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Chapter 84: Dungeon Social Circle (2)
The dungeon monsters keep offering sacrifices 084
EP.84 Dungeon Social Circle (2)
The uppermost layer of the Demon World Merchant Association.
As the light from the abyssal torches rose, reflecting off the darkness, the space was engulfed in obscure shadows.
Gathered in this dimly veiled place were those responsible for the Association.
True to the nature of the Demon World Merchant Association, none of its members were ordinary.
Even amidst their busy schedules, the reason for gathering here was simple.
The Social Circle.
The upcoming Social Circle hosted by the Merchant Association was soon to commence.
They needed to select the master of the dungeons to be invited to the event.
Has everyone decided whom to send the invitations to for this Social Circle?
Someone spoke up first.
But perhaps due to the darkness?
The figure who just spoke was not clearly visible.
No, it wasnt just the visibility.
The voice itself sounded oddly distorted, as if tainted by some noise.
With everyone obscured by similar appearances and voices, distinguishing one from another was difficult.
This was due to the magical Enhancement placed on the current space itself.
Given the importance of the matter at hand, it was the Associations consideration to allow everyone to speak freely, without discrimination.
Moreover, as a gathering place for various races, extra care was taken.
Will there be any new faces at this Social Circle?
The Social Circle hosted by the Association.
Although it appeared to be a networking event, it was far from a simple social gathering.
The abilities of those attending here would be thoroughly recorded by the Association.
It was akin to surveillance, nothing less.
Hence, the process of selecting and inviting dungeons was quite significant.
Inviting an ignorant novice would only cloud the waters.
Will Succubus Queen not attend this time either?
Various responses immediately followed someones question.
Its been over a few decades since she last appeared. Would this time be any different when her subordinates have been attending on her behalf?
Still, shouldnt we send the invitation? According to the information, its said that the Queen is aiming for the 6th stage but hasnt shown herself.
Heh, isnt Succubus Queens dungeon located in the Human World, not the Demon World? Yet aiming for the 6th stage Is it ambition or recklessness? Hmm.
Shh, restrain your words. If she truly reaches the 6th stage, well be the ones bowing our heads.
All voices split into the same tone.
Unknown forms.
Thanks to the system where identities remained unknown, the meeting proceeded smoothly.
Well, you never know. By the way, are you well aware of these rumors? Seems like the order has become quite desperate. The damages from the Vampire dungeons are becoming too severe.
The topic swiftly changed.
With many present, such transitions were common.
Baalzerith, her damages must be considerable as well. Having climbed up the ranks due to her lineage, shes now in quite a predicament. Hahaha.
They laughed and chattered while greedily drinking the wine on the table.
Since they nibbled on various snacks from different dungeons, there were no issues.
Additionally, someone fiddled with the exotic goods and jewels placed on the table, sparking conversations.
Their topics continued to change, drifting away from the original subject to unrelated stories before circling back.
By the way, theres said to be an interesting dungeon.
At the mention of an interesting dungeon, the room fell silent as if in anticipation, resembling a pact of sorts.
They were the ones managing the Association.
Most of the Associations profits came from dungeons.
It was not strange at all for everyone to perk up at the mention of an interesting dungeon.
Its been less than a year since the dungeon appeared. However, according to the inspection team, it has already repelled many adventurers. They even say the trading volume with the Association is overwhelming.
Ah, hearing this makes it intriguing. Could you continue sharing the story?
Its a report sent by the inspection team. Let me distribute the contents one by one.
As they did so, reports were placed in front of each person. The author of the report was listed as Chief Maltis of the inspection team.
Chief Maltis from the inspection team is quite competent, isnt he?
Everyone nodded in agreement. Maltis was an Owlbear, resembling a bear with the head of an owl, who served as the chief of the inspection team.
Whether his head resembled an owl or an eagle was a topic of debate, but that wasnt important. What mattered was Maltiss prowess as the chief of the inspection team, solely based on his skills rather than any noble lineage.
However, they didnt know that Chief Maltis was already under the control of Celia.
With this unawareness, they began reading the report written by Maltis.
Huh such a dungeon exists
The contents of the report were shocking.
What about the year they mentioned earlier?
It was truly a newborn among newborn dungeons, not even half a year old.
Although it was a one-time event, it had already dealt with adventurers of the silver grade.
It was written that the dungeon was engaging in numerous trades with adventurers and had promising prospects for the future.
Its astonishing to have such a dungeon at this time.
Thats right. Nowadays, humans have become too powerful.
Because of this, newborn dungeons couldnt last long.
And from the Associations perspective, it was a considerable loss.
New dungeons needed to thrive to become the Associations patrons and bring benefits to themselves, but the reality was that such dungeons were being crushed from the very beginning.
Yet, for such a situation, the emergence of any kind of dungeon was a stroke of luck.
In that case, does anyone oppose sending an invitation to the Master of that dungeon?
No objections, but who is the Master of that dungeon?
Hmm According to the report, its listed as Succubus.
Ah, I didnt see that part.
Upon hearing the term Succubus, there were others who had further questions.
Is it one of the Succubus Queens groups then?
Succubus are monsters that dont directly engage in combat as monsters but instead live in groups. It wouldnt be strange to think that this Succubus belonged to the Succubus Queens group.
