Well, that's a surprise. I didn't expect that guy to actually be the lord I've been concerned about. I can't figure out if he's confident or just stupid coming here like this. Ugh, even though he says he wants to talk, I'm not comfortable with letting his whole group in. It would mean having to sit down with him with my avatar, as well as my core, being right in front of him. That's one way to get assassinated, even if he does seem to be serious about talking things out.

I feel Athena's frustration at the guy's request. She doesn't trust him, and neither do I. However, I suppose I'll have to agree to have a sit down with him. I've got to meet him to figure out where he's going with this. But, I'm not taking any risks, so I'll try to convey with my golems that I'll only speak with him. That should limit the damage he can cause if things turn sour. I order Arachea to take twenty spiders as a guard and wait behind my gate.

"Something's happening," Yasmin whispers as her eyes glow with yellow mana.

I guess she's noticed my use of mana as the thick stone doors in the gate slowly swing open. The stone floor of the cavern vibrates under their feet as my spiders file out of the gate and take their position in front of the Viscount's group. There's a brief moment of silence as they take their places, and I feel myself grow a bit uneasy.

"We are ready," Viscount Stillwater says as he steps forward.

The group quickly disperses around him as the kid and Yasmin takes position at the back, the guards surrounding them. Well, it's a bit uncomfortable to see them so clearly separated from my golems. I guess I'm not the only one with reservations about this. As the Viscount passes between my golems, they close ranks, preventing the rest of the group from passing. The Viscount frowns when he notices this, and Yasmin, along with the guards, reveal hostile expressions.

"I see. You want to speak alone?"

Arachea bobs up and down in response to the Viscount's question. The latter sighs before signaling his guards to stand down.

"Very well, lead the way."

Yasmin and the others object to this, with the kid being the loudest. However, the lord assures them everything will be alright as he enters my domain flanked by my golems. I make sure to close the gate behind them and order Athena to keep watch on the group outside for any funny business. I study the Viscount as I open a more direct path to the meeting room I created, just in case something like this happened. He seems openly curious about the layout within my exterior wall and appears quite impressed with what I've created in such a short time.

However, I can feel the tension oozing off him. It gives me the impression he believes there's a lot riding on our talk. I sigh as I head to the meeting room. I want to make sure I arrive after he does, so he doesn't get the impression that I deem him important enough for me to be waiting for him. People would probably call me petty for that, but I think it's a good move to show I don't care about what sort of authority he thinks he has over me.

His footsteps ring out on the cold, metal floor of the building that houses the room I've set up as Arachea leads him inside. A deep frown appears on his face as he studies the metal while mumbling to himself. I really hope he's not getting any ideas about it. His eyes widen slightly as he enters the room, before nodding his head and sitting down while Arachea and the honor guard of spider golems line up along the wall to the side.

The minutes tick by as I wait outside the door opposite the one he entered through. I wait a little longer before opening the door. A slight smile appears on the man's lips as I enter the room.

"Now, there are some things we need to clear up before we get started. You have my word I won't harm you or take any action against you. You'll find I have no desire to fight a dungeon." He says, a satisfied smile still on his face. "It's actually for the best if we can have a friendly chat. I'd like to negotiate with you over something, but it will be better if you know exactly who you're talking to."

Ok, that's not a bad thing. I don't think I can afford to make an enemy of the lord just yet, after all. However, he doesn't seem phased by being in my presence at all. Still acting as if everything revolves around him. I frown as I sit down opposite him, studying him. He has short, neat dark hair that is showing signs of receding. A few wrinkles on his face make him appear older than he is, even without a beard. If I had to guess, I'd say he's in his mid-thirties. Still full of life, yet giving off a mature vibe from years of hard work. Surprisingly, I don't detect a hint of malice in that piercing blue gaze of his.

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"Excuse me, Viscount Stillwater, but your rank and wealth mean nothing to me. As a dungeon, I must tell you that your existence is no different to me than a common farmer." I say while keeping my tone level. "So, I suggest you tread carefully with what you say."

"Ah," he coughs with an awkward expression. "Forgive me, this is my first time conversing with a dungeon. I fell into old habits. Let me start from the beginning, my name is Davic Stillwater. As for my earlier statement, it wasn't meant as a threat or form of intimidation. Just a fact for any form of negotiation to take place."

"I'm listening."

"Ahem, well, first I'd like to confirm something. Are you really SEED 0? In other words, Adam?"

