Black Eagles Hideout - Underground Arena
Sera sat at the head of the long, polished oak table in a dimly lit room, with only a few candles flickering in their sconces. She took a deep breath, looking over the faces of Kiran, Jarek, Elara, and Mira, each seated around the table with a sense of anticipation in their eyes.
"Zoha is currently out on recon," Sera said, her gaze lingering on each of them in turn. "So, she won't be joining us today. Are there any questions before we start?"
Nobody said a word. Kiran eventually nodded towards Sera, signaling her to go ahead.
She adjusted a stack of parchment in front of her, aligning the edges meticulously before continuing. "If there's nothing of note, let's move on to the meeting proper."
Sera leaned forward slightly. "The first order of business is discussing the performance of the various potions that I've developed with the help of our resident alchemist, Desmonda."
Kiran coughed into his hand before speaking up. "Angel's Tears have been performing exceptionally well, and we've sold out every single batch we've made within a few days. The only thing holding us back is the fact we're not able to scale to meet demand as of yet."
Sera nodded, her quill gliding smoothly across the parchment, leaving behind a thin trail of ink as she made a careful note. She paused for a moment, gaze shifting from the parchment to the and then towards Jarek, who sat across the table from her. "And what about the potion we're marketing towards adventurers?"
Jarek leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking slightly under his weight. "If you're referring to Purple Poison, it's been well-received by adventurers."
"Pardon? Is our potion actually named Purple Poison?"
"Originally, we tried to call it something like Violet Rush. But our customers kept calling it Purple Poison instead, so we just stuck with it."
"Fair enough, and are there any side effects that we should be concerned about?"
"Eh, nothing too big, Boss. Some rashes here and there, persistent coughing, and temporary blindness in extreme cases."
"But are adventurers still buying the potions?"
"Oh definitely, most people don't get any side effects, and they like how much of a boost Purple Poison gives them."
"Excellent, now, let's discuss the last potion then. The one we chose to promote to merchants and nobles."
Elara leaned forward slightly, her fingers brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she prepared to speak. "Regarding the potion we've been promoting to merchants and nobles, it has been positively received by those who have tried it, However, the uptake has been a bit slower than what we anticipated."
"Why do you think that's the case?" Sera asked.
"The merchants, in particular, aren't yet convinced about the product. It’s not that they doubt its quality or effectiveness, those who have tested it have given favorable feedback. They're just wary of investing in something new without a proven market demand. They want to see more widespread adoption among the nobles before they fully commit." Elara said.
She paused, glancing at the others around the table before returning her gaze to Sera. "We’re working on getting around to them, establishing more direct lines of communication and offering incentives for bulk purchases. If we can win over the merchants, the nobles will likely follow, as they often rely on the merchants' endorsements before making decisions themselves."
Sera listened intently, tapping a finger lightly on the table’s surface as she considered Elara's words. "I see," she finally said, her voice thoughtful. "It's a matter of perception and timing, then. We’ll need to find a way to push through that initial reluctance. Perhaps some more in-person demonstration or a limited-time offer could help promote the product."
"I'll look into it, Boss."
Sera took a moment to organize her thoughts before continuing. "Next, let's discuss the newest and most important part of our operations: the 'funnel' to my dungeon."
Mira, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward. "We've been working hard on this, and so far, we've worked with several wagon drivers and managed to transport about ten to thirty people a day into the dungeon."
"That's not too bad, but I'd like to see those numbers increase in the future. How is the 'incentive' system doing?"
"As you requested, Boss, we've made sure that at least one in ten people make it out of the dungeon alive and with potions, free of charge."
Sera tilted her head slightly. "That sounds good, but are we still charging people for transport?"
Mira nodded. "Yes, we do charge a few copper pieces. Not enough to make a huge profit, but it does give us a slight margin to work with. It covers the basic costs of operation."
Sera considered this for a moment. Even a minor fee could prevent some people from wanting to go into the dungeon.
