“YAAAAHHHH!!”

“Stop, Loen… Uh, I can’t even maintain my form…”

*Splash!* 

The mound that arose from a pool of water dissolved, sending droplets to every direction. Meanwhile, the other creature, a golem that was… hobbling? No, crawling? Or whatever that silly manner supposed to be, was handled by the white spider monster on my shoulder.

Spidey, the spider, shot a thread that easily tripped the unsteady movement. Then, with a jump, it positioned itself on the thing. Its scythe-shaped forelegs worked quickly to dig the golem’s core out, of which it treated itself with.

“NOOO!” the water pool - a morpher - screamed, seeing the golem’s core being eaten.

“You’re disappointingly can’t do anything this time either, Rowd. Well, I guess this is it,” I farewelled.

“Curse you, dungeon lord!”

The sentenced was his last, as Spidey fished out the morpher’s core from the water pool with another thread. No need to say, it also ended up as its meal.

“Hmm,” I muttered, taking out my notes and made several marks.

It concludes the test regarding , I suppose.

Let’s see. The memory of someone can be implanted to any monster, there’s no limitation there. It’s even possible to have several clones active at the same time. However, whether the subject can use the monster body is a different question. There’s this compatibility issue which varies for each person. For example…

Rowd, a swordsman. When he’s given a body of a golem, he could handle it quite well. When it’s a fighter golem, his performance was superb. Conversely, he was terrible in a non-humanoid or non-melee body. He couldn’t even hold a shape for three seconds in that last one, a morpher, despite all the time I gave him to adapt.

Then, Loen, a fire-elemental mage. He could adapt better to various bodies. However, unless the body had a fire attribute, such as the inferno or the lava golem, he couldn’t use his magic. A body that need a lot of physical energy to operate due to its weight, like a golem, was also a no for Loen.

The last one, Vaiz, a scout. He had the highest adaptability of the trio. Yet, since I found his general skills were the most useless for this test, I eliminated him earlier.

Anyway, because father is in his own body, he should’ve none of this compatibility problem. He should be able to apply his magic and abilities just right. I’d need to confirm it, though, just to be sure. Later.

Well, that’s that. Seeing how the trio struggled, I got a new idea. This , I can also use it for a torturing purpose, can’t I? Not to the dead, they’re… dead. But, it should be useful to weaken one’s mental state. Hmm. Or, it may instigate a rage instead, and drives the person stronger? Uh, it’s a double edge sword, I suppose. Noted.

Hmm?

“What is it, Spidey? You’ve finished your meals?” I asked, as the terrortula climbed up my throne back to my shoulder.

Saving my notes back, I caressed the now sleeping creature’s hairy head with my fingers. Of course, I had ensured the little guy was clean and loyal to me again, before allowing it to follow me around.

There had been a trace of , which had been applied roughly at it. Although most of what had happened remained in a dark, I had been able to learnt two important things from it.

First, it seemed Jiwa had realized the s-flies’ existence for a long time. Second, there was a dungeon hidden beneath his house. Considering its state, probably a conquered dungeon that still had monsters within.

There was this basement room in his house which always had a barrier protected it all the time, wherein he and father had worked on the . Obviously, I had tried to snuck some flies in whenever Jiwa or father had been coming in and out, but they had always died right away. I thought, it had been because of the nature of the barrier. However, if Jiwa had knew the tiny creatures existences, he had likely killed them on purpose to keep secrets from me.

With it connected to the dungeon entrance, hiding the spider while feeding it at the same time had been a simple task. I had realized when it had fought the sky fighters and had confirmed it later, Spidey’s mana level was much higher compared to when Jiwa had first captured it. Therefore, much stronger.

That was how it had managed to pull and catch the rocket propelled missiles back then. Although a monster’s size usually reflecting its mana level, that wasn’t the case for terrortula race, and probably some other races too.

But then, with such access to a dungeon, Jiwa shouldn’t be lacking of monster cores. Why did he have to use Tig’s core for the material? It’s true that Tig, a giant tiger with all of its agility and strength and could even fly, can be considered a boss monster class. Was that why? Because the dungeon lacks of boss monster? 

Ah, no, that’s not what important now. Whatever the material was, the was completed. So, the question is whether Jiwa has used the or not.

If he did, then why bother going to Mount Naar at all? The situation of both dungeons are the same, a conquered ones. Instead, Mount Naar dungeon’s monsters should be more dangerous for him.

To bait me? No, that doesn’t make sense. Is immortality not his goal? 

Then, if he didn’t use it, where’s the ? There’s no way it’s destroyed without leaving any trace, when his flesh has remnants. 

… Hmm. My guts says Jiwa’s alive somehow. I need to investigate the dungeon beneath his house and find a clue. But, the barrier is still there, the s-flies can’t enter.

And I can’t go myself, it’s too risky with the current situation. Then, should I send one of my demons? Nah, it’s still too risky. I’ll need all my demons around me.

‘Keek, master.’ 

‘Ken?’ I confirmed the one who contacted me through our link. ‘What’s up?’ 

