While she was thinking things over, they arrived at the dungeon core room. Theodore nodded as he looked things over and asked

"So, did you end up with any other bonuses, maybe a newfound sense of strength?"

Violet looked confused as she hesitantly answered

"Well, I was offered the choice of a skill to choose from. It can be used anywhere in the dungeon, regardless of whether adventurers are on the floor. I had the choice of a skill called [Recall] that would allow me to instantly teleport to the dungeon core room, a skill called [Guest List] that displays a list of all non-dungeon entities inside the dungeon, and a skill called [Gluttony] that instantly absorbs any [Items] placed in a designated tribute room immediately. I went with [Guest List] since I felt like it met my current needs the best."

Theodore frowned as he said

"So, you don't feel stronger or anything?"

Violet shook her head in the negative and he continued

"Hmm, interesting. I guess your dungeon does seem to prioritize things differently from most I've heard of. Many Dungeon Masters grow stronger as their dungeon grows, some even unlock new class skills, but it seems that isn't the case for you. The dungeon-based skills are certainly a new one I haven't heard of before, but, as I previously said, all dungeons are a little different and have some unique aspects to them.

Recall sounds like it would have been useful for a lot of Dungeon Masters who would rather make intruders go through their entire dungeon before being forced to confront them as a last-ditch effort. However, for someone like you, [Guest List] sounds fitting. Maybe you can be a bit more cautious and avoid trying to get into unnecessary fights with intruders while still being able to socialize with the more friendly adventurers and locals. It's not good for you to run blindly into danger, after all."

Violet felt hesitant as she went to finally broach the topic that had been bothering her this whole time.

"Well, actually, I had an intruder in between the time when I upgraded the dungeon and when you came today."

Theodore raised an eyebrow and gestured for Violet to continue, so she did

"I had previously had zombies and skeletons periodically entering my dungeon and had to keep defeating them. However, it was because of this necromancer guy who wanted me to choose the god of death for my patron deity. It seems, that when I decided to go with someone different, he got angry and decided to launch a full-scale assault on my dungeon. I think he drank some mana potions or something because there were more undead than usual.

I tried to cut him off at the entrance, but ended up dying, so I had to rethink things. My emperor rock slime was able to take out all of his undead and then I had to kill him to ensure he wouldn't return. I think I'm still struggling with the previous incident with David, which is why the skeletons ended up getting the best of me."

Theodore felt a little bit like laughing as he took in Violet's frustrated expression in regards to losing to the weak skeletons. However, the rest of the conversation topic was serious enough that he held himself back as he replied

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"That does sound pretty serious, I'll look into it. I'm guessing that's why you've seemed tense this whole time and the dungeon core looks a little worse for wear than the last time I was here.

I'm guessing the necromancer was a follower of the god of death and he wanted to convince you that his god was the best choice with his previous attacks. However, he isn't allowed to directly tell you how to do things in your dungeon without getting in trouble. It'll be difficult to figure out his identity if your dungeon has already absorbed his body, but it would be ideal to launch an investigation."

Violet frowned as she replied

"I, unfortunately, don't have the stomach to store his body in my magic bag. I also don't have the strength to carry his body until someone could show up. I'm sorry I can't help out with the investigation, but I appreciate you looking into it.

However, I do have to ask, why would they want to control what patron deity I choose anyway?"

Technically speaking, Violet knew Samael’s name thanks to her new [Guest List] skill. However, she didn’t want the man’s family to suffer and she rather doubted that anyone would come around to avenge him. It was better to leave things as they were. The man was already dead, after all.

Theodore sighed as he explained

"Most dungeons would be affected more heavily by their choice of patron deity. If a normal Dungeon Master had then been inspired to choose the god of death as their patron deity, their dungeon would then be affected by that choice. It doesn't hard lock them into having undead [Monsters] only, but they'd be more likely to have those [Monsters] show up as potential options to choose from on new floors.

It's, probably, ideal that you chose the patron deity you did. You might still be able to get rewards that help with your dungeon costs and it will reinforce to the dungeon core that you are happy with the choices you've made with the dungeon. Beautiful scenery and cute [Monsters] with an optimistic attitude towards those visiting the dungeon are what you want, after all.

I'm guessing you've already noticed, but the dungeon core can affect your emotional state. If you made choices that suggested being bloodthirsty and unforgiving towards outsiders was the best, the dungeon core would reinforce that idea. You can, of course, fight the emotional manipulation, but having to do so for hundreds of years is still bound to take its toll on who you are as a person.

As a dungeon diplomat, I try to be fairly impartial in my judgments. However, I think you've got a good thing going here. Your personality is a lot better than most Dungeon Masters and you seem to be making your, normally questionable, choices work for you. Despite regular attacks on your dungeon, you're still standing and you're still yourself. I don't think I could ask for much more from those under my care."

Theodore didn't bring a tribute to the dungeon this time, but he promised to return at a later date with some special plants that would fit the enchanted forest theme. Violet didn't mind too much since he had already given her a very clearly expensive magic bag recently, but she wasn't exactly about to turn down some specialty magic plants either.

The recent attack and the things Theodore said brought up a lot of concerns for the future. While most of the people of this world seemed to be relatively harmless, the few who wished her dungeon harm couldn't be dismissed. It would be difficult to strike a balance in her dungeon between preparedness and a welcoming environment, but Violet would have to figure that out one day at a time.

The second floor was a new opportunity and Violet couldn't help but feel motivated to make the most of it. She could now turn the first floor into a truly peaceful and safe environment meant for socialization and learning while using her second floor to properly defend her dungeon and challenge those who wished to grow stronger. There was no longer the need to worry about choosing between defense and her own desires for the dungeon, she could have both.

Yes, Violet could now truly build the perfect dungeon without having to compromise. It would be both beautiful and dangerous, much like a rose with thorns. As such, Violet's dungeon would forevermore be known as Thornkeep Sanctuary.

*END OF VOLUME ONE*