92 – Dungeon! (I)

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PART 1 – Headaches!

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A goddess was born and the whole world knew it. Everyone was rewarded in some way and, of course, all nations were happy, especially those close to the Sacred Land of the Elves.

About 20% of the dungeons around the world underwent mutations, acquiring new floors, increasing difficulty, and of course, increasing rewards. New dungeons emerged, resulting in conflicts and even wars.

Dungeons are dangerous, but also a valuable resource for any nation, as they are a continuous source of EXP and a place to train troops, as well as obtain unlimited magical resources.

Forests around the world underwent qualitative improvements, generating more fruits, magical herbs, and even forests that were once common became a little special.

Of course, places with elves became richer and more privileged, resulting in envy and jealousy, followed by the first conflicts due to the Elves becoming more predominant.

Ignorant people, coming from elitist nations where their nobility is composed of specific races. Mainly human nations.

Nobles already envy and hate elves for having something they cannot easily obtain: life expectancy!

Elves live for centuries, even a half-elf can live over 150 years without any problems. Common humans are very lucky if they live to be 40-50, and reaching 60 is something incredible. Nobles can live to 60-70 relying on medicine and resources, the most capable and wealthy can reach 150-200 through many resources, Elves with the same resources can live for over 1,000 years...

Human Nobles spend tons of resources to have up to 1/3 of an Elf's life expectancy and often fail in the process. Elves are born and that's it, they live for over 500 years, High-Elves are technically immortal.

And now these Elves, already targeted by human nations ruled by petty and ambitious nobles, find themselves receiving even more hatred for prospering.

Conflicts broke out, starting small, with a landless baron coming into conflict with adventurers and killing some Elves in the process, then escalating. Elves from the region noticed and investigated, more problems arose, the nation got involved, and everything exploded.

More continents continued to repeat the same pattern, Elves had to leave or join together and fight in a war caused by idiotic motivations.

But the most annoying thing about it all was that entire nations, even those neutral to the Elves, were plotting behind the scenes. The Elves are already the strongest in the world, so a way must be found to reduce all that power or prevent it from continuing to expand indefinitely.

Soon they were asking favors of the Demigods, who resented the Elves for stealing so many of their treasures. They began to gather and seek out those closest to Transcendence. After the first one, the desire for the next Gods is continuous.

A God born in their world strengthened an entire race. Curiously, there are many Human Demigods, as they are the most numerous race in the world. But of course, they are inferior to the Elves for obvious reasons.

The desire for Transcendence is great, but it is not something that can be achieved just because one wants it.

So the target became Skarla. Amidst all this confusion, Krugar, who suddenly received two dungeons, found himself the target of all political machinations. They wanted Skarla to do something related to the Elves, or to side with his own kind.

Skarla's response was obvious. Her beautiful wife, Grisaliel, sat on her lap as the emissaries visited her. It was interesting to see Elves from other worlds trying to request that she be an intermediary so that they could connect with their brothers and sisters.

Skarla's position on invaders from other worlds is clear. She abhors them, but still maintains a good relationship, as long as they do not try to settle on her continent. She allows trade, but if they take territory, buy land, etc., and are discovered, heads will roll, as has happened before.

Nobles from other worlds use insignificant nobles, commoners, mercenaries, and others from this world to buy land, exclusive resources, and more. The result was obvious: Skarla found and initially used legal means to try to harm these individuals, and if that didn't work, she would get involved.

After the fifth time she got involved, all those who were discovered and threatened in the future did not hesitate to dispose of the culprits and cover their tracks. Skarla is a demigod with the freedom to do whatever she wants, wherever she wants!

Amidst all the conflicts and headaches increasing, a new headache arrives for Skarla.

...

“Your Majesty!” Aaron is on his knees, a dark and proud look on his face, a powerful energy emanating from his body. He has become a Legendary Warrior in recent years, working hard for it, especially after his divorce from Leslye.

He blamed his weakness, so he decided to stop being weak, threw himself into dangerous missions, and returned as a changed man. He was supposed to be just a joke, just another disposable character. Skarla didn't care about him, Leslye only used him, Aaron was supposed to be insignificant.

But from the pain was born a strong man focused on his goals, a man who gradually learned what self-love is, but in a distorted way, losing love and becoming more selfish, because believing in others hurts.