After a brief pause, she turned back to Mira. "Cut the costs entirely. Make transport to the dungeon free for those who seek Angel's Tears or any of our other potions. We need to lower the barriers to entry if we want to increase foot traffic."
"With all due respect, I'm not sure if that's the best idea, Boss."
"Oh? How come?"
Mira's brow furrowed in thought for a few moments. "It's a bit of an open secret that the wagon driver's take the fees for themselves. We usually let it slide though, because it keeps them in check."
"I understand, that is indeed a fair point. In that case, keep things as is for now, at least until I can think of something better."
"Understood, Boss."
Sera gave a satisfied nod before shifting her attention to the rest of the group. "Now, for the last agenda of this meeting: let’s discuss the number of recent recruits and how the process is going so far."
Kiran straightened in his seat. "We’ve brought in a good number of new members, and most of them are settling in well. That said, we're still in the early stages, and there’s a lot of work to be done to ensure they're fully integrated into the Black Eagles."
"Just make sure the training remains rigorous. Continue to monitor their progress closely, and if there are any extreme issues, inform me or Zoha in the future."
"We’ll keep a close eye on it, Boss."
With that, Sera leaned back in her chair. She took a deep breath, letting the weight of the meeting’s discussions settle in her mind. "Thank you, everyone. We’ve made good progress so far, let’s keep the momentum going."
***
Sera's Dungeon - Mystic Forest
It had been a few days since Sera had been inside of her own dungeon. Aside from the Spirit Tree itself, she wanted to check on the beastkin who were now staying here. Let's hope they don't have too many questions for me.
She soon approached the secluded alcove where Aermo, Alpa, and Faye had made their home. The house had changed quite a bit since she last created it. The once purely organic design had been altered with deliberate changes that were evident in every detail.
Although thick roots formed the walls, they had been pruned, shaped, and coaxed, their once wild spirals now forming a more uniform shape. Some of the soil surrounding the house had been plowed and tilled, leaving neat rows that bordered the structure like a carefully laid-out garden.
Above the doorway, the vines had been cultivated rather than allowed to grow wild, their blossoms blooming in carefully chosen spots. The vibrant colors of the flowers: deep purples, rich reds, and bright yellow stood out against the color of the wood.
Sera paused at the entrance, brushing a hand near the wooden door. She could sense the presence of Aermo, Alpa, and Faye: each with their own distinct energy. Now or never.
She pushed the door open gently, the wood giving way with a soft creak, and stepped inside. The interior of the house now included a few carefully placed oil lamps to serve as lightning. Not only that, even the furniture had been personalized with the touch of its inhabitants.
The chairs had been draped with woven fabrics, their soft, earthy tones adding warmth to the space. Meanwhile, sturdy shelves carved by hand were also present, lined with various trinkets, tools, and small keepsakes.
Only moments after Sera entered, Faye was the first to notice her. "Auntie Sera!" she exclaimed, bouncing up from where she had been sitting on the floor, playing with a small, wooden toy.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Sera smiled warmly, bending down to catch Faye in a gentle hug. "Hello, little one," she said softly as she looked down at the young girl. "Have you been helping Aermo and Alpa with the house?"
Faye nodded enthusiastically. "I helped decorate! Do you like it?"
Sera looked around the room, taking in the thoughtful touches that had been added since she last visited. "You’ve done a wonderful job."
Alpa, who had been arranging some herbs on the table, looked up and smiled at Sera. "She’s been quite the little helper."
The soft clatter of wooden utensils and the scent of a hearty stew simmering wafted through the doorway as Aermo emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a well-worn cloth. His eyes softened as they landed on Sera, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Hey Boss, been a good while."
Sera returned the smile in kind. “This place has turned out quite nicely."
“Alpa and Faye did most of the work. I just made sure things didn’t fall apart,” Aermo said, chuckling softly.
Alpa grinned over her shoulder. “Don’t let him fool you. He's done a lot more than he lets on."
Meanwhile Faye, clinging to Sera’s hand, looked up with eager eyes. “Auntie Sera, are you staying for dinner?"