Well, it doesnt seem to be the case. According to the Chief, theres no connection whatsoever. She doesnt belong to any group.
A Succubus not belonging to any group. Nowadays, there were many monsters who didnt belong to large groups.
Everyone nodded in agreement to the invitation, and they promptly moved on to the next topic.
Now, onto the next place to invite
Their discussions continued late into the night.
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[Demon World Merchant Association Social Circle Invitation]
To the esteemed dungeon Masters,
Greetings.
We extend our greetings to all of you who consistently strive for the protection and advancement of your dungeons.
The Demon World Merchant Association wishes to host a special event, thanks to your efforts.
This event is a gathering where Masters of various dungeons come together to form new alliances, share new challenges, and experiences.
We look forward to your participation in making this event even more splendid.
[Date and Location]
Date: Two days after receiving the invitation.
Location: Dungeon Exchange Hall, located at the center of the Abyssal Caves.
[Application for Participation]
Your participation will be confirmed by injecting mana into the invitation.
Representatives of dungeons may be accompanied by their servants.
However, the number of attendees is limited to one per dungeon.
[For further inquiries, please contact the Association representative within the application deadline.]
We anticipate meeting you and strengthening our alliances through this exchange, as well as embracing new challenges together.
We eagerly await your presence to share in this special moment.
Thank you.
The Demon World Merchant Association
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So, the Social Circle is opening this time.
Celia murmured as she read the invitation. Just a while ago, members of the Association came to her and handed her the invitation.
An invitation
The contents of the invitation were simple. It simply mentioned a gathering for socializing.
Of course, it wouldnt just be simple socializing. Celia was well aware of the kind of interactions that happened in such gatherings.
She also knew about the existence of the invitation because she was once part of the Succubus dungeon.
However, she didnt know how the Social Circle would unfold.
Itll probably just be a gathering of idle chatter.
It was obvious even without experiencing it. And they were potential adversaries.
Eventually, they would all have to be defeated and subjugated. That was Celias loyalty to her great master.
Nevertheless, the master is truly remarkable.
Just two days ago, Celia was given a separate order.
[Send Arch Lich and Azmo to the Social Circle.]
So, it is the master after all.
The invitation had arrived just now, but the order from the great one came two days ago.
They had already chosen who would attend the Social Circle before it even opened.
It meant the great one were already aware that the Social Circle would open.
I still have a long way to go to understand the masters intentions.
Celia thought with a pensive expression.
For the most part, she had dealt with what had happened until now.
Maru had returned to the masters side, and the Holy Knights had already been captured by Maru and were on their way back to the Sael Kingdom.
Of course, they would not be heading back to the royal family but rather toward the nobles, as Celia desired.
Are you already looking forward to it?
How the gifts she had planted would be utilized depended on the intentions of the Association.
We wont need to worry about that place for a while.
The affairs between the Association and the Sael Kingdom were already out of Celias hands.
There was no need to bother about it as long as she only needed to watch. If her assistance was truly needed,
Princess Elena would directly request it.
The issue lay with the Social Circle. According to the invitation, it would open in two days.
We still have some time.
It wasnt much time, but it wasnt too little either.
They had to prepare Arch Lich and Azmo within these two days.
When they attended the gathering, they would represent the dungeon.
It was absolutely crucial that they didnt tarnish the masters reputation with any improper behavior.
Summon Sir Arch Lich first.
Arch Lich was easy to summon since he was in the same dungeon.
The problem lay with Azmo.
Azmo, being an Incubus, resided in a dungeon on Earth, not on the El Dorad Continent.
Celia pondered how to summon a monster from a different dimension.
Fortunately, a dimensional portal had conveniently appeared within the dungeon.
It was a portal connected to Azmos dungeon.
Bring Azmo as well!
Celia immediately issued the command. Skeleton knights rushed to the portal to bring Azmo, following her order promptly.
And so, Celias education began.
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When Azmo first arrived at this place, he was horrified by the dungeons appearance.
It was more accurate to say it was on the verge of collapsing.
This This isnt beauty!
The dungeon pursued a design that was overly simple and practical, lacking any embellishments.
However, upon realizing that the one who designed this dungeon was a great one, Azmo quickly changed his tune.
Practical simplicity is indeed the ultimate beauty. Our great master is truly magnificent!
Azmo received various teachings from Celia in this dungeon.
He learned about life on the El Dorad Continent and received education related to it.
All of this was in line with Celias intention to debut successfully at the Social Circle.
Time flew by quickly. Before they knew it, it was the date written on the invitation.
As the time approached, members of the Association came out to greet them from outside the dungeon.
Well then, make sure not to tarnish the masters reputation and have a safe journey.
Celia cautioned Arch Lich and Azmo one last time.
Tick!
Arch Lich was always positive.
Absolutely. Lady Celia.
Azmo bowed deeply to Celia. Despite being from Earth, he had learned and accepted everything about the El Dorad Continent perfectly.
Now, Azmo was flawless.
Moreover, in his embrace, there was something else, Arch Lichs thick notebook.
Since Arch Lich couldnt bring the skeletons with him, Azmo carried the thick notebook on his behalf.
When Arch Lich confirmed that the notebook was securely held, he nodded in approval.
Now, there was nothing to worry about.