1 The Treasure Room

(3rd POV)

"That... wasn't what I was expecting."

Kleid took in the dungeon air. His group had just cleared the final boss of the area, a [Magitech Spider]. It was a monster that was considered Rank B. Which would have been fine but this dungeon was cleared as a Rank D dungeon. Something that strong shouldn't be here.

"Yes, that was odd. I've been through this dungeon many times over the years but it really only spawns a Rank C [Guardian Golem] as the final boss."

Hina spoke up behind him. She was a mentor to Tessa, another party member, and a fantastic mage. Covered in a beautiful robe that bespoke of her title as a [Master of the Arcane], she walked up to Kleid and placed her hand on his shoulder, sending a healing spell through his body. His perforations started to knit up all over.

"Master, you really are amazing! I don't think I've ever seen you go at your full strength until now!"

Tessa was excitedly jumping at Hina. Her eyes sparkled in awe at her Master.

"Jude, hurry up and check the treasure room door before you open it. I don't want any more surprises."

Hina beckoned at the thief sulking in the back. He had just recovered from a grievous wound from the spider that was healed by the senior mage and slowly limped through the door.

"Alright give me a sec..."

He padded and prodded the door, using his skill [Sense Traps].

"Lady Hina, it it normal for dungeons to do this?" (Kleid)

"Sometimes. A [Trigger] is needed for a dungeon to act out of it's normal operation. It could either be a special event, an item that was brought in here, or a certain time. The Ancient Ones created these dungeons as training grounds. Who know's what went through their heads when they made these." (Hina)

"Lady Hina. The door's clear." (Jude)

The group walked up to the door and opened it. Inside was a strange scene. Numerous mechanical golems were stopped cold on the floor bowing towards a throne against the back wall with a chest right in front. On the throne sat a most unusual humanoid golem. Above the throne was a plaque engraved in the Ancient One's language.

Jude used [Sense Trap] on the chest. "It's clear."

The three young group members opened the chest together while Hina inched closer to the golem.

"I've never seen a golem like this before. It looks much more advanced than the ones you find here. It's even a step up from the golems in town"

"Master, what does the plaque say? You can read the Old Speech, right?"

"Some letters are worn off but I can make the gist of it.

[Here stands my greatest creation and my greatest failure. My genius could imitate life but could not recreate it's [Spark]. Without the breath of life, it is nothing more than a simulacrum. For true life cannot "be" without a [Soul]. I go to my grave knowing with all my skills, I could never reach the realm of the Gods.] - Volkan

"Eehh!? This is a Volkan Golem!?" (Tessa)

"Hmm. Looks like it. Volkan's creation do go for quite the price with private collectors. I think we should bring it back to town with us."

Hina's eyes flash with the idea of easy money. A sleazy grin marred her mature beautiful face.

"...Master. You're smiling like a pervy old man."

"W-What!? A-Anyway, what's in the treasure box?"

Kleid spoke up. "A magitech forged Sword, Dagger and Staff! It's perfect for all three of us!"

"And here I thought I'd have to spend more money on a new weapon after my dagger broke on that spider's back. Hmm, Tessa, what are you doing?"

Tessa was in front of the golem. She ran her fingers gently across it's face. "...it's just a bit sad, you know? It was Volkan's greatest creation and he died without figuring it out. How to give it a soul."

"Yeah, most of the golems are just dungeon guards. The ones in towns and cities are a bit more advanced. Like you can have a conversation with them. But they're still.. off." (Jude)

"I kinda wanna see it. A golem with a [Soul]." (Tess)

"But not today. Cause we're going to sell it! We're not drinking crappy booze at town for a while!" Jude slaps Kleid on the back. Kleid just frowns at the thief with a disapproving look.

Whirls and beeps echo in the room.

"Tessa step back! It's coming from the golem!"

Tessa lets out a cry as she jumps away from the throne. The golem spams in the chair before coming to a complete halt. Suddenly it's head jerks towards the adventurers, its multiple eyes alight with a red glow. Gripping the chair it stands up silently. The adventurer's draw their weapons and take a defensive stance.

"I don't get it! It's suppose to be non-functional!" yelled Klein.

"I told you before, [Events] can make dungeons unpredictable!"

An eerie silence befalls the room.

Until it was suddenly broken.

"Huh? You guys dressed up for a convention or something?"

It chuckled while it held it's arm to the back of it's head.

""""...Eeh?""""

The golem spoke up.

"Wait, what the hell am I? Where the hell am I? This isn't the... Wait, are those real weapons? What did I do you guys!? I'm not trespassing here, am I? Why does this place look like a tomb!?"

""""...WHAAAAAAT??"""""

Confusion filled the air around them.