And with the discovery of DNA tests... I found out that some of his children weren't his, it was extremely painful. Knowing that some of his children were his father's, meaning they were his half-siblings, only fueled his pain and despair.

Leslye, who was perfect in his eyes, became a cheap whore. He distanced himself from her and his children who are not really his, but remained close to those who were. He also abandoned the wives Leslye helped him win.

He built his house and grew stronger since becoming a Legend. He has five wives and eight children.

...

Skarla, in her office, looks at the man she helped destroy. Does she feel guilty? No. Aaron had always been insignificant in her eyes, not even worthy of her attention. Her target was Leslye, and this trash came along with her.

Curiously, the trash turned out to be reusable and is now rising through the ranks of the military.

“It seems urgent, continue.” Skarla stopped what she was doing to look at Aaron.

Aaron nodded. "Your Majesty, it's about the 20-story Tower Dungeon... as ordered, we explored the floors without any problems. From the 1st to the 10th floor, we discovered that the enemy levels correspond to the floor number, where rarely anything will appear up to 1 or 2 levels above. The strongest we encountered was a Level 12 Zombie Knight on the 10th floor.“

”So from the 9th floor onwards, there's a chance we'll encounter Specialist Monsters (Level 11+), interesting.“ Skarla smiled. ”But that doesn't explain your visit."

"Yes. It wasn't a problem until the 11th floor, where the average enemy level ranged from Level 11 to 12, and it was possible to encounter enemies up to Level 14... We advanced to the 14th floor and encountered a Legendary Lich. When we advanced to the 15th floor, the exploration team consisting of two Legends disappeared, and I returned to report to you immediately."

Skarla raised an eyebrow. “We have in our possession an Undead Dungeon with the potential to create Legends... maybe even Demigods? I'm curious to see what to expect... for now, cancel any exploration beyond the 14th floor, I'll investigate this tomorrow.”

Aaron nodded.

“Go to the Life Control Room. Unless they're in another dimension, we'll know if they're alive or not.” Skarla added, and Aaron let out a slight sigh, thanking her and leaving.

The Life Control Room, a room containing crystals with the vital fluctuations of everyone who has reached Legendary status, or of important individuals. If they die, the crystal representing them will go out, indicating their death.

As for rushing? Skarla has a lot of work to do, and she knows that the exploration team consists of a legendary scout. She can take care of herself; otherwise, she'd already be dead, and there's no point in wasting time.

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PART 2 – Dungeon! (I)

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The next morning!

Skarla finds himself in front of a huge 20-story tower that suddenly appeared. Its exterior is gray and black, with various details featuring skulls and ritualistic symbols.

The Black Mages are studying the exterior of the Dungeon, as well as its first few floors. Necromancy can be seen as the worst type of Black Magic, but Skarla doesn't care about that and has provided funds to research and delve deeper into it, as criminals on death row make great experiments.

The purpose? Everything has its use, whether evil or good. Necromancy is the power to go against death, but the knowledge that comes with it can be used to save lives.

With medicine advancing alongside the miracles of priests and the healing magic of healers, necromancy is now joining the fray, where they are developing organs and ways to transplant body parts perfectly.

As a result, people who were born with physical disabilities or people who have lost limbs during their lifetime are recovering them and enjoying a better quality of life.

While the world only sees the surface, Skarla sees the unlimited usefulness of magic and delves deeper into it, being seen as an innovator, something that could have been achieved much earlier if it weren't for the prejudice on both sides.

In any case, Skarla's presence in front of the Dungeon caught everyone's attention, many bowing or kneeling before the supreme force in Krugar.

“What are you doing here?” Skarla looked at a beautiful young woman with fair skin, taller than her and wielding a greatsword almost as big as she was.

“Hi, Mom. I heard you were coming to solve the problems, I wanted to join you!” Belisandre smiled happily, Emerald following her respectfully.

“Brat, I'll take care of Legendary Level matters, you're a long way from that.” Skarla flicked her daughter's forehead.

“I can handle it!” Belisandre laughed. “So, when are we going in?”

Skarla looked at her daughter and nodded. “Now! I'm very busy. Let's see what these bags of bones have to offer!” She laughed as she advanced. Belisandre hadn't expected this, but quickly followed her mother.

