant contacted through our link while I was racking my brain on how I should proceed.

‘Queen, good timing. What’s your status?’

‘The mock battle isss finisshed.”

‘Mock… Ah! I completely forgot. So how did it go? Make it short.’

‘The ratsss win. One became horned ratsss and led them crossssed the rriver. Lizzardss baited and killed the horned one but losst their basse…’

‘I see, to think a rattibull actually appeared. Good job, queen, tell them to stay in the room for the meantime and recover, I have a more pressing problem to take care for now. By the way, I can’t seem to find Rowd’s presence within the dungeon, do you know where he is?’

‘The golem iss dead, killed by the White Wizzzard…’

‘White Wizard? ...The same old Maa’ who killed my Dungeon Lord?’

‘Yesss.’

‘… What about his core?’

‘The dark witch hass it, massterr.’

‘...Dark witch? Who...? Ah, could it be, you mean Tsalja?’

‘Yesss.’

‘Why do you call her dark witch?’

‘Becausse her hhair and clothess are dark.’

‘Oh, I see...’

‘Masssteer… What’ss your orderr?’

…

…

‘Queen, evacuate as many creatures as possible to the forest room in the third level, don’t let more races extinct. After that, go clean up outside the cave and deal with various smaller adventurer groups in the first level. Can you do it?’

‘Yess. Whaat about you, massteer?’

‘I’ll handle Maa’s main group myself. Okay, let’s have those scums pay the price of this betrayal. Good luck, and don’t die.’

‘Yess, massster.’

Not long after, I felt her strong presence moved from the third level to one of the still safe rooms in the first level. Shifting my focus, I rechecked the adventurers’ progress and looked for a suitable battlefield. I didn’t have many choices and, in the end, selected the last room of the first level. There I then moved my consciousness.

(You want a war, old man? Let see how you can face a modern warfare.)

First, I used and dragged out the side facing the entrance, until the distance reached more than two hundred meters. I was sure the bullets could cross the room faster than any spell they could throw, unless Maa’ had another cheat I didn’t know yet.

Second, I poured my mana on the floor, around the entrance thick door, and made three layers of earth spikes circling and facing it as barricade. They weren’t meant to stop the adventurers, only to delay, as every additional split seconds meant more bullets would be spewed.

Third, I used and created a core of golem. However, because a normal golem’s hand would be too big to use a rifle effectively, while a fighter golem would be overkill for a simple task like holding position and pulling trigger, I created a new version of golem. Removing the excessive rock parts, I made it less bulky. The image in my mind showed a tall and slim figure, like fighter golems, but without spikes, and obviously far less agile and not as tough.

Of course I didn’t forget to use of how to use the firearms to the creature, a necessary knowledge for the task I was about to give the new race. Once I was done, I released the core to the room and it began to grow into a humanoid shape.

*Ding!*

Requirements meet. New race is acquired!You have successfully created Lite Golem race.

I made another forty-nine of lite golems and had them lined up. Next, I chose from my item list the rifle, and materialized fifty replicas of the weapon along with their ammunitions in front of the earth guardians. Although I would love to use something more badass, like automatic rifle or even machine gun, I would need more time before I could master the mechanism behind the weapon. For now, I had to satisfy with the semi-automatic rifle.

The lite golems took the weapons and loaded them with magazines, completing the first phase of my preparation. However, I doubted bullets would be effective in dealing damage to the morphers. Therefore, I needed something else prepared for them.

(Let see… Everyone know heat evaporates water. How about a laser beam, then? Nah, I’m not even sure how to make them to begin with. Hmm. What about an explosion, maybe it will work? Right, let’s go with that.)

Using once again, I created a new Dungeon Lord, this time I chose lite golem as the race so I wouldn’t be outstanding among other lite golems in the room. As the new avatar of mine being created, back in the heart chamber in the third floor, my consciousness being pulled into it. It took me a minute to adapt with the new body.

With , I created a stone shell of golem’s fist size and infused explosive gas into it the same way I created gun cartridge. This time I didn’t hold back the amount, though. After that, I placed a sensitive trigger that would make a spark with a small pressure. My landmine was ready, I wondered why I never thought of making one before. Just in case, I added a core and made it so I could detonate it with an order through our link. That way, the mine wouldn’t be useless even if Maa’ froze the whole floor.

*Ding!*

Requirements meet. New trap is acquired!You can now create Landmine trap.

Landmine trapAn exploding trap.Effect radius3 meters.TriggerPressure on the trap’s top.

I had the dungeon absorbed my new trap before opening a portal back to the last room of the first level, where I then dug holes with magic and materialized the landmines inside. I heard sounds from behind the room’s entrance as I finished setting up, it seemed the adventurers had arrived.

(Just in time… Welcome.)

