Chapter 109: Establishing Return Point (part 2)

They had already completed their investigation of the first floor, collected valuable equipment, and discovered that the dungeon extended farther than the reports from Hetin Town had suggested. For now, returning to Lufast City and reporting their findings was the most sensible decision.

“Let’s head back. We’ve gathered enough information for today,” Kyle said, adjusting the greatsword on his back. “We’ll report everything we’ve discovered, including the second floor. After that, we can prepare the equipment and supplies needed for our next expedition.”

His teammates readily agreed. Although they were curious about the Dead Forest, none of them wanted to venture blindly into an unfamiliar area filled with potentially dangerous monsters. They had completed their mission without suffering any serious injuries, and there was no reason to ruin that achievement by becoming careless at the very end.

The Mad Wolves retraced their steps through the passage, returning to the location where they had arrived on the second floor. Once they reached the designated return point, the dungeon’s magic enveloped them.

In the next instant, their surroundings changed.

The dark forest disappeared, and all ten members of the Mad Wolves found themselves standing inside the dungeon’s entrance hall, the same place where they had originally entered the dungeon.

Several adventurers looked around in surprise, although most of them were already familiar with this mechanism.

Ragnar continued watching until the group disappeared from the dungeon’s interior. Once they were gone, he dismissed the system screen and leaned back on his enormous throne.

“They’re quite an interesting group.”

His deep voice echoed through the spacious chamber.

Standing beside the throne, Kaelira folded her arms across her chest. Her golden eyes had been following the adventurers throughout their expedition, and she seemed particularly interested in the way they had worked together during the battle at the goblin village.

“What a good group,” she remarked. “Their coordination was excellent, and each member knew exactly what to do. The three Guardians were especially troublesome. Their combined defensive skills protected the entire formation, while the mages and ranged fighters dealt with the enemies from a safe distance. If I fought against that group alone, even I would have a hard time defeating them.”

Kaelira was not someone who casually praised others.

As a powerful monster who had spent much of her existence fighting, she understood the difference between a group of adventurers who merely possessed high levels and one whose members could combine their abilities effectively.

The Mad Wolves had demonstrated both strength and discipline. Even when the goblin shaman nearly broke through their defenses, they had adapted quickly rather than allowing panic to disrupt their formation.

Ragnar nodded in agreement.

Ragnar nodded in agreement.

“Their leader is also quite capable. He defeated the Goblin Shaman and both Hobgoblin Warriors without using a single skill. His physical strength is impressive, but what caught my attention was his judgment. He didn’t waste time fighting the ordinary goblins when he had an opportunity to eliminate their strongest defenders.”

Before Kaelira could respond, a playful voice came from the other side of the chamber.

“Well, well. It sounds like someone has found a new group of humans worth watching.”

Veyra approached with a faint smile, her red eyes gleaming with amusement. She had apparently caught the end of their conversation and seemed eager to join in.

Kaelira glanced at her. “You watched the battle too, didn’t you? What do you think?”

Veyra tilted her head as she considered the question.

“Yeah, they’re pretty good. Their leader looks strong, too. I wouldn’t say he’s any weaker than the human I fought.”

Ragnar turned his gaze toward her.

“You mean that fire guy?”

“Yes, my lord.” Veyra smiled, seemingly pleased that Ragnar remembered the adventurer she had fought.

She paused before continuing, her tone becoming slightly more thoughtful.

“This fellow is only Level 30, but his combat ability is impressive. I haven’t fought him myself, so I can’t say for certain who would win. However, based on what I’ve seen, he wouldn’t be an easy opponent.”

Kaelira nodded.

—-

Veyra turned toward Ragnar and gave him a sweet smile instead.

“Since there’s nothing else to do tonight, I’ll be waiting in your room, my lord.”

Ragnar glanced at her. “All right. I’ll come and rest after I’m finished here.”

“Then don’t take too long.”

Veyra wanted to gave Kaelira one last mischievous look, clearly intending to make another teasing remark. However, before she could open her mouth, she realized that Kaelira had already left the chamber.

Kaelira had apparently decided that remaining there would only give Veyra more opportunities to embarrass her.

Veyra stared at the empty space where Kaelira had been standing.

“She ran away?”

Ragnar shrugged. “She probably has something else to do.”

“Tsk. How boring.”

With that complaint, Veyra finally departed as well, leaving Ragnar alone in the throne chamber.

The enormous demon leaned back against his throne and let out a slow breath. Although he had become accustomed to the two women’s personalities, there were times when he wondered whether they deliberately waited for opportunities to tease each other.

Fortunately, they were considerably more reliable when it came to protecting the dungeon.

Once the chamber had fallen silent, Ragnar opened his system interface.

A familiar translucent screen appeared before his glowing eyes, displaying his current status.

[Name: Ragnar Lindgren Level: 35 Race: Demon Soul points: 15 Skills: Basic Physical Enhancement, Minor Regeneration, Intermediate Physical Enhancement, Intermediate Strength Enhancement, Intermediate Magic Resistance, Tempest Slash, Intermediate Regeneration]

Ragnar examined the information for a moment, particularly the number displayed beside his Soul Points.

Fifteen.

The Dead Forest and the Graveyard had yet to be explored properly. Once the Mad Wolves returned, they would likely come better prepared, and there was no guarantee that future adventurers would be as cautious as Kyle’s group.

Ragnar needed to strengthen his defenses before that happened.

He opened the monster shop.

Several categories appeared on the interface, including ordinary monsters, elite monsters, mini-bosses, and special summons. Ragnar ignored the more expensive options and moved directly to the entries he had considered earlier.

The first was the Gravefang Beast.