...

Skarla analyzed her surroundings. It wasn't her first time inside a dungeon, but it was her first time inside this one. She touched the walls, sensing that something was different. She felt something watching her, but when she tried to detect the source of the sensation, it disappeared.

Skeletons and zombies sprouted from the floor and walls, advancing toward Skarla, Belisandre, and Emerald.

Belisandre laughed powerfully, advanced, and devastated her enemies, her blade swinging and cutting. Skarla watched her daughter. Emerald wanted to help, but Belisandre refused, saying she could take care of everything herself.

Emerald didn't want to help because she thought she would get hurt. She just didn't want to stand by Skarla, who was her mother-in-law. Like a shadow, she had devoted her life to serving Skarla, only to end up in her daughter's bed and be stripped of her position as Belisandre's partner.

Her situation was complicated and strange.

“How are things between you two?” Skarla asked with her arms crossed. A skeleton attacked them, but a pulse of Skarla's energy turned it to dust.

“Huh? Yes... we're fine?” Emerald blinked, uncomfortable, and Skarla laughed.

“Was that a question?” Skarla teased.

“What? No! Yes! We're fine!” Emerald trembled, looking at Belisandre laughing as she destroyed dozens of enemies.

“Good to know. I think Letiphia already talked to you, but I'll reiterate. No children until this idiot is at least 25, understand?” Skarla smiled.

“Oh, yes! Mrs. Letiphia already warned us, and we have no plans to have children... not now...” Emerald swallowed hard.

“Good to know. I'm not saying this because I don't want the family to grow. I'd love to have grandchildren and spoil them, but Belisandre is practically a child who only knows how to swing a sword and recently learned how to use the sword between her legs.” Skarla glanced at Emerald, who blushed profusely.

"She's not ready to be a mother yet. You are her first wife and have a great influence over her, so take more control... you remind me of Viper, your sense of inferiority and belief that you don't deserve any of this, that you'll only stay by her side until she finds someone more worthy who will benefit the family.“ Skarla said, and Emerald remained silent.

”Know that I want the best for my children and those around them. Don't worry about your birth or why you were trained to become who you are today. If you love my daughter and she loves you, hold your head up high with pride, you will carry the Verona name in the future and we do not accept weakness!“ Skarla caressed Emerald's head. ”I think it's late, but welcome to the family, Emerald."

Emerald bit her lip.

“Did I miss anything?” Belisandre appeared, curious, while Skarla smiled. “Nothing, just talking to your wife. Have you cleared the way to the next floor?”

“Who do you think I am?” Belisandre snorted, and they quickly moved on to the next one.

Belisandre continued to lead the way, showing boundless vigor and energy. She wasn't born with a Special Ability, but she was born with something equivalent: the Blood of Giants!

A blood dormant in Skarla's lineage, which predates the Ancestors of Krugar, giants once lived in that land, procreated with various races, then disappeared for some reason.

The bloodline grew weaker over time, until it practically disappeared, but it still strengthened and shaped its descendants.

Curiously, of all her children, the only one who awakened this ancient lineage was Belisandre, daughter of Letiphia, who guarded the borders between the Empire and Krugar.

It is curious how the greatest enemy of the Krugar Mountains, feared by its tribes, became the mother of the one who awakened one of the oldest and most formidable lineages that ever walked Krugar.

...

They continued advancing until they reached the 5th floor. Enemies began to become more dangerous and complex, traps became more frequent, and there was a dark energy in the air, something called Miasma that weakens the living, not that it was anything for Skarla to worry about.

But on that 5th floor, someone was sitting on a pile of Ghouls and Skeleton Soldiers.

“I don't remember allowing you in here,” Skarla said coldly.

“I don't remember asking,” said the young woman with dark, tanned skin, smiling. “Hi sister, having fun?”

“How did you get in here, Kamilla? I've been waiting for Mom since early this morning,” Belisandre blinked.

“I've been here since yesterday, trying a few things out,” Kamilla shrugged.

“Are you trying to kill me or scare your mother?” Skarla snorted.

“I'm your daughter, do you think a few skeletons are going to be a challenge?” Kamilla mocked with her arms crossed.