After materializing another rifle for my own use, I joined the line. The heavy door started to move, opening with a squeak. Yet, before it completely opened, two morphers slipped in and hit the ground with a splash, which triggered some landmines.

*BOOM!*

It turned them into rainfall before they could return to their humanoid form, preventing the enemy to take initiative.

‘Fire!’

*BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!*

The door opened widely and we barraged them with bullets. Perhaps partially because the prior explosion had put them on guard, only a handful of adventurers fell before an ice wall erected, which quickly got thickened until it became bulletproof. Several morphers moved over the wall and their hands turned into water cannons, fought back together with archers and mages who retaliated from behind the wall.

(Ah, as expected, bullets aren’t effective against morphers. But this isn’t the end, you know.)

I opened portals between the adventurers and us, redirecting their attacks against themselves and having our shoots to appear behind them. From the many screams, I knew it was a success. I thought I had gained an upper hand when suddenly I felt chill and, before I knew, the corner where lite golems lined up had all been frozen.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

“ORYAAAAAA!!” Orga’s battle cry echoed as he charged forward, followed by other melee adventurers.

“Wait Orga!”

*BOOM!* *BOOM!*

Two landmines exploded and Orga’s body parts splattered everywhere. Three other adventurers died right away too, while several others received less fatal injuries. Including in the later group was the Jowsar-Star’s swordsman Gora.

The adventurers retreated back to the door, not dare to move beyond the earth spikes barricade.

At the same time, Linia and other healers started to work on the injured.

Maa’ raised his staff and muttered something. The crystal on the tip of his staff glowed and from near the ceiling hundreds of ice shards started to rain down. They easily pierced the cave floor and triggered the landmines one after another.

Once the loud fireworks over and the room became quiet, Maa’ stepped forward. “I know you can hear me, Dungeon Master Arz,” he yelled. “Please show yourself, we need to talk.”

Watching from the dungeon view, my mind frowned as I didn’t expect the invitation. I wondered what could possibly be talked about, or what he could possibly gain by the offer.

(What is it? To buy some time? No, they already have the advantage. To lure and kill me? Possibly, but I can just revive. Ah, but there’s a time gap until my consciousness back, is this what they’re aiming for? Still, they shouldn’t know this flaw. No, wait. Maa’ is a veteran, if they factor the fact there wasn’t any decent fight until now, maybe they know. Uh, now what?)

“Stop your futile struggle!” he yelled again. “If you surrender now, we’ll disregard the blood of our members that you have shed today. All of the adventurers within the dungeon have come knowing they may never return alive after all.”

…

“Listen. You may think it’s about you, but it isn’t. It’s about [[Alishine]], the country we live in and Fantastica has sworn to protect. You’ve killed a [[Dragora]]’s prince, it something that can never be overlooked. At least an open trial must be done to maintain the public order and the friendly relation between the two kingdoms.

“I apologize if my earlier act surprised you, I simply did what I thought the best course for the guild and the kingdom. Alveria insisted you deserve a better treatment, however, and that’s why I offer you another chance to settle this peacefully. I promise you’ll receive a fair trial and the guild’s protection until it’s over.

“What do you say? Come on out, Dungeon Master Arz. If you’ve something in your mind, let’s talk about it.”

When I thought the old mage’s speech was over, the Executive spoke again. “One more thing,” he said. “The talk saying you’ll die when the dungeon heart is taken isn’t true. There’s no precedent event so I can’t prove it, but according to my theory, with a little treatment, you should be able to live like a normal human again. Think about it. Die as an honorable human or as a lowly dungeon, it isn’t that hard of choices.”

(… Seriously, who’ll ever fall to that?)

…

…

“No reaction. Are you sure he’s listening?” one of the adventurers asked.

“He sure is. The battle earlier can only be commanded by himself,” Maa’ replied.

“Maybe there are other sentient monster like the Boss golem?” another suggested.

“It’s possible.”

“Hey, I mean to ask,” a spear-wielding adventurer said. “I know it’s not my place to meddle when big-shots like you guys already made a decision, but are we really going to forgive him? I mean, we lost dozens members, including my two sworn brothers. Can I request a duel with him, before he is prosecuted?”

“True. He even killed Orga, unforgivable!”

“You too, sister Linia?”

“Don’t you feel anything, Tsalja? Orga maybe rude and noisy, but he is our comrade. And he- he is very kind to me,” Linia bit her lower lips. Tears were gathering in the corner of her pretty eyes.

Sighing, Tsalja turned her gaze to her white-haired master without saying anything.

“We’ll talk later after we capture the person in question. If you’ve a request, make sure you lots still alive until then,” the master said.

“Yes, sir!” the previous adventurer replied enthusiastically while making a salute with his spear.