Well, I guess that means Eraina spilled the beans. I'll need to find some time to deal with her group for that.

"Excuse me, Adam? By the expression you're making, I assume my information is correct. However, I must ask that you forgive Eraina. She only provided this information after gaining the promise of my mage that we weren't looking to exploit you. In fact, me knowing this information is extremely beneficial to you."

I cock an eyebrow at that. Personally, I can't imagine how I can benefit in any way from this.

"How does this benefit me?"

"Well, this may take some explaining. Eraina mentioned that you seem to have lost your memories? And that you don't have much information on the current state of the world?" Davic says, appearing concerned as he talks.

I guess there's no point in trying to hide it. It would be easy for him to discover the truth just by asking a few questions. I nod my head at his question.

"Ah, that's a shame. There was a particular reason I was looking for a rare dungeon like you, but I'm unsure whether you'll be able to help with the matter now. However, I'd still like your cooperation. It's still uncertain, but you may eventually regain those memories. So, let me tell you about the position you find yourself in."

I listen intently as Davic fills in some gaps in my knowledge. It seems the current rulers of this kingdom follow the Blue Light Faith, which teaches that humans are the natural rulers of this world. All other races are beneath them and have little value. However, I'm mentioned in their teachings. That I was an experiment by a heretic and caused great devastation to humankind. They believe that since dungeons were created by man, we exist as mere tools that should obey them.

But, in recent years, they've been pressured by another growing kingdom to the east. The Holy Kingdom of Mar. Their main religion follows the Appleguard Faith, and its High Priestess holds a higher position in their nation than the monarch. According to Davic, they teach that I am the savior of mankind and the grand architect that sowed the seeds of growth for other races to appear.

But, I don't remember any of that. So I couldn't say which is right if either of them are. Just from this information alone, I can already foresee what will happen if either of them learns I have awoken. This kingdom's laws alone surrounding dungeons are already headache-inducing. Never mind if they learn the truth about me. Yet, Davic still hasn't mentioned any benefits.

"The point?"

"Yes, the point," Davic says, seemingly realizing he's rambling. "In short, I don't agree with the kingdom. I think it will be more beneficial to have friendly relations with other races, dungeons included. So, I'd like to start a cooperative relationship with you, while concealing it as obeying the law."

Hmm, so he wants to start a business relationship. One based on ideals, not profits. Yeah, I'm not buying that. There has to be something in it for him. But, what can he do for me?

"What exactly is it you want?"

"Well, there's a reason I came here personally. As you may already be aware, this territory, it's located in one of the northern regions of the kingdom and the only access to it is through a mountain pass. That makes it difficult for us to gain food and other goods from other regions. Since you're a dungeon, you'll draw a lot of attention. Especially when we construct a dungeon town here. Which means more merchants passing into the territory. However, that's the short-term gains. I'm hoping in the long-term you'll regain your memories and your knowledge from the ancient civilization may hold the key to developing this territory."

"And what do I get in return?"

"Well, that should be obvious. You'll gain mana from dungeoneers, I'll protect your true identity and make you a legally registered dungeon, and you won't have to worry about the kingdom while you grow. And, I won't impose the restrictions on you required by the kingdom."

Hmm, ok. Those are pretty good terms. If they're true. But I can't help but wonder if it's smoke and mirrors. Make me lower my guard, before boxing me in before I realize it. Hell, I can't even confirm if this is exactly what they do with dungeons to make us agreeable. Threaten us with the kingdom's law but reach out with a friendly face. I can't just agree. But I can't afford to pass up on a potential ally because of paranoia.

"If you're hesitating, then is there anything else I can provide for you? As a show of good faith."

Ah, I can think of a number of things. But knowledge is what I need. History, magic, enchanting, and anything else that can contribute to my growth. I mention these to Davic and tell him this alliance of ours will be on a probationary period. We talk about the details and a lot of potential issues over the next few hours. As well as how to proceed.

But, the more we talk, the more I realize this guy has a sharp mind. He can think up quite a few things on the spot and seems to have a good grasp on what the kingdom and Mar want to do. Which, as far as I've learned from my time with him, isn't always for the best. Well, I may be working with him for now, but I'll be keeping an eye on things. I feel like he has other reasons for going against the kingdom, and I don't like not knowing what's really driving him. Viscount Davic Stillwater, I'll find out what you're hiding from me. At least I've bought myself some time to develop.