“I know you love being rebellious, but Kamilla, this is too much. I would expect this recklessness from Belisandre, not from you.” Skarla sighed.

“Hey!” Belisandre bites her lip.

“I'm sorry if I disappointed you, but I was bored and it's not like there's anything dangerous on the 5th floor, I didn't go past here, I promise.” Kamilla laughs.

“It's not a matter of whether or not it's a challenge for you, this is a Dungeon, not a playground. This Dungeon is new, which means there are many things we don't know about, specific events that, when triggered, can cause anomalies, from monsters that don't belong on that floor, traps, or even curses.” Skarla sighs as she rubs her temple.

“And your Internal Energy is literally worn out because of the Miasma, or haven't you noticed that? You've been here since yesterday... we'll have a serious talk when we get out.” Skarla said coldly.

Kamilla shrugged and joined the group.

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PART 3 – Rest!

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Nothing unusual happened as they advanced. The enemies became stronger and more organized, and Commander-type monsters began to appear. These are special monsters that know how to lead, may or may not be stronger, and tend to possess abilities that strengthen their subordinates.

Belisandre began to have some trouble, Kamilla joined her in combat, followed by Emerald.

Skarla didn't even move, just advanced, and any undead that attacked her was killed. She has the power to go head-to-head against five or more demigods, so these monsters, which were starting to exceed level 10, were far from a challenge.

One attack and hundreds of damage is caused. Her daughters and Emerald are no different, causing devastating damage, like 3 BOSS monsters facing armies.

Soon they reached the 12th floor, the levels jumping.

The number of enemies began to decrease, but their quality continued to increase. Individual confrontations arose and Belisandre, along with Emerald, took the lead.

Kamilla decided to rest, she is the lowest level and has been fighting since yesterday. Currently, more than 8 hours have passed since Skarla entered the Dungeon.

...

A camp was set up, Belisandre entered her tent and as soon as she lay down she fell asleep, exhausted from so much battle. Emerald was in her arms. It was obvious that Belisandre wanted something, but Emerald imposed limits, since Skarla was present.

Skarla took care of the fire and protected everyone from the Miasma.

“It's dangerous. If it weren't for you, mother, I would have melted by now,” Kamilla jokes, watching the thick fog beyond Skarla's protection.

The Miasma is so strong that it has become a fog. If breathed in, it would likely obstruct breathing and cause all kinds of necrotic damage. But with Skarla here, that didn't happen.

“I'll have to focus on creating accessories that are resistant to Miasma, Necrosis, and Poison. There's Miasma even on the first floor. It's small, but constant exposure will become lethal. Even a reckless delinquent with a Special Ability would become a victim!” Skarla growls at Kamilla, who falls silent.

“Anyway...” Kamilla coughs, changing the subject. “What are the plans for Grandma?”

“What?” Skarla raises an eyebrow.

“Mom, I know what Grandma did, she's no saint and... I may be young, where my Special Ability is related to my strength, but I'm not a musclehead like my sister, I'm smart, very smart!” Kamilla smiles. "You think I wouldn't notice Grandma trying to seduce me, or my foolish brother? I doubt that you or Mom didn't notice.“

Skarla laughs. ”Your mother also worries about that fact, I honestly don't mind.“

”You don't see a problem with me or my brother fucking our grandmother?" Kamilla blinked in surprise.

“Don't try to use common sense in our family, let alone in politics... your grandmother did things to your mother, things you can't even imagine. She's being punished for the things she did, but she's still family, whether you like it or not.” Skarla has no memory of what Kaleria did, even though she saw it through Hackel's eyes.

But it wasn't this Kaleria who did that, even though the chances of her doing so were high. But it hasn't been done yet, and Kaleria wouldn't be crazy enough to do something like that; she's too selfish and too attached to her own life and pride.

“What... did she do?” Kamilla blinked.

“You don't need to know, but know that it's something that makes a daughter hate her mother so much that the hatred would be carried on into other lives.” Skarla smiled bitterly.

Kamilla was silent. “I know... Grandma is a bad person, the crimes she's been accused of, the way she talks, how she tries to manipulate me or my brother... I know it's true and there must be much worse...”