“Let’s move, we’ve waited long eno-” *CRACK!* *KA-BOOOOOM!!*

After considering my options, I decided to come out. I had lost this round anyway, so if the enemies voluntarily delaying their attack, I should try my best to reap as much benefits as possible. There were several things I needed to clarify.

For that, I forcefully pulled the rifle’s trigger, making use of the strong firepower to break free from the ice. At least that was the plan. Yet, the weapon’s condition wasn’t optimal, it jammed and then exploded, destroying my right arm and part of the chest. I supposed the fact I hardly felt pain was one of the advantages of golems over humans.

Before the explosion died down, I used to increase the heat and spread the hot wave to my troops around. It was a success, the ice was melting. Although, most lite golems were damaged beyond saving with the blast, it seemed it was too powerful.

At the same time, I poured mana to recover the Dungeon Lord. As the lord of the place, I needed to keep a dignified appearance before my enemies no matter what. I had been recovered completely when the view clear of smokes.

“What a spectacle, Maa’. Right after you offer me your guild protection, your own men already protesting. Very reassuring,” I said with mocking tone.

“There you are, Dungeon Master Arz,” replied the old mage, ignoring my sarcastic remark. With a hand gesture, the water from melted ice around me swept my feet his way, bringing me closer to the adventurers in an embarrassing sitting position. The chuckles from behind Maa’ made me realized another advantage of golems over humans, that the skin on my face wouldn’t turn red.

(Still want to look superior until the end, huh?)

“I appreciate your cooperation, boy,” the mage reached out his hand between the earth spikes barricade.

Anger and pride aside, I took the hand in order to reach my goals. There was a little steam coming out when our hands joined, as expected, and I quickly removed the fire enchantment in my hand to not alert anyone.

“Are you going to come with us now?” Maa’ questioned with a softened voice.

“Before that, show yourself first,” I demanded.

“Hmm?”

“Don’t play dumb, I know this you is nothing but a body double, most likely a morpher in disguise. If you really have a goodwill, show your real self,” I said.

The air next to Maa’ then moved, like a mist being unveiled, revealing an identical figure with the one beside him. The air around the first Maa’ began to move as well, revealing a morpher in place of where the Executive had been standing.

“How did you know?” the new Maa’ asked with an impressed look.

Wondering how I should answer, I finally said, “I hit an ice chunk when I should hit you, and you froze me without I know when I never lost my sight on you. After inspecting closer, your presence slightly mismatched your image. Therefore I applied a when you helped me standing and your hand was steaming, proofing my suspicion.”

He nodded several times to my explanation. “Good deduction,” he praised.

“I never knew…,” I heard Tsalja muttered behind her master.

“I’ve shown myself, now take us to your heart chamber. I need to make a preparation so you can live like a normal human again,” he said.

“... Not so fast, old man,” I denied. “Tell me, how did you manage to convince Alveria to agree with you? What exactly did you do?”

“Hmm. I didn’t do anything. She’s from a family serving as [[Alishine]] knight for generations, she understand the weight of this matter for the kingdom without I’ve to explain a thing.”

“... I see.”

(Come to think of it, her father used to lecture us about every citizen’s obligation to always put the country’s interests above anything else, over and over. She must have taken the lesson seriously. Yeah, it’s so like her, now it makes sense…)

“Satisfied yet?” the words pulled me back to reality.

“Yes, that’s enough,” I replied.

“Good, now take us to your heart chamber.”

“Us? No, I’ll take only you.”

“What? That’s ridiculous?” his dark-haired apprentice protested. “Take us all,” she said.

“You don’t trust me, and you expect me to entrust my heart to you lots?”

Tsalja didn’t answer, but glared intensively nonetheless.

“That’s okay, I’ll go alone,” Maa’ cut in.

“But, master…”

“It’s fine. Do you think a mere B-rank dungeon can harm me?”

“... If you say so.”

(You’re so conceited, aren’t you, old man? Well, that works fine for me.)

“Lead the way,” Maa’ said.

I nodded. Opening a portal, I then entered it ahead and Maa’ followed from behind. I took a deep breath to calm myself as the portal closed. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Not only I had managed to confirm Maa’s camouflage trick and Alveria’s motive, I had also been able to slip smaller mana-suckers under Tsalja’s and other adventurers’ clothes during the talk and even separated the Executive from the rest.

(All went well so far, let’s hope the next steps too.)

“Where’s th- !!”

In a split second, Maa’ casted a to push himself to the side, barely evaded an attack from behind with a hair width. His reaction was good. The attacker continue sliding to my side and encircle its long body around me as if to protect me. My other future dragon materials, one of few races in my dungeon that had good affinity with water-based magic and low temperature, the giant snake hissed angrily towards the enemy mage.

“... What's the meaning of this, Dungeon Master Arz?”

“Welcome to your execution room, Executive Maa’ of Fantastica.”