Enlightenment Dungeon
Outside the gaming cave, the Mana Knight Rederic, Alistair, Cedric, Eldric, Gideon, Ivander, Jasper, and Mage Marcus stood in a row that stretched into the distance.
The sun cast long shadows, heightening the excitement in the air.
The maids and soldiers, obedient to their duty, lined up behind them.
Butler Mendez, always watchful, raised an eyebrow and looked at Mage Marcus and the Mana Knights. He sounded doubtful as he asked, "Are you sure young Sir Baron is coming out?"
Mage Marcus, with unwavering conviction in his eyes, nodded. "Yes," he said, his voice filled with certainty. "And I believe that once he comes out, he will surpass all of us in strength."
The casualness of his statement was like a whip, leaving Butler Mendez and the surrounding maids and soldiers frozen in shock.
What had he just said?
Their Baron, rising to become one of the powerful ones?
And surpassing these revered Mana Knights, no less?
How is that possible?
A quiet stillness settled over the scene as everyone turned their gaze towards Mage Marcus. His own surprise mirrored that of the onlookers, making him nervously clear his throat.
"If he can tap into the potential of this cave to improve himself, then maybe," he stumbled, trying to regain his composure. "But even if he can't, he still deserves our utmost respect."
Suddenly, a mysterious figure emerged from the depths of the gaming cave.
It was Wallace, his commanding presence unmistakable with his tall figure and thick gray hair, a clear sign of his noble background. He glanced absentmindedly at his holographic wrist device, a smile playing on his lips.
However, his expression quickly turned to bewilderment. "A movie?" he murmured to himself, his curiosity sparked.
With those two simple words, the air crackled with excitement, and a chorus of voices rose together, breaking the silence.
"Congratulations, young Sir Baron, on your triumphant emergence from your very own cave," they declared, their voices filled with genuine admiration and awe, echoing through Wallace's ear.
…
Meanwhile, from Wallace's perspective, as he emerged from the game 'Predator versus Aliens' of the gaming dungeon, he was met with a show of respect.
The knights, Mana Users, soldiers, and the maids, so he was flabbergasted. Clamping himself, he cleared his throat for a few seconds before saying, "Thanks,"Wallace replied with a nod.
However, as he glanced at Mage Marcus and the Mana Knights, a puzzled expression appeared on his face.
Something didn't quite make sense.
These knights, standing before him, were behaving as if they were already sworn to serve him.
It was an oddity that made him suspicious.
Do they want something?
"Huh?"
Wallace muttered quietly, his brow furrowing in deep thought as he stared at them.
How could these people act so familiar when they were practically strangers?
Wallace's mind was swirling, questioning their motives.
Were they simply taking advantage of the situation, seeking to serve him for their own benefit?
Suddenly, a Mana Knight named Rederic stepped forward, breaking the silence. He spoke with curiosity and a touch of skepticism.
"Sir, I hope you forgive my boldness, but I must ask: How did you know exactly where the facehuggers would appear? And why did you initially target only plant-eating animals? Moreover, how did you manage to incapacitate the intelligent creatures in the group? And those weapons you have—where did you get them? What level do you need to reach to acquire such powerful armor?"
Rederic's Rapid-fire questions momentarily stunned Wallace.
So this is the reason huh…
His mind raced, searching for an appropriate response.
How could he explain that he came from Earth?
It seemed impossible, even absurd.
The truth would only complicate matters further. But then, a realization dawned on Wallace.
"Wait," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with surprise and disbelief. "You all watched me... online?" The confirmation came in the form of nods from Mage Marcus and the Mana Knights.
They had been observing him inside the gaming dungeon, witnessing his every move—so yeah, of course.
"You're broadcasting in public, sir," Mage Marcus explained, his voice filled with a touch of sympathy. "Anyone can watch your adventures within the gaming dungeon."
The other Mana Knights nodded in agreement, their expressions a blend of curiosity and admiration.
Wallace's heart sank.
"What!?" He thought.
After finding out he was live streaming without his knowledge, Wallace felt a dull ache throbbing in his temples, a clear sign that a headache was coming.
He had forgotten, didn't know, nobody told him, but considering his responsibilities as the Baron and owner of the famous gaming dungeon, he knew it wasn't surprising that something like this would happen.
After all, this is a cheat, his cheat!
His eyes, suddenly, sparkled mischievously. Mage Marcus and the Mana Knights watched closely, waiting for his response.
"You know," he began, his voice filled with a mysterious tone, "I shouldn't really say this, but do you all want a hint?"
Mage Marcus and the Mana Knights exchanged wary glances, sensing that something was wrong.
Yet, despite their worry, they knew the Baron's reputation well. He might seem intimidating, but he would never harm them—just like when he first met all of them.
"What is it, young Baron?"
Mage Marcus asked, his voice tinged with curiosity on behalf of his friends.
With a cunning smile, Wallace began to walk slowly, purposely drawing out the suspense. Then, at the perfect moment, he stopped and turned around, raising his hand in the air.
His voice carried authority as he said, "Dungeon Enlightenment, come forth!"
Suddenly, the air crackled with an otherworldly energy. The atmosphere near the gaming dungeon shifted, as if the very walls were pulsating with hidden secrets.
The faint buzz of magic filled the entire place, and Mage Marcus and the Mana Knights exchanged puzzled looks.
What kind of phenomenon is happening once again?
Is the Baron about to conjure something magical again?
And what exactly is Dungeon Enlightenment?
With a resounding jolt, the earth split open, a jagged crevasse snaking across the ground, widening with each passing moment.
The crowd gasped in awe and disbelief as an otherworldly light emanated from the gaping chasm.
From the depths, metallic tendrils began to rise, glistening with an ethereal glow. Slowly, almost methodically, the tendrils extended further into the air, revealing a complex network of interconnected machinery.
The metallic dungeon emerged like a colossal creature, stretching its mechanical limbs towards the sky.
Its sleek and intricate design shimmered in an otherworldly light as onlookers stared in awe.
A surreal blend of steel and circuitry, it stood as a mysterious invitation to the brave souls who dared to explore its enigmatic depths.
With a final tremor, the metallic dungeon stopped its ascent, firmly rooted in the ground. It stood as a monument to an unknown purpose, a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Amidst the stunned looks from everyone, Wallace would arch his back and say, "So, this is what it's like to use your magic powers. I'm already feeling exhausted..." With a lackadaisical stride, he would then make his way towards the newly summoned dungeon.
Once there, he would face everyone and gesture with his hand, saying, "This is the dungeon of enlightenment. Welcome…"