Skarla was quiet, she didn't expect Kamilla to be so observant. It seems that Kaleria's genetics really are something for women. Hackel with his cunning, cruelty, and arrogance, now Kamilla showing incredible observation and astuteness.

“I don't like Grandma that much, I always felt there was something wrong, but my brother... he's being manipulated, it's so obvious, why let it happen?” Kamilla clenched her fists.

Skarla laughs, she wouldn't say it's fun to see Kaleria so desperate to the point of throwing her pride away, giving in to her ambition to the point of trying to spread her legs for her own grandson in the hope of a shred of dignity.

“Daughter... you are intelligent, you are young, but you were able to see the intentions of someone of your grandmother's caliber, that alone is an incredible achievement, I am both proud and concerned.” Skarla laughed, she already expected that her common view of a family was something impossible, an example being the giant snoring in the tent next door, who had a fierce thirst for combat.

"Your brother Magnus, he is an intelligent and very capable young man, but he lacks cunning, the ability to read people, their intentions... even if your grandmother is who she is, she would not hurt your family, she is just extremely ambitious and wants to do anything to regain some of the glory she had in the past. She wants to use you or your brother to achieve incredible heights, whether in power, military or political conquests. She will do anything to make you succeed, so she can boast that it is because of her. Your grandmother is thirsty for attention and recognition.“

”This is not harmful to your future or your brother's. Especially for your brother... don't tell anyone else, but Magnus, of all my children... he was born with a small disorder in his Dantian. I tried everything to fix it, I even managed to create something that wouldn't cause him to fall behind, just a Metamorphosis to cover his flaws, but... it will be difficult for him to achieve this with the body he has." Skarla looked downcast.

“By the standards of the world, Magnus will be excellent and extraordinary, a millennial genius, but... all my children are millennial geniuses or even greater. I think you understand...” Skarla looked at Kamilla, who nodded.

Magnus is incredible, but compared to his brothers and sisters, he may not stand out that much. Now knowing that Magnus was born with a deficiency in his Dantian.

“So... Grandma will be there to complement his flaws?” Kamilla sighed, only to shudder at Skarla's intense gaze.

“Your brother has no flaws, be careful what you say in the future.” Kamilla shuddered at Skarla's words. “But yes. Kaleria will help complement Magnus' flaws, even help him achieve certain feats. I wish I didn't have to rely on her, but unfortunately, there is no woman as astute as your grandmother.”

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean it.” Kamilla realized what she had said and regretted it.

Skarla stroked her head. “It's all right, but never speak of your brother or anyone else that way again. All my children are perfect and the reason I live, for there is no greater joy than being your mother.”

Kamilla lowered her head, nodding. Skarla stroked her head and pulled her close, making her rest her head on her chest. Kamilla smiled and closed her eyes, Skarla looking up and contemplating her actions and decisions, the stakes involving her son. She doesn't know if it's the right thing to do, but she'll have to take the risk.

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PART 4 – Dungeon! (II)

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From the 13th floor onwards, various spirits began to appear. They were immune to physical attacks or Internal Energy. Skarla was wounded for the first time, her defenses proving useless, but the damage? Irrelevant.

Finally, she stopped standing still and extended her arms. Her cultivation technique, “8 Trigrams,” had already reached Level 5, its limit, meaning she had 8 Elements in perfect synergy within her body, which had undergone the 2nd metamorphosis.

Her elemental power is absurd and mixed with magical concepts, she is no different from an Elementalist, a type of Mage with an incredible affinity for a certain element, allowing them to control and even create it.

But Skarla goes further. She has 8 elements, which she has categorized as Basic, Intermediate, and Superior.

The basic elements she manipulates are: Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water.

The four elements that represent nature. Initially, [Earth] was [Wood], but as she learned more about this world, she modified her Cultivation Techniques and the scope of each element.

The intermediate elements are: Electricity and Metal.

She already knew about them from her past life. [Electricity] is quite common among magicians, its power being no less than that of Fire Magic, which is at the peak of its damage capacity, only more precise.

But [Metal] is a concept that people in this world know little about. In fact, there are individuals who use it through skills, but researching their stories reveals that they emerged because of Special Abilities. Mages copied and created variations. In the end, Metal Magic is on the same level as Earth Magic.

The superior elements are: Order and Chaos.