‘The guildmaster of Fantastica is heading your way.’

‘Oh? Good, perfect timing.’

I tried to find his location, and soon got feedback from my eyes and ears in the underground. The s-flies, which resided within the subway train between the dungeon and [Firzoa] town in the west, showed the vision that Dava and several Fantastica members sat down relaxedly in a passenger car, enjoying their first riding experience. They would enter my territory, the dungeon domain, soon. 

Dava, Jowsar-star, and a woman I saw in the meeting. Hmm. 

‘Queen,’ I called through our link.

‘My lord?’

‘Go welcome the Fantastica at the station,’ I ordered. ‘Take them to the first room.’

‘Understood.’

I decided to use the first room as a lobby, just like when Fantastica had been using my dungeon as a training dungeon. After I went to the said room through a portal, I added more tables and chairs beside the existing ones - the ones I had used when making a deal with Fantastica - and took a seat myself. Then, I materialized some drinks and cups from my item list, without a doubt things which I had absorbed during Maa’s raid.

Perfect.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

While in the wait, I checked my wrist, making sure I brought my ultimate weapon against a mage. Just in case it turned into a fight, unlikely as it was. It was something I had picked from the dragon knight’s glove, now attached on my selfmade stone-bracelet and well hidden under my robe’s sleeve. I touched the , or so I called it as I didn’t know its proper name, and poured mana. Seeing it radiated, I couldn’t help but to smile.

As my guests still hadn't arrived yet, I thought how I was supposed to ask them the favor. It was a troublesome matter that had occupied my mind recently, no matter how much I pretended it hadn’t.

Hmm. I wonder… If it’s Dava, he’s probably interested to exchange the help with information of the war situation? It can overturn the table wholefully. But, what if he disagrees? What else can I offer?

… Nah, there’s no need to worry it too much. If I’ve to, I can resort to destroy a town or a forest. It doesn’t matter.

No, no, what am I thinking? I can’t do that. If I do, it’ll destroy my own plan. I need to earn a trust with the humans and build a good relationship. 

Argh! This’s annoying, no matter how I think it. Let’s hope the negotiation goes smoothly.

Earlier, while I had the memories of the trio of Fantastica Rowd-Loen-Vaiz struggle in monster bodies and I had leisurely browsed the world via the s-flies’ vision, I had noticed something. A group of elves had arrived at [Jowsar], the town just east from here. The Dungeon Hunter group. They were resupplying and gathering information at the moment, but without a doubt would come here soon.

I couldn’t go investigating the dungeon beneath Jiwa’s house because of the threat posed by the Dungeon Hunter. And I couldn’t use the sky fighters to raid them as they were in town. And to be honest, I doubt I would be able to catch them before they were entering the forest either, with the close distance between the town and the forest.

If Dava disagrees… Should I fight them in the forest? Or should I let them enter the dungeon?

It’d be easier for me to fight in dungeon, in my own territory. But, they’re the group who’ve conquered countless dungeons before, including the Mount Naar that has been deemed unconquerable all this time. I’ve no confidence.

Ah, well, first thing first.

“Welcome to my place, Master Dava and companies,” I greeted as I saw the entourage walking in from the cave entrance. Standing up, I continued, “I hope you don’t mind I welcome you here instead of in my chamber.”

“Don’t mind at all, Dungeon Master Arz. I’m just glad that I finally have the chance to visit your dungeon.”

“Please, have a seat,” I invited.

Once we all sat down, I said, “So, for what honor do I owe your visit today, Master Dava?” 

“Right, I’ll be straight to the point. First, this is the mana we’ve promised,” he said, taking out an orb with a handheld from under his robe.

“Oh, thank you,” I replied, receiving the thing, before handing it over to Queen.

She understandingly brought it further inside the dungeon, away from the guests so I could absorb it. Just by touching it, the amount of mana I felt was more than enough to make me brim in delight. The exact amount had to wait until I actually absorbed it, though.

“And second, I’d like to deepen our alliance,” Dava said, once my attention return to him. “Dungeon Master Arz, could you dispatch your monster army once again, to join the [[Alishine]] main troops together with Fantastica?”

I was surprised. Of course, I knew all along the situation wasn’t good for [[Alishine]]. They were steadily losing foothold and being pushed back further into their own territory. Still, to openly ask my participation was beyond my expectation.

“It isn’t free, of course. Three times the amount of mana you received today, what do you think?”

Once again his offer surprised me. However, after considering it carefully, I shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I’ll pass.”

This time it was Dava who looked surprised. “Why? Five times, then. But you’ve to give us some lenient to pay you in installment.”

“That’s not the problem,” I replied, shaking my head again.

“Then?”

“Hmm,” I muttered, considering my words. “First, no matter how dire the situation is, there are people who won’t abandon their faith. Even among the [[Alishine]] own ranks, I think some, if not most, will never accept my monsters' involvement. No matter what contribution they'll make to the war."

“True,” Dava nodded. “Still, I thought you don’t care of what people think?”