Sera’s smile softened as she looked down at the girl. “Maybe next time, I have some other things to take care of first."
Faye’s excitement dimmed slightly, but she nodded, her grip loosening. “Okay…"
Afterwards, Sera turned to Aermo. “Actually, could we talk for a moment? In private.”
The beastkin man's brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded. “Of course, Boss.” He turned to Alpa and Faye, offering them a reassuring smile. “We’ll be right back.”
Alpa waved them off, her knowing smile hinting that she understood more than she let on. “Take your time. We’ll keep things warm.”
Faye, still a little disappointed, gave a small wave. “Come back soon, Auntie Sera!”
Sera offered one last smile to the girl before following Aermo outside. Once they were a good distance away from the house, Aermo stopped, turning to face Sera with a more serious expression. “So, uh, what’s on your mind, Boss?”
“Tell me, have you been outside the Mystic Forest much lately?” Sera asked.
“Not much. I stick close to Alpa and Faye. But I’ve noticed more adventurers coming through the dungeon. More than usual.”
“And have you seen what happens to them?”
Aermo fell silent. His gaze dropped to the ground, hands clenched into fists. After a long moment, he exhaled deeply. “Yeah, I’ve seen it. But I try not to think about it too much."
Sera’s expression softened slightly, but there was a steely edge to her voice. “There will be more of them coming, and it’s only going to get more dangerous."
“I know, Boss. I don’t want Faye to see any of that. She’s too young to understand what really happens here.”
“Thank you for understanding. I know it’s not easy."
Aermo gave a small, tight-lipped smile. “As long as Alpa is safe too, I'll do what I can."
Sera nodded, hand slipping from his shoulder as she took a step back. “I know you will. Now, I should let you get back to them. I have a few matters of my own to see.”
Aermo nodded in return, turning his attention back toward the house. “Take care, Boss.
With a final wave, Sera bid them farewell and started walking towards the Spirit Tree. It should have absorbed quite a decent amount of experience by now.
Before long, the towering trunk of the Spirit Tree came into view. It feels odd seeing it like this. Not too long ago, the Spirit Tree was just a small sapling.
The roots of the tree spread out around its base, thick and gnarled, weaving through the earth in a complex network that connected every corner of the dungeon. Sera approached the tree, feeling the hum of power growing stronger with each step until she finally reached its base.
Turning her back against the massive trunk, Sera closed her eyes and allowed herself to sink into the tree’s energy. She felt the connection between herself and the dungeon deepen, the magic of the Spirit Tree merging with her own essence, feeding into her core.
Core experience updated to 30,000. Rank-up requirement from Rank 4 to Rank 5: 25,000 experience. Initiate rank-up sequence?
"Yes," Sera whispered.
[Rank-up sequence initiated]
For a brief moment, the air around her seemed to still, the world pausing as the power of the Spirit Tree surged through her. Then, she felt the rush of energy as the dungeon itself shifted.
[Rank-up sequence complete]
[Displaying dungeon status]
Core Rank: 5
Core Experience: 5,000
Dungeon Boss: Sera
Number of Floors: 4
Mana: 1,200/1,600 (400 currently used for monster maintenance)
Monsters: 33
New features unlocked: new terrain option, unlock D-tier monster.
After all was said and done, The Spirit Tree grew taller, though not as drastically as before. Interesting, perhaps—
[Notice]
Effective immediately, the experience required to rank up the Spirit Tree will increase significantly. Furthermore, the value of experience gained from lower-quality tributes will be reduced.
Sera paused as she took in the information. Looks like my work will only become more difficult from here on out. No matter, acquiring more tributes shouldn't be too difficult now that I have full control over the Black Eagles.