Skarla has been researching Miracles, Black Magic, Witchcraft, and more since the events with the Demons. Sueika's library helped her to understand more deeply the composition of these two extremely volatile elements.

In theory, what she calls Chaos would be a mixture of Demonic Energy and Black Magic. Based on the concept of Demonic Cultivators from her past life, the same Martial Art that Viper cultivates.

The [Order], on the other hand, was something that did not exist in Murim, or if it did, she never had contact with it. A force opposed to [Chaos], both cancel each other out in a way. She created it through her studies of the Priesthood of the Churches, the concept of divine power, or more precisely, a power that exists in everyone, Faith!

Faith is something that the Gods seek, the soul of an individual generates different amounts of Faith, which can be improved or reduced according to the individual. Skarla discovered that Black Mages, Witches, and so on, also use Faith, but they corrupt it and therefore often end up going mad or committing cruelties.

So, by understanding the concept of Faith, which can be cultivated, she strengthened her determination and mental strength. She discovered its secrets and thus created the Martial Arts of the Element of Order.

A manifestation of Sacred Power, without the need for Gods, subsequently, a force that opposes Chaos.

KYAAAAAAHHHH!!!

The shrill scream came from the ghostly lips of a Banshee burning before Skarla's colossal palm, which extinguished the Miasma in its path, opening a huge passage in the fog.

Belisandre and Kamilla can only watch in awe. They couldn't do anything to the spirits; their mother only needed one palm.

“From the 13th floor onwards, we will need a way to damage spirits. Due to recent conflicts with the Radiant Church, it will be difficult to obtain... Cultivating Order Element Techniques is not feasible.” Skarla sighs, because apart from herself, none of her daughters or wives are capable of developing the element.

Naturally, they tried to cultivate it, but it seems they haven't met the requirement yet; something is blocking them. Whatever the case, Skarla did not spread Order Element Techniques to the world, because if she did, the Radiant Church and others would do anything to get their hands on them and, of course, become even stronger.

This cultivation technique strengthens Faith, meaning that their gods would become stronger and more thirsty, and only problems would arise, as has happened before. Many gods, seeing her through the eyes of their emissaries, saw the massive amount of Faith she carries, so they tried to recruit her, but Skarla never paid any attention.

...

They passed the 13th floor without any problems. Arriving at the 14th floor, it is possible to find traces of a fierce confrontation. The Lich who was defeated here, she saw the loot from his death, valuable resources.

“Hmm... this floor is still regenerating. A Mid-Boss was killed, so it should take a few months to respawn.” Skarla analyzes her surroundings, sensing the irregularities and how the energy flow is so strange and magnificent.

She calmly walked around observing everything until she stopped in front of a wall, extended her hand, and pressed it against the wall. Moments later, her hand sank in, and with a burst of energy, the entire wall collapsed.

It was nothing but brute force.

“Secret Treasure Room?” Kamilla observed as she leaned to the side, standing right behind Skarla, Belisandre looked over her shoulder.

“I don't think so, something else.” Skarla moves forward. “Don't stray from me, understand!” Her gaze went straight to Belisandre.

“Huh? Me? Yes, I understand!” Belisandre smiled.

“Belisandre, I'm not kidding!” Skarla strengthened her tone. “There is Legendary-level danger here, so don't you dare leave my protection, because when we get out, you will be punished!”

Belisandre grunted and nodded. Skarla looked at Kamilla, who raised her hands in surrender. Emerald also caught her gaze. She just nodded and looked at Belisandre, focusing her attention on her.

“Smart girl...” Skarla thought and smiled, turning her gaze back to the front.

...

A long, circular, cavernous corridor, like a tunnel created by something like a giant worm. Skarla had seen this before in the desert, home of the Giant Worms.

It didn't take long for them to leave the tunnel and find themselves in a simple room, with the only striking features being an altar and a purple sphere with black in its center, glowing, its contents in constant motion.

Skarla approached and a black mist came out of the sphere, soon skeletal hands exploded from the ground. Belisandre drew his sword, but Emerald grabbed his arm and nodded.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Beams of Energy of the Order fired at the skeletons, which didn't even have a chance to get off the ground. Their bodies fragmented and burned.