“I don’t,” I admitted. “It’s your job to convince them, anyway, not mine. However, that’s not all. The second problem is, I’ve a promise to never go directly against [[Quwwat]]. Well, indirectly can be loosely interpreted, but confronting and killing their soldiers would obviously a breach of this agreement. And I’m a man of my words.”

“Ah,” the red haired guildmaster let out a low exclamation as he was reminded.

“And third, I’m in a grave situation myself. Actually, I want Master Dava’s help to rid the Dungeon Hunter group that’s about to come here. If you do, I don’t mind to overlook the second problem and help you back.”

Please, accept it.

Dava sank in his thought, considering my proposal. “No, sorry,” he declined. “Although we’ve a score to settle with the Dungeon Hunter ourselves, the situation won’t allow it. We’re pressed in time. I already have my men to go first and will join them once I finish here. I’m really sorry.”

“Ah, is that so…?” I replied, couldn’t hide my disappointment. “What if I add a live report on every enemy’s movement in the deal? Information is vital, after all. It can completely change the tide of the war,” I offered, trying to pick his interest.

“Hmm. That’s interesting, for sure. Can you really do it?”

“Of course.”

“… That’s impressive, Dungeon Master Arz. I would really like to know how you would do it. Unfortunately, I still have to decline.” 

“How come?”

“Where’s the Dungeon Hunter now?”

“[Jowsar]?”

“Right, we can’t attack them in the middle of town, it’ll attract too much commotion. Then, the soonest is when they come to the forest, but fighting elves in a forest is…,” he shook his head, “too disadvantageous. Inadvisable. The battle itself may take hours or days. Even if we win, it’ll leave us exhausted. Sorry, I just don’t have that many time to spare. Is there a way to buy that information without fighting the elves?”

“… No,” I replied solemnly.

If they weren’t going to help me, I didn’t see the reason why should I help them. Especially, since providing them a live report would need someone who could do both accessing s-flies’ shared vision and telling them of it. In other word, an ordinary monster wouldn’t do unless it was a demon who could speak. However, I would need all my demons stayed at my side in the upcoming fight.

“I see, that’s too bad. By the way, where’s my sister? Since we completed our previous agreement, please return her.”

“Aunt Ehrisya? She’s not here. She’s currently visiting my hometown [Rahziel] with father.”

“Fa… Wait, by father, you mean Master Mahza? But, he--”

“He’s alive,” I cut.

“No way! I checked on him myself, he--”

“Master Dava,” I interjected again. “Seeing as we both are pressed against time, let’s save the details for later. I assure you, Aunt Ehrisya is fine. She’s probably in one of the happiest moments in her life. But of course, you’re free to check yourself to [Rahziel] if you want to.”

Dava, still with his eyes wide opened, finally calmed down. “You’re right…”

“Then, if there’s nothing else…”

“Please wait, Dungeon Master Arz,” a man whom I recognized as Gara, the archer of Jowsar-star party, raised his hand. “If you can’t directly help us, perhaps you can provide us with weapons? Like this thing.”

I squinted my eyes at the rifle in his hand. “Where do you get that?”

“Eh? Uh, I looted it from the remains of the golems, after your battle with Executive Maa’ in the last room of level one,” he explained, flustering.

“Hmm.”

“So…?”

“Fine, I see no problem. But, it’s not cheap, you know.”

“Mana, right? We can pay you, right, guildmaster?”

I shook my head. “I need my mana for the upcoming battle. Therefore, unless you can pay it in advance, we’ve no deal.”

“Would one third of the amount you received earlier be sufficient?” Dava asked. “If so, I’ll provide it. It shouldn’t take a long to give mana. More importantly, do you think this is worth the price, Gara?”

“Yes, trust me, guildmaster.” 

“Alright.”

“I’ll help as well.”

“Tsalja?”

“If it’s only the five of us, I can still us just fine after giving some of my mana.”

I smiled. “You forgot about transporting the weapons,” I remarked.

“Ah!” 

“Well, I’ll take care of it as a bonus, if you don’t mind a slower method than .”

“Thanks, but there’s no need,” the guild master denied. ”My mana should be enough.”

I nodded. “If you say so.”

“So, where can I store my mana?” 

To his question, I pointed at the stone pedestal in the middle of the room. The same one that adventurers had used to pay their mana tribute before entering my dungeon. As Dava the Elementalist put his hand on the pedestal’s surface, letting his mana being absorbed, light particles gathered on the floor as I also began materializing the rifles and their ammunitions. 

So, it’s time for firearms to enter the stage in this world too, huh? Well, so be it. I still hold the more advanced versions, and I need every bit of additional mana, anyway.

*Ding!*

Requirements meet. New title is acquired! You are now known as ‘Conflict Opportunist.’

Oh?

*Ding!*

‘Conflict Opportunist’  A dungeon that can see opportunities from other race’s conflict and take advantage of it.  Effect Various gains depend on the dungeon’s deeds, but may also inflict hatred.