Then, she decided to examine the new terrain options she now has access to:
1. Basic theme (Default option; unique passive: none)
2. Stone maze (Rank 2 option; unique passive: minor bonus to adventurer's fear)
3. Glowmoss cavern (Rank 3 option; unique passive: slight possibility that glimmercap mushrooms will sporadically emerge over time)
4. White Forest (Rank 4 option; unique passive: this terrain option comes with four frost banshees. These frost banshees are self-sustaining and do not require mana for maintenance. They have a respawn time of 12 hours; restriction: this terrain can be applied to only one out of every four floors in the dungeon.)
5. Blighted swamp (Rank 5 option; unique passive: Gradually depletes the stamina of adventurers, with the draining effect increasing cumulatively over time; restriction: this terrain cannot be applied to consecutive floors.)
Sera’s eyes lingered on the Blighted Swamp option. The idea of creating such a hostile environment intrigued her, especially with the restrictions it imposed. But first, I need to know what it would cost to unlock a new floor.
"How much does it cost to unlock a new floor?" she asked.
Cost to unlock a new floor: 2,000 Core Experience.
Sera nodded, this price is reasonable enough. But before she committed to expanding the dungeon’s physical space, she wanted to explore the potential of adding a more powerful monster to her arsenal.
"Display monster unlock options," she instructed.
Displaying Monster Unlock Options:
1. Unlock 1 random F-tier monster (Cost, 100 Core Experience)
2. Unlock 1 random E-tier monster (Cost, 500 Core Experience)
3. Unlock 1 random D-tier monster (Cost, 1,000 Core Experience).
Sera considered her options briefly before making her decision. "I’d like to unlock a random D-tier monster first."
[Unlock 1 random D-tier monster selected]
[Processing request]
New Monster Unlocked: Greater Blight Frog
Level Range: 90-100
Maintenance Cost: 100 mana
Respawn Time: 2 hours
Description: The Greater Blight Frog has venomous skin that weakens and drains the stamina of its prey, while its powerful legs allow it to ambush with precision. Highly territorial, this creature can deter intruders with its paralyzing bite.
Sera’s eyes brightened with satisfaction. Not too bad, I should consider getting a few of these to protect the dungeon.
Satisfied, Sera turned her attention to the next task at hand: constructing the new floor and applying the Blighted Swamp terrain. She closed her eyes, connecting deeply with the core of her dungeon, feeling its pulse align with her own. With a deliberate, steady breath, she willed the dungeon to expand.
[Are you sure you wish to create a new floor?]
"Yes."
[Where do you wish to place the floor? You are currently on the fourth floor]
"Place the new floor just above the White Forest please."
[Do you wish to place any monsters in the new floor?]
"Spawn six blight frogs there."
[Processing request]
The ground beneath Sera’s feet rumbled. She closed her eyes, feeling the pulse of the dungeon synchronize with her own heartbeat, the connection between them growing stronger with every passing second.
But with time, the shaking ceased. And a new notification manifested.
[New floor construction complete. Blighted Swamp terrain successfully implemented. Blight Frogs have been deployed.]
Her work done, Sera took a moment to review her own status, curious about how her recent efforts had affected her abilities. She called up her profile, and the information appeared before her in a glowing display.
Name: Sera
Species: Elder Dryad
Access Privilege: Administrator
Level: 300
Magic: 300 (Rating: S)
Magic Resistance: 300 (Rating: S)
Physical Defense: 100 (Rating: C)
Strength: 50 (Rating: E)
Speed: 150 (Rating: B)
Vitality: 300 (Rating: S)
Overall Challenge Rating: S
Alert: Level 4 Winter path progression ability available.
[Processing Level 4 Winter path progression reward]
New winter path ability unlocked: Dark Frost Cocoon.
Description: Sera encases herself in a shell of dark, mystical ice, rapidly healing her wounds while emitting an aura of freezing energy that damages all nearby creatures. While inside the cocoon, Sera is immune to all external attacks and effects. The ice rapidly absorbs ambient energy, converting it into life force to restore Sera's health.
Restriction: Dark Frost Cocoon can only be activated once per day and lasts for up to 16 seconds. During this time, Sera is immobile and cannot perform any actions.