Chapter 26: Dungeon Secrets and Divine Legends

The next day, at the Adventurers’ Guild.

“Master, what are we doing today?” Hilvyn leaned closer, asking in a hushed tone.

“Buying potions, acquiring equipment, and gathering intelligence.” Elara listed a series of preparations.

Even before the dungeon opened, astute adventurers had already begun their preparations.

The closer the opening date, the more prices for related goods would inflate.

However, as an A-rank adventurer, Elara could now purchase most supplies directly within the guild, enjoying a significant discount.

Without the discount, the guild’s supplies were slightly more expensive than those of equivalent quality found outside. Yet, their quality was guaranteed; it was rare for a batch of potions to have inconsistent effects.

With the discount, the prices became comparable to those found outside.

But…

While Elara was currently reaping the benefits of being an A-rank adventurer, she could not forget that if she were still B-rank, the dungeon would have offered unimaginable riches.

‘Damn it!’

She handed her list of required items to Serene.

Serene scanned the list, then turned and passed it through the window to the quartermaster.

“The potions will be delivered shortly. Please wait a moment.”

Just then, a loud shout erupted from a corner of the hall: “First-hand dungeon information! Monster strength distribution! Every next-level entrance! First come, first served!”

Elara followed the sound, finding a person completely surrounded, packed in tightly.

“Is your intel accurate, buddy?”

“Is it real or fake? If it’s real, why aren’t you selling more?”

Among the surrounding voices were inquiries, doubts, and, of course, genuine intentions to purchase.

Hilvyn tugged at Elara’s sleeve. “Sister, should we go take a look?”

‘To verify its authenticity, isn’t there a perfectly good, ready-made channel right next to us?’

Elara turned back to Serene, pointing towards the commotion. “Serene, is that person telling the truth?”

Upon hearing this, Serene slowed her work, glancing over at the situation.

“It’s true. That adventurer is a veteran B-rank. The dungeon opens once every ten years, and he’s participated five times. If he isn’t holding back information, exploring the first fifty floors should be no problem.”

The first fifty floors represented the maximum operational range for B-rank adventurers.

Hilvyn suggested from beside her, “Then, Sister, let’s buy a copy for reference.”

“Wait, Bai Zhi.”

Serene quickly finished her current task, observed her surroundings, and then lowered her voice:

“Actually, the guild possesses all the dungeon information.”

The air was thick with secrecy.

‘Wow~’

Elara raised an eyebrow. This scene was identical to when Serene had secretly informed her about the advantages of being a B-rank adventurer.

“How do I get it?”

The three subtly leaned their heads together, forming a small circle.

“A-rank adventurers can obtain it for free.”

“Can’t such a rule be stated openly?” Hilvyn asked, her voice hushed with curiosity.

If it could be acquired for free, why were they being so secretive now?

Serene shook her head. “Bai Zhi, it’s quite complicated to explain.”

This touched upon the issue of information asymmetry. Though the rule existed, if one wasn’t aware, they wouldn’t apply for it. Consequently, they would either pay for the information themselves or spend time learning it, effectively paying for their ignorance.

While no one would specifically remind them, applying for it would certainly be in compliance with the rules.

“Where can I get it?” Elara understood the unwritten rule Serene was trying to convey.

“You need President Sevia’s approval to issue a document, then bring it to me. But remember, you cannot sell or transfer it, or you will be severely investigated.”

“Understood.”

‘I must exploit this opportunity to the fullest. Whatever I’ve lost, I must recover as much as possible.’

“Knock, knock.”

“Come in.”

Meeting Sevia again.

“Do you two need something?”

“President, I require the dungeon data.”

Sevia’s expression remained unchanged. From beneath her desk, she pulled out the very bottom stack of papers.

She signed them, then pushed them towards the corner of the table.

Elara stepped forward and collected the document.

“The guild’s intelligence isn’t one hundred percent accurate. The number of each type of monster appearing on the lower floors is random.”

Elara nodded. “Understood, President.”

“How do these monsters come to be?” Hilvyn didn’t grasp the dungeon’s operational logic. “It opens once every ten years. How do the monsters get in? Does someone throw them in?”

“No,” Sevia denied. “It’s not some great secret.”

Having finished her last task, she decided to chat with her juniors, seeing it as a way to pass the time.

“Have a seat.” Sevia gestured towards the long bench.

Elara and Hilvyn sat side-by-side.

“The birth of the dungeon is actually a means of world purification.”

Hearing this for the first time, both were startled.

Taking in their expressions, Sevia recalled her own reaction when she first heard it.

“Naturally formed ruins like dungeons are fixed channels for a region to discharge impurities. The monsters within are life forms created or infected by this filth.”

This also explained why monsters on lower floors were stronger and their types were random.

“The monsters in the forest usually result from a gradual discharge of impurities, whereas the dungeon periodically releases a large amount of filth.”

“What happens if no one manages it?” Hilvyn pressed on. “What if no one goes in to clear the monsters?”

“A good question.” Sevia took a sip of tea, pouring two cups for Elara and Hilvyn as well.

“If the monster population exceeds a certain standard, the dungeon will fully open, and all the monsters inside will surge out. The high-level monsters among them are far more aggressive than usual.”

This implied that not all monsters needed to be cleared; as long as the population remained below a certain standard, the rest would clear themselves.

The impact of releasing monsters was evident: any people or creatures in areas near the dungeon would be swept away by them.

Elara and Hilvyn both absorbed this “world rule.”

“There’s also a legend,” Sevia paused, “You must know the Wind God Hilmellia, who is called the ‘God of Life and Purification,’ right?”

“Mhm.”

“Mhm mhm.”

“Actually, a thousand years ago, or even earlier, there were no ruins like dungeons for world purification. All the world’s filth would be swept away by the Wind God.”

“Then why are there dungeons now?”

Or rather, why did the Wind God stop?

“I don’t know. It was too long ago. It’s only said that one day, for some reason, the Wind God ceased to walk among mortals. The world, having been ‘sick’ for so long, eventually produced dungeons as a self-healing mechanism.”

Sevia drained her cup of tea.

“Is that true?”

Hilvyn’s eyes widened. The information was vast, concerning deities, and anyone would be curious.

Elara was no exception.

“Not necessarily true,” Sevia rarely showed a hint of a smile. “It’s what the elders in my childhood village passed down by word of mouth. Just take the story as entertainment.”

Sevia was a half-elf, and her ancestors included pure-blooded long-lived individuals. Only those with long lifespans could better pass down stories.

She set down her teacup.

“You two don’t need to take it seriously. What you should be considering now is making ample preparations for the dungeon’s lower ten floors.”

“Go on with your work.” Sevia waved her hand, her meaning clear.

“Understood, President.” Elara rose and departed.

Hilvyn quickly gulped down her cup of tea, then drank Elara’s as well, before jogging to catch up.