The four were soon in front of the sphere. Skarla grabbed it and felt a powerful invading energy, something trying to dominate his mind, only for whatever it was to freeze in front of the immeasurable wall that is his mental fortress.

“I think we have the lich's heart here,” Skarla said as she suppressed the consciousness and malice inside the sphere.

“What will you do with it?” Kamilla asked.

Skarla watched and with one finger, she pierced the sphere, which shattered, her Internal Energy of the Order Element flooding out before what was inside could escape. A purifying and eradicating force emerged.

A distressing scream reverberated, and what was inside fled from Skarla, even trying to open a crack on the opposite side, but with a shattering sound, the entire sphere was gone and the Energy of Order swallowed everything.

Skarla calmly purged it, receiving nothing, but the three received notifications of acquiring tons of EXP.

Shrugging, Skarla looked around, only to see the altar shatter and in its place, a black chest appear, the treasure. She knelt down and saw the lock, as she expected, locked. She could destroy it, but that would normally damage the contents of the chest or reduce the quality of the item.

Treasure chests in dungeons, as explained, contain items that have not yet been defined; only when they are unlocked does something appear. Now, if you break the exterior while the item is still being drawn, something will still appear, but it may be damaged or of much lower quality than it should be.

Skarla touched the lock, understood its structure, and easily unlocked it with her Internal Energy solidified. Opening the chest, there is only a book inside. She picks it up, its cover quite simple, without details.

She opens it and closes it, laughing, as she has just acquired a treasure worth entire nations.

This is a “Selectable Skill Book.” There is a huge list of Skills inside this book, usually around 1,000. Of course, there are infinite Skills, but 1,000 random ones from around the world are listed here, including those that have been lost in the past.

In this book, you can choose 1 out of 1,000 Skills. But the most shocking thing is that there is a tiny chance among the 1,000 Skills that one of them is a Special Skill...

This is a priceless treasure that can only be used once. Skarla kept it.

“What is it?” Kamilla asked curiously.

“It's a Necromantic Grimoire, probably belonging to the Lich or something like that. I'll study it in a safe place in the future, I don't know what kind of hidden things it might have in the book, in case it tries to infiltrate the minds of one of you.” Skarla lies, but it's the best thing to do.

She will discuss this in the future with her wives. As for using it on herself? Skarla is absurdly strong without having any Special Abilities or any extraordinarily rare Abilities.

So she doesn't need it, so most likely it will be used on one of her children, or kept for future use, as there are Abilities that can nullify curses or genetic problems.

There could be anything here, she will read the details in the future, patiently with her wives, and then they will decide whether to keep it as a treasure or use it for one of their children.

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PART 5 – Caution!

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Climbing the stairs to the 15th floor, Skarla noticed something and frowned. “Mental distortion?” She snorted and pushed everyone down, returning to the 14th floor.

“Mental Distortion and a subtle presence of Spatial Distortion, this will probably teleport us somewhere on the 15th floor,” Skarla growled.

“So? We're with you, unless they're Demigods, we'll be fine!” Kamilla said confidently.

“I don't think that's the problem,” Emerald said. “When both of you are together inside a dungeon, whoever enters the floor or area will usually end up being teleported to random locations. So if we go ahead, we'll be in a dangerous space, potentially alone and without knowing how to return.”

“Okay, the excursion is over, girls. It was fun, but things are getting out of my control,” Skarla said without hesitation.

“What?!” Belisandre shouted in surprise. “No! We can continue, protect ourselves, even if we're not Legends now, we're close—” She fell silent under Skarla's intense gaze.

“This is not up for discussion, understand!” Skarla said firmly.

“Yes, ma'am!” Belisandre and Kamilla nodded.

The three picked up their [Return Crystals], a fairly common item inside Dungeons that any monster can drop, although the chances are low. It is an item that can only be used inside a Dungeon and when used, it teleports the person to the entrance of the Dungeon.

“Use them!” Skarla said firmly and watched the three use them and disappear. Waiting a moment, she exhaled her Internal Energy, searching the entire floor, followed by the floor below and the next, to be sure.

Knowing that her daughters had not been rebellious, she nodded and turned toward the staircase, then went ahead.

Confusion arose, followed by the space distorting, and returning was no longer an option. She was pulled against her will, and with a crash, she appeared in another place, looking up at